Causes Of Serious Infection
A serious infection can result from many medical conditions. Typically, a serious infection means its time to visit the emergency room.
SignatureCare Emergency Center has emergency room locations in Houston, Sugar Land, Austin, College Station and Stafford, TX. Our ERs are open 24/7 and our doctors are board-certified.
Serious infections are caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi and can lead to serious medical situations unless treated. Below are a few infections that may require a visit to the emergency room.
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body releases a large amount of chemicals to fight an infection that has spread through the bloodstream. These chemicals can lead to inflammation which can cause organ damage.
Ear Infections Ear infections can be caused by bacteria or viruses that affect the middle ear. These infections can cause swelling and pain, and lead to hearing loss if left untreated.
Mild ear infections may clear up on their own but severe ear infections may be treated with antibiotics to kill bacteria, ear tubes to help fluid drain properly or ear drops.
Sinusitis Sinus infections are often caused by viral infections that prevent the sinus cavities from draining properly. However, they can also be caused by bacteria or by foreign agents that have been inhaled through the nose.
Urinary Tract Infections There are different types of urinary tract infections and they usually occur when bacteria enter the tract through the urethra.
Urinary Tract Infections In The Emergency Department
Urinary tract infection is a commonly encountered clinical condition in the emergency department. Emergency physicians evaluate and treat UTIs in a wide spectrum of disease severity and patient populations. This article is written from the perspective of evaluating and managing UTIs in the emergency department. It highlights the pitfalls and clinical dilemmas pertinent to emergency physicians that are not often encountered by infectious disease specialists.
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Sex May Cause Utis But Its Not The Only Culprit
But there are other pre-existing conditions, activities, and products that can lead to a UTI. Some of the most common causes include:
- Drinking enough water, especially during hot summer months, can make the difference between flushing out the bacteria that can cause a UTI or not.
- If you hold your urine for 6 hours or more, you could be putting yourself at greater risk for bacteria overgrowing in the bladder.
- Constipation or Diarrhea Its often difficult to empty your bladder completely when youre constipated, which means bacteria have time to grow and cause an infection. Conversely, bacteria from loose stool thats excreted can also easily make its way into your urethra.
- Because they can block your urinary tract and hold urine in, kidney stones give bacteria time to grow and can lead to a UTI.
- For some people with uncontrolled diabetes, the bladder doesnt empty as well as it should and can become a breeding ground for bacteria. In addition, high blood glucose levels can increase the odds of a UTI.
- Since bacteria are more prone to grow in moist environments, its important to make sure you change your pad or tampon frequently when you have your period.
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When To Go To An Emergency Room For Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections, as the name suggests, are infections that affect the urinary tract system. They can affect the bladder, the kidneys and the urethra. UTIs are very common in America and a lot of people confuse them with sexually transmitted infections which have almost the same symptoms.
Urinary tract infections can be very painful and invasive in life. They however are not as severe as sexually transmitted infections and will more often than not go away on their own. To help differentiate between STIs and UTIs, it is imperative to understand the symptoms, causes and preventive measures of the UTIs and know when to go to the emergency room for the urinary tract infections.
So, what causes urinary tract infections? Are the urinary tract infections transmittable? What are the symptoms of urinary tract infections that one should look out for? When should you go to the emergency room for urinary tract infections? How do emergency rooms treat urinary tract infections? Here is a quick guide on all you need to know about urinary tract infections
Causes of Urinary Tract Infections
UTIs are caused by a bacteria that attacks the inner lining of the urinary tract. The bacterial infection often starts at the opening of the urethra and slowly advances upwards towards the kidneys. The farther up the urinary tract system that the infection gets, the more serious the infection becomes.
Are urinary tract infections transmittable?
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections
Flank pain
You Are Not Taking Care Of Your Hygiene
The female anatomy was not built to our benefit, so more effort must be put in order to avoid infection. The female urethra is shorter than a male urethra, making the distance bacteria need to travel much shorter and easier. Bacteria like to grow in moist areas, so its important to keep our body clean and dry. During menstruation, pads and tampons should be changed often.
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When To See Your Gp
See your GP if you have a fever and persistent tummy, lower back or genital pain, or if you notice a change to your usual pattern of urination.
Most kidney infections need prompt treatment with antibiotics to stop the infection from damaging the kidneys or spreading to the bloodstream. You may also need painkillers.
If youâre especially vulnerable to the effects of an infection for example, if you have a pre-existing health condition or are pregnant, you may be admitted to hospital and treated with antibiotics through an intravenous drip.
After taking antibiotics, you should feel completely better after about two weeks.
In rare cases, a kidney infection can cause further problems. These include blood poisoning and a build-up of pus in the kidney called an abscess.
