Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a contamination that happens when microorganisms (usually bacteria from the digestive tract) stick to the opening of the urethra and start to multiply.

Cause

Most infections are caused by one type of bacteria (Escherichia coli) that normally live in the colon. In most cases, bacteria first begin growing in the urethra and then move on to the bladder, causing a bladder infection (cystitis). If the infection is not treated right away, bacteria may move up the ureters to infect the kidneys.

Chlamydia and mycoplasma also may cause UTIs, yet these diseases have a tendency to stay restricted to the urethra and reproductive system. Unlike E. coli, chlamydia and mycoplasma might be sexually transmitted, and infection requires treatment of both partners. Any abnormality of the urinary tract that deters the stream of pee sets the stage for an infection. Catheters are a common source of infection (bacteria on the catheter can taint the bladder, so healing center staff must take special care to keep the catheter sterile and to remove it as soon as possible).

Children with diabetes have a higher risk of getting UTIs because of changes in the immune system—in fact, any disorder that suppresses the immune system raises the risk of a UTI. UTIs are more common in girls and women because their urethra is relatively short, allowing bacteria quicker access to the bladder. Further, a woman’s urethral opening is located near sources of bacteria from the anus and vagina. Some girls and women suffer from frequent UTIs; nearly 20 percent who have one UTI will have another, and 30 percent of those will have yet another.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include:

• frequent urge to urinate

• painful, smoldering feeling in the territory of the bladder or urethra amid urination

• fatigue

• weakness

• uncomfortable pressure above the pubic bone

• little urine passed despite constant urge to urinate

• milky, cloudy, or reddish tint to urine

If the infection reaches the kidneys, symptoms may include:

• fever

• pain in the back or side below the ribs

• nausea

• vomiting

Diagnosis

To diagnose a UTI, a doctor will test a urine sample for pus and bacteria. Although the doctor may begin treatment before the lab report comes back, the lab cultures will confirm the diagnosis and may mean a change in antibiotic. If treatment fails to clear up a disease, the specialist may arrange a test that makes an image of the urinary tract to identify whether there are structural problems contributing to the infection or interfering with treatment.

Prevention

To help avoid UTIs, some doctors suggest drinking cranberry juice, which in large amounts inhibits the growth of a few microorganisms by acidifying the pee. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplements also acidify the urine. Drink plenty of water every day. It is important to encourage children to urinate when they feel the need. Girls should be taught to wipe from front to back after toileting to prevent bacteria from the anal area from entering the vagina or urethra. Girls should avoid utilizing ladylike cleanliness showers and scented douches, which may irritate the urethra