Urinary Tract Infection
Definition:

UTI is a bacterial infection that greatly affects any part of the urinary tract. The most common kind of UTI is called cystitis which is a bladder infection and pyelonephritis which is a kidney infection.


Diagnosis:

Urinalysis Urine culture Urea and creatinine measurements for severe cases X-ray, MRI and CAT scan for further investigation in male patients


Treatment:

Oral antibiotics for uncomplicated UTI Hospitalization and IV antibiotics for severe cases of UTI and may be referred to a urologist or nephrologist


Symptoms and Signs:

Bladder infection: frequent urination, urethritis, nocturia, pain in the midline suprapubic region, pyuria, hematuria, pyrexia, foul-smelling and cloudy urine, protein found in the urine Kidney infection: bladder infection symptoms, vomiting, back, side or groin pain, abdominal pressure or pain, shaking chills and high spiking fever, night sweats and intense exhaustion.


Causes:

Infection happens when bacteria get into the kidney or bladder and its number increase in the urine. For women, UTI can also be caused after having sexual intercourse.