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Take An Epsom Salt Bath
Both Epsom salts and warm water can ease pain. This can help to make the uncomfortable side effects of the kidney infection a little more tolerable while you wait for the antibiotics to take effect.
Since abdominal pain is sometimes a symptom of antibiotics, as well as kidney infections, this could also help even after symptoms from the kidney infection are resolved. Read about how to make an Epsom salt detox bath, as well as potential side effects to keep in mind.
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Dont Let A Uti Go Untreated
Untreated urinary tract infections can lead to life-threatening health conditions if the infection spreads to other parts of the body, such as the kidneys. A kidney infection can lead to sepsis, a complication in which your body becomes overwhelmed while fighting an infection.
- Abnormal heart function
Emergency Room: Go For Urinary Tract Infections
Emergency Room: Go for Urinary Tract Infections
As the name suggests, urinary tract infections are infections that affect the urinary tract system. They can end up affecting the bladder, urethra and the kidneys. They can be very painful and disturbing in life.
As recommended by FrontLine ER, it is imperative to understand the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures of the UTIs and know when to head to the ER for the urinary tract infections.
Fast Facts about UTI
UTIs, which are very common in America, is often confused with sexually transmitted infections which have almost the similar symptoms. Compared to sexually transmitted infections , UTIs are not as severe and will more often than not go away on their own.
In 2017, the World Health Organization published a list of antibiotic-resistant priority pathogens. At the top of their list was Enterobacteriaceae including the E. coli, which causes 80% of Urinary Tract Infection cases.
How the Infection Occurs
Normally, microorganisms enter the urinary tract through the urethra and are immediately flushed out through urination before they settle and induce symptoms.
However, in some cases, bacteria, virus or fungi overcome the natural body defence and causes infection. The bacteria travel upwards through the ureters and infect the kidneys, causing a condition known as Pyelonephritis or complicated urinary tract infection.
When to Go To the Emergency Room for Urinary Tract Infections
How Do Emergency Rooms Treat UTIs?
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What Is A Urinary Tractinfection
A urinary tract infection is an infection that affects any part of the urinary tract which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.Most infections occur in the lower urinary tract in the bladder and urethra, but it can also affect the upper urinary tract in either the kidneys or ureters where the infections tend to be more serious.UTIs are one of the most common infections in humans, and women have a higher risk of infection than men.
How Do You Treat A Kidney Infection
To determine if you have a kidney infection, a doctor will analyze a sample of your urine. If you test positive for a kidney infection diagnosis, youll be prescribed antibiotics and, in some cases, a medication that helps relieve pain with urination.
People with severe kidney infections may need to be hospitalized to receive antibiotics and fluids intravenously. While you may begin to feel better a day or two after starting antibiotics, its important to complete the entire course of prescribed medication to help prevent repeat infections.
After starting antibiotics, you can help alleviate kidney infection pain by taking over-the-counter pain medication. You can also try to ease the discomfort by trying several home remedies for kidney infections, including drinking plenty of water, using a heating pad, and taking vitamin C.
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Urinary Tract Infection: All Your Questions Answered
How many times a shift do you consider a urinary tract infection?
As Emergency physicians, you make and/or consider urinary tract infection multiple times per shift.1 Actually, up to 5% of ED visits are related to genitourinary complaints.2-4 From simple cystitis, to pyelonephritis, and even life-threatening urosepsis, UTIs and their wide spectrum of presentations are the MOST COMMON indication for empiric antibiotics. However, in 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that antibiotic use in UTIs was avoidable 40% of the time.7
Why is this the case?
- First: UTIs remain a clinical entity fraught with dogma and practice variation. Everyone has different interpretations for the tests they order and thresholds for antibiotic prescription. 1,6,7
- Second: Urinalyses are often misinterpreted. 1,9
- Third: Urine cultures are ordered without appropriate indications. 1,9
- Lastly: Our ever-aging population makes UTI dx even more challenging. They often have a vague history, may not even be able to communicate for themselves, and have HIGH rates of ASYMPTOMATICBACTERIURIA.
Why does this matter?
So lets get started! From the history to the physical, to test Interpretation and management, this blog post will hopefully become your ONE-STOP shop for most things relating to UTIs.
When To Go To The Er For Uti Symptoms
If your symptoms have progressed to the point of lethargy, pain, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting and/or blood in the urine, you need to get to the nearest Advance ER right away.
If you are pregnant, have diabetes, use a catheter, have an enlarged prostate or are prone to kidney stones, it is especially important for you to see a physician right away when you first start to show symptoms of a UTI, said Dr. Shalev. Also, babies and children need prompt care.
