Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) - Symptoms , Causes,and Treatmen

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection that usually occurs when bacteria enter the opening of the urethra and multiply in the urinary tract. Women are most at risk of developing a UTI. In fact, half of all women will develop a UTI during their lifetimes, and many will experience more than one. Some women seem are more prone to repeated infections than others and for them it can be a frustrating battle.

Causes

The most common cause of UTI is bacteria from the bowel that live on the skin near the rectum or in the vagina which can spread and enter the urinary tract through the urethra. Certain people are more likely to get UTIs. Women tend to get them more often because their urethra is shorter and closer to the anus. Elderly people (especially those in nursing homes) and people with diabetes also get more UTIs.

Other bacteria that cause urinary tract infections include Staphylococcus saprophyticus in most of the 5 to 15% of cases, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Mycoplasma hominis. Men and women infected with chlamydia trachomatis or mycoplasma hominis can transmit the bacteria to their partner during sexual intercourse, causing Urinary tract infection (UTI).

Symptoms

Symptoms of Urinary tract infection (UTI) or bladder infection are not easy to miss and include a strong urge to urinate that cannot be delayed which is followed by a sharp pain or burning sensation in the urethra when the urine is released. Mostly very little urine is released and the urine that is released may be bloody. The urge to urinate recurs quickly and soreness may occur in the lower abdomen, back, or sides. Common symptoms of lower urinary tract infections : -

Painful urination
Increased urinary frequency/urgency
Awakening at night to urinate
Tenderness or heaviness in the lower abdomen
Blood in the urine
Foul smelling urine
Urine appears cloudy

Treatment

Urethritis in men and women can be caused by the same bacteria as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Therefore, people with symptoms of STDs (vaginal or penile discharge, for example) should be treated with appropriate antibiotics. Drugs most commonly recommended for simple UTIs include amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox), nitrofurantoin (Furadantin, Macrodantin), trimethoprim (Proloprim) and the antibiotic combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra).

In children, cystitis should be treated promptly with antibiotics to protect their developing kidneys. In the elderly, prompt treatment is recommended due to the greater chances of fatal complications.
Adult females with potential for or early involvement of the kidneys, urinary tract abnormalities, or diabetes are usually given a 5 to 7 day course of antibiotics.