Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
Are you in Macon, GA with symptoms of a UTI? Head on over to Med Plus Immediate Care for quick care. Check in now or walk-in for your appointment.
Overview
An unusual “burning” sensation or the desire to urinate more frequently are signs of a urinary tract infection, also known as a UTI.
You should consult a doctor if you notice any symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI). An untreated urinary tract infection can progress to more severe infection and symptoms.
An infection in any area of your urinary tract, including your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, is commonly known as a urinary tract infection (UTI). The bladder or urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body, is where most UTIs occur.
Women are more likely to suffer from a urinary tract infection (UTI) than males. A bladder infection can be both painful and inconvenient. Significant repercussions might follow when an infection progresses from the urethra to the kidneys.
Symptoms
The following are symptoms of an uncomplicated:
- Urinary urgency – the sensation that you need to go to the bathroom without the actual need
- Urination with a “burning” sensation
- Frequent urination
- Cloudy urine
- Blood in the urine
- Urine with a pungent odor
- Pelvic pain for females.
What can you expect if you have an infection in your kidneys?
- Pain in the upper back.
- Fever
- Chills or tremors
- Nausea
- Vomiting
The best time to see a doctor
If you think you have a urinary tract infection (UTI), make an appointment with your doctor. Contact your doctor if you’ve been diagnosed with a urinary tract infection and your symptoms are getting worse. You may not be on the correct antibiotics. Observe and monitor for the following signs and symptoms:
- Back pain
- Vomiting
- Fever
Do not hesitate to contact your healthcare practitioner if you have any of these symptoms or any other symptoms that persist during treatment. A urinary tract infection (UTI) can also spread to your blood steam but the good news is that treatment has a high rate of success and can provide rapid relief from symptoms.
Causes
When bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply in the bladder, they commonly cause urinary tract infections. Even though the genitourinary system is designed to keep out such microorganisms, these defenses occasionally fail. E. coli, a bacteria found in the intestines, is the most common cause of a UTI.
Prevention
Take the following steps/tips to lower your risk of UTIs:
- Drink lots of water. Water helps dilute urine and encourages regular urination, allowing bacteria to be expelled from the urinary tract before an infection occurs.
- Cranberry juice. Although no studies show that cranberry juice prevents UTIs, it is probably safe.
- Front to back wiping. It also helps prevent bacteria from spreading from the anal area to the vagina and urethra.
- Urinate immediately after intercourse.
- Avoid irritant feminine products. The urethra can be irritated by deodorant sprays and other feminine items like douches and powders.
- Modify your birth control. Bacterial growth can occur in unlubricated or spermicide-treated condoms.