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Irritation Down There Doesnt Necessarily Mean A Uti
Youre likely to remember the symptoms of a UTI if youve experienced one. You have a frequent urge to pee which often results in a minimal amount of urine and any urine that is released causes a painful, burning sensation. You could also have discolored or foul smelling urine, or pressure in your lower abdomen, back or sides below your ribs. In the elderly, confusion can be the main symptom of a UTI. Such discomfort, however, may not indicate a urinary tract infection.
Other diseases present similarly to a UTI. For example, yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis lead to vaginal itchiness, irregular discharge or blood in the urine . At the onset, symptoms for sexually transmitted diseases can also be confused with those of UTIs. Thats why its important you seek professional medical advice when you start having symptoms you think are a urinary tract infection. If you do have a UTI, and you wait too long to receive treatment, it could lead to a more serious kidney and lower urinary tract infections.
Signs Of A Kidney Infection
What does a kidney infection feel like? According to the NIDDK, the most common kidney infections symptoms are:
But depending on a persons age, they may not experience all of these kidney infection symptoms. Children younger than two may only experience high fever as a sign of kidney infections, the NIDDK says, and people older than 65 might only present with cognitive issues, like confusion, hallucinations, and disorganized speech.
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Empty Your Bladder Often
If you are prone to developing UTIs, you should aim to relieve yourself as often as possible. When you expel more urine you lower your chances of developing bladder infections. Work and life can get in the way, but remember, your health comes first. If you are healthy, you are better prepared to handle your everyday tasks.
Should I Go To The Emergency Room For A Uti 10 Facts To Read First
Youve been having discomfort and suspect you have a urinary tract infection or UTI. Youre not quite sure because your symptoms overlap with other diseases. As the days go by, you start to ask yourself, Should I go to the emergency room for a UTI? Before running out the door, think about what youve been putting your body through as that should give you plenty of clues. Here are 5 situations that signal you may have a UTI. See if they apply to you.
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Availability Of Data And Materials
The data that support the findings of this study are available from University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, but restrictions apply to the availability of these data, which are not publicly available. Data are however available from the authors upon reasonable request and with permission of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. Codelists and analytical code are available from the authors.
Can You Go To Urgent Care For A Uti
You may be surprised to learn that most cases of urinary tract infection arent severe enough to warrant an emergency room visit but often the pain and discomfort they bring can certainly make it seem like they do.
UTIs are among the most common infections in the US, afflicting over 3 million men and women every year. And theres no age requirement either, as it can affect anyone from newborns to the elderly.
Back pain, nausea, fever, blood in your urine, even vomiting are symptoms that nobody cares to experience and would prefer to clear up as soon as possible. Unfortunately, scheduling an appointment with your primary care physician the usual course of action can take longer than youd care to wait. Worse yet, waiting can cause the infection to spread.
Often those who are suffering from a urinary tract infection will attempt to treat themselves by drinking cranberry juice. However, this particular remedy doesnt address the infection itself. Nor does drinking water although keeping yourself well hydrated can help prevent an infection.
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Can A Cystitis Infection Cause A Kidney Infection
A kidney infection is a painful and unpleasant illness usually caused by cystitis, a common infection of the bladder. Most people with cystitis will not get a kidney infection, but occasionally the bacteria can travel up from the bladder into 1 or both kidneys. If treated with antibiotics straight away,
A kidney infection, or pyelonephritis, is a bacterial infection. The infection usually starts in your childs bladder or urethra and moves into his or her kidney. One or both kidneys may be infected.
Signs and symptoms of a kidney infection might include: Fever. Chills. Back, side or groin pain. Abdominal pain. Frequent urination. Strong, persistent urge to urinate.
Your child will also be admitted if he or she is younger than 2 months. If your child is admitted, he or she will get antibiotics and fluids through an IV. Your child may need bladder training if he or she is not able to relax the sphincter to urinate. Your child may need surgery if reflux does not get better on its own.
Some Home Remedies Can Help Alleviate Or Prevent Uti Pain
Unfortunately, UTIs rarely go away on their own its the reason antibiotics are recommended as the primary treatment method. However, there are other home remedies that dont require a doctors prescription and can be effective in helping to prevent a UTI from occurring in the first place:
Additional methods for treating and preventing UTIs have also been debated. While recent studies are inconclusive as to the benefits of drinking cranberry juice to prevent a UTI, once you get an infection, cranberry juice wont help. Same goes for probiotics. Fermented products like kefir yogurts and kombucha might cultivate good vaginal flora, but more conclusive evidence is required.
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Home Remedies For Kidney Infection
Untreated kidney infections can turn into recurring kidney infections that lead to complications and disease. Kidney infection home remedies, in addition to a treatment plan prescribed by a doctor, can support recovery time as well as act as preventative measures to stave off recurring symptoms from occurring.
Read on to learn effective home remedies for kidney infection and stay informed on when to contact your doctor for more information to ensure you stay on top of your urinary tract health.
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