Urinary tract infections – IMP – Infections of the lower urinary tract

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI; Lower UTI)

What is a urinary tract infection?

Urinary tract infections (IMP) – infection of any part of the urinary system. Most UTIs start in the lower urinary tract – bladder or urethra (urethra). Urethra – thin muscular tube, through which urine is excreted from the body. IMP can also include infections in the upper urinary tract, including kidney infection.

There are several types of urinary tract infections, depending on where they occur:

• Uretrit – an infection in the urethra;
• Cystitis – cystitis;
• Pyelonephritis – kidney infection.

Infection can also occur in the tube, connects the bladder to the kidney (mochetochnik). All these infections are considered UTI.

Causes of urinary tract infections

UTIs are caused by bacteria, which often fall into the urinary system of the digestive tract or rectum. The bacteria pass through the urethra to other organs and begin to multiply. If the infection is not treated, bacteria can move up the urinary system, and into the kidney.

Most of UTI is caused by bacteria, living in the large intestine. Bacteria can be transferred from the rectal area to the urethra.

UTIs can also be sexually transmitted. This type of infection usually does not extend below the urethra. In the treatment of both partners need.

Risk factors for urinary tract infections

Factors, that may increase the risk of infection of the urinary tract include:

• Paul: female – rectum and urethra in women are fairly close to each other, resulting in higher risk of infection;
• High sexual activity;
• Menopause;
• Diabetes;
• Stones in the kidneys;
• Enlarged prostate;
• Weak immune system;
• Abnormalities of the urinary system, such, like PMR or polycystic kidney disease;
• Paraplegia or quadriplegia;
• Drepanotsitoz;
• Kidney transplantation;
• The catheter in the bladder, or other device, is entered in the urinary system.
• Pregnancy.

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection may include:

• Frequent and urgent need to urinate;
• Isolation for once a small amount of urine;
• Pain in the abdomen or pelvis;
• Burning sensation while urinating;
• Turbid, bad-smelling urine;
• Frequent urge to get up at night, to urinate;
• Leakage of urine;
• Fever and chills;
• Nausea and poor appetite.

Infection in the kidney can cause more severe symptoms. Seek immediate medical attention, If you have symptoms of a kidney infection, such as:

• Blood in the urine;
• Back pain or pain along the side edges;
• High fever and chills.

Diagnosis of urinary tract infections

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. A urine sample will be examined for the presence of blood, pus and bacteria.

Generally, children and men are less prone to UTI. These infections are most often caused by structural problems kidney, bladder or ureters. Therefore, children and men, perhaps, require additional testing, to determine the cause of UTI.

Treatment of urinary tract infections

UTIs are treated with antibiotics. Standard medical care in UTI includes taking antibiotics for three days. Improvements usually occur within a day or two. It is important to take the full course of treatment, even in the case of improving health.

After completing the course of antibiotic treatment require a urine test, To make sure, that the infection is cured. If you have recurrent infections, you may be referred to a specialist.

The infection can cause pain and cramping in the bladder. Your doctor may recommend taking a drug called piridium (Phenazopyridine). With his admission urine, and sometimes sweat, becoming orange.

Severe infections of the urinary tract, perhaps, require a higher initial dose of antibiotics through an IV or a shot.

Prevention of urinary tract infections

Some steps, you can take, to prevent the propagation of bacteria in the urinary tract:

• Drink plenty of fluids during the day;
• Urinate, when you feel the need;
• Completely empty the bladder and drink a glass of water after having sex;
• Daily wash your genitals;
• If you are a woman, always after a bowel movement, wipe the remnants of feces moving back;
• Avoid using perfumes and feminine hygiene sprays.