What is urinary tract infection?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a problem that happens when germs (called bacteria) get into the urinary tract and cause an infection.

Your urinary tract is the system that makes urine and carries it out of your body. It includes your bladder and kidneys and the tubes that connect them.

Most UTIs are bladder infections. A bladder infection most often isn't serious if it's treated right away. But if you don't take care of a bladder infection, it can spread to your kidneys. A kidney infection is serious and can cause lasting damage.

The symptoms are different depending on where the infection is.

Symptoms of a UTI in the bladder include:

• Pain or burning when you urinate.
• An urge to urinate often, but usually passing only small amounts of urine.
• Pain in the lower belly.
• Urine that looks cloudy, is pink or red, or smells bad.

Symptoms of a UTI in the kidneys include:

• Pain in the flank. This is felt just below the rib cage and above the waist on one or both sides of the back.
• Fever and chills.
• Nausea and vomiting.

Some people have bacteria in their urinary tract without having any symptoms. It may lead to infections that cause symptoms, but in many cases it doesn't. It usually goes away without treatment.

To diagnose a UTI, your doctor will ask for a sample of your urine. It's tested to see if it has germs that cause bladder infections. Your doctor will also ask you about your past health and do a physical exam.

If your doctor thinks you have a UTI, he or she may have you start taking antibiotics right away. You won't have to wait for the results of your test.

Your doctor may do other tests if you have infections often, if antibiotics don't help, or if the infection comes back. You may also need more tests if the UTI causes other problems or if your kidneys are infected. You may get tests to see if there are problems with your urinary tract that make you more likely to get UTIs. Sometimes tests are needed to find out if the UTI is caused by unusual bacteria.

Antibiotics can cure most UTIs.

Bladder infections.

Treatment for bladder infections is usually a mix of antibiotics and home treatment. Home treatment includes drinking lots of water and fluids and urinating often.

Kidney infections.

Antibiotics usually can treat kidney infections. But you may need a brief hospital stay and a short course of I.V. antibiotics if you're too ill or sick to your stomach to take medicine by mouth.

Your doctor may advise you to take medicine for symptoms like pain or burning. This medicine is called phenazopyridine. You can buy it without a prescription. But it doesn't treat the infection. You'll still need antibiotics. Don't use this medicine for flank pain or kidney infections.

If your UTI doesn't improve after you take antibiotics, you'll need more evaluation and more antibiotic treatment.

If you have a severe kidney infection, or if a bladder or kidney infection causes other problems, you may need hospital care.

• Take your antibiotics as prescribed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Your doctor may have prescribed a medicine, such as phenazopyridine (Pyridium), to help relieve pain when you urinate. This turns your urine orange. You may stop taking it when your symptoms get better. But be sure to take all of your antibiotics, which treat the infection.
• Drink extra water for the next day or two. This will help make the urine less concentrated and help wash out the bacteria causing the infection. (If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit your fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase your fluid intake.)
• Avoid drinks that are carbonated or have caffeine. They can irritate the bladder.
• Urinate often. Try to empty your bladder each time.
• To relieve pain, take a hot bath or lay a heating pad (set on low) over your lower belly or genital area. Never go to sleep with a heating pad in place.

To help prevent UTIs

• Drink plenty of fluids. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
• Urinate when you have the urge. Do not hold your urine for a long time. Urinate before you go to sleep.
• Keep your penis clean.

Catheter care

If you have a drainage tube (catheter) in place, the following steps will help you care for it.

• Always wash your hands before and after touching your catheter.
• Check the area around the urethra for inflammation or signs of infection. Signs of infection include irritated, swollen, red, or tender skin, or pus around the catheter.
• Clean the area around the catheter with soap and water two times a day. Dry with a clean towel afterward.
• Do not apply powder or lotion to the skin around the catheter.

To empty the urine collection bag

• Wash your hands with soap and water.
• Without touching the drain spout, remove the spout from its sleeve at the bottom of the collection bag. Open the valve on the spout.
• Let the urine flow out of the bag and into the toilet or a container. Do not let the tubing or drain spout touch anything.
• After you empty the bag, clean the end of the drain spout with tissue and water. Close the valve and put the drain spout back into its sleeve at the bottom of the collection bag.
• Wash your hands with soap and water.