What is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection of your urinary system, caused by bacteria or viruses. It can happen anywhere in the urinary tract, which is made up of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most UTIs involve the urethra and bladder and is the result of bacteria that enters the urinary tract through the urethra. UTIs are not serious but need to be treated immediately to keep them from spreading to the kidneys. Once kidney infection sets in, however, it can cause permanent damage.
UTIs are more common in women. About 50% of women will have a UTI at some point in their lives.
What are the symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?
A UTI results in the inflammation of your urinary tract. This inflammation may result in symptoms such as:
- Bloody or cloudy urine
- Increased frequency of urination without passing much urine
- Increased urgency of urination
- Painful urination
- Pain in your abdomen, pelvic area or lower back
- Pressure in your lower pelvis
- Blood in your urine
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Chills
What causes Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)?
UTIs are caused by bacterial or viral infections of your urinary system. They typically enter through the urethra and may infect your bladder. The infection may also travel up your bladder and eventually affect your kidneys.
What are the risk factors of Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)?
- Gender: Women are more susceptible to developing a UTI as they have a shorter urethra than men do. As such, there is a shorter distance for bacteria to travel to infect the bladder.
- Sexual Activities: Being sexually active may lead to a higher risk of UTI.
- Menopause: During menopause, there is a drop in estrogen in the body which leads to changes in the urinary tract. This change can lead to an increased risk of UTI.
- Blockages in the urinary tract: Kidney stones or an enlarged prostate may result in urine being trapped in the bladder, increasing your risk of a UTI.
- Suppressed Immune System: Medical conditions that impair your immune system will increase your risk of a UTI.
- Catheter Use: People that are unable to urinate on their own may require the use of a catheter. Using a catheter increases the risk of UTIs.
How is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) diagnosed?
Blood Test
A complete blood count blood test will be done to check for white blood cell increase due to infection.
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests are done with ultrasound or CT scan to check for inflammation or abdominal abnormalities.
Urine Test
A urine test may be done to rule out a urinary tract infection (UTI) or kidney stones.
