Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of any part of the urinary system, which comprises of the bladder, kidneys and ureters and urethra, which is the passage from the bladder to the outside. UTI usually starts in the bladder or urethra but can spread to the kidneys.
UTI is a common affliction, especially among women. Half of all women will develop a UTI during their lifetimes, and many will experience more than one. UTI can also occur in men. UTIs limited to your bladder can be painful and disturbing. This is known as cystitis. The symptoms of cystitis may be: - A strong, persistent urge to urinate
- A burning painful sensation when urinating
- Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Cloudy, strong-smelling urine
What causes UTI? The most frequent cause of UTI is bacteria. These bacteria are usually those favoring growth in a wet environment. The treatment for UTI is with antibiotics. Most of the time this can be treated by the family doctor and will respond to a course of appropriate antibiotics. When the infection spreads to the kidneys, it may give rise to fever, feeling of cold with shivering, pain at the back or flank where the kidneys are, nausea and vomiting. This form of UTI is known as pyelonephritis. This UTI is more serious than the normal cystitis and will require specialist urologist care. |