UTI (Uninary Tract Infection)
Define UTI ( Urinary Tract Infection)
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of your urinary system — your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra.
Women are at greater risk of developing a UTI than men are. Infection limited to your bladder can be painful and annoying. However, serious consequences can occur if a UTI spreads to your kidneys.
Antibiotics are the typical treatment for a UTI. But you can take steps to reduce your chance of getting a UTI in the first place.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a bladder infection include:
Cloudy or bloody urine, which may have a foul or strong odor
Low fever (not everyone will have a fever)
Pain or burning with urination
Pressure or cramping in the lower abdomen (usually middle) or back
Strong need to urinate often, even right after the bladder has been emptied
If the infection spreads to your kidneys, symptoms may include:
Chills and shaking or night sweats
Fatigue and a general ill feeling
Fever above 101 degrees Fahrenheit
Flank (side), back, or groin pain
Flushed, warm, or reddened skin
Mental changes or confusion (in the elderly, these symptoms often are the only signs of a UTI)
Nausea and vomiting
Severe abdominal pain (sometimes)
Main causes of UTI
The following also increase your chances of developing a UTI:
Diabetes
Advanced age (especially people with illnesses common in older adults, such as Alzheimer's disease and delirium)
Problems emptying your bladder completely (urinary retention)
A tube called a urinary catheter inserted into your urinary tract
Bowel incontinence
Enlarged prostate, narrowed urethra, or anything that blocks the flow of urine
Kidney stones
Staying still (immobile) for a long period of time (for example, while you are recovering from a hip fracture)
Pregnancy
Surgery or other procedure involving the urinary tract
Dangers/ Risks of UTI
Why
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of your urinary system — your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra.
Women are at greater risk of developing a UTI than men are. Infection limited to your bladder can be painful and annoying. However, serious consequences can occur if a UTI spreads to your kidneys.
Antibiotics are the typical treatment for a UTI. But you can take steps to reduce your chance of getting a UTI in the first place.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a bladder infection include:
Cloudy or bloody urine, which may have a foul or strong odor
Low fever (not everyone will have a fever)
Pain or burning with urination
Pressure or cramping in the lower abdomen (usually middle) or back
Strong need to urinate often, even right after the bladder has been emptied
If the infection spreads to your kidneys, symptoms may include:
Chills and shaking or night sweats
Fatigue and a general ill feeling
Fever above 101 degrees Fahrenheit
Flank (side), back, or groin pain
Flushed, warm, or reddened skin
Mental changes or confusion (in the elderly, these symptoms often are the only signs of a UTI)
Nausea and vomiting
Severe abdominal pain (sometimes)
Main causes of UTI
The following also increase your chances of developing a UTI:
Diabetes
Advanced age (especially people with illnesses common in older adults, such as Alzheimer's disease and delirium)
Problems emptying your bladder completely (urinary retention)
A tube called a urinary catheter inserted into your urinary tract
Bowel incontinence
Enlarged prostate, narrowed urethra, or anything that blocks the flow of urine
Kidney stones
Staying still (immobile) for a long period of time (for example, while you are recovering from a hip fracture)
Pregnancy
Surgery or other procedure involving the urinary tract
Dangers/ Risks of UTI
Why