Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are ones that occur in any organs that make up the urinary tract. The kidneys filter waste products from the blood and make urine. Ureters connect the kidney to the bladder. This holds urine until it is passed.

Signs & Symptoms

• A strong need to pass urine
• You pass urine more often than usual
• A sharp pain or burning feeling when you pass urine
• Bloody or cloudy urine
• It feels like your bladder is still full after you pass urine.
• Pain in the abdomen, back, or sides
• Chills. Fever.
• Nausea or vomiting
• A change in mental status, especially if you are over age 70

Sometimes there are no symptoms with a UTI.

Causes

UTIs result when bacteria infect any part of the urinary tract. The bladder is the most common site.

Persons at Greater Risk for UTIs

• Sexually active females
• Females who use a diaphragm for birth control
• Males and females who have had UTIs in the past
• Anyone with a condition that doesn’t allow urine to pass freely. An enlarged prostate gland (in males) and kidney stones are examples.

Treatment

An antibiotic is prescribed to treat the specific infection. Pain relievers are taken as needed. If you get UTIs often, your doctor may order medical tests to find out the root of the problem.

Self-Care / Prevention

• Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
• Avoid alcohol, spicy foods, and caffeine.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Take an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine for pain or one that relieves pain and spasms that come with a bladder infection (e.g., Uristat). {Note: Uristat helps with symptoms, but doesn’t get rid of the infection. See your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.}
• Go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge. Empty your bladder all the way.
• Don’t have sex until the infection is cleared up.