Description

💧 What is a UTI? A Urinary Tract Infection is an infection that can occur anywhere along the urinary tract, which includes: Urethra (Urethritis) Bladder (Cystitis – most common) Ureters Kidneys (Pyelonephritis – more serious) It usually happens when bacteria (often E. coli) from the gut enter the urinary tract and start multiplying. 🔍 Common Symptoms ✅ Lower UTI (Bladder/Urethra) Burning sensation when urinating Frequent and urgent need to urinate Cloudy or foul-smelling urine Lower abdominal or pelvic discomfort Blood in urine (hematuria) ⚠️ Upper UTI (Kidneys) – Pyelonephritis Fever and chills Flank or back pain Nausea or vomiting Fatigue or general malaise 🧪 Diagnosis Urinalysis: Tests for leukocytes, nitrites, blood, and protein in urine Urine culture: Confirms the bacteria and helps guide antibiotic choice Imaging (ultrasound/CT): In recurrent or complicated cases 💊 Treatment Options ✅ Uncomplicated UTI (in healthy women): Short course antibiotics (3–5 days) Nitrofurantoin Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) Fosfomycin Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) for symptom relief (short-term use) ✅ Complicated UTI (men, pregnant women, diabetics, catheterized patients, or kidney involvement): Longer antibiotic course (7–14 days) May require IV antibiotics (if severe) ✅ Recurrent UTI (≥2 in 6 months or ≥3 in 12 months): Low-dose daily antibiotics Post-intercourse antibiotics Vaginal estrogen (in postmenopausal women) 🚻 UTIs in Different Groups 🔹 Women: More common due to shorter urethra and proximity to rectum Often triggered by sex, hygiene issues, or hormonal changes 🔹 Men: Less common; often indicates an underlying issue (e.g., prostate enlargement, obstruction) Usually treated as complicated UTI 🔹 Children: May present with fever, poor feeding, irritability Require investigation for structural problems 🛡️ Prevention Tips Drink plenty of fluids Don’t hold in urine for long Urinate after sexual activity Wipe front to back (for women) Avoid douches or irritating feminine products Cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothing ⚠️ When to See a Doctor Persistent symptoms after 48 hours of antibiotics Fever, chills, or back pain Blood in urine Frequent UTIs