What Happens When You Get A Bladder Infection

Treatment From A Gp For Utis That Keep Coming Back

Urinary Tract Infection – Overview (signs and symptoms, pathophysiology, causes and treatment)

If your UTI comes back after treatment, or you have 2 UTIs in 6 months, a GP may:

prescribe a different antibiotic or prescribe a low-dose antibiotic to take for up to 6 months
prescribe a vaginal cream containing oestrogen, if you have gone through the menopause
refer you to a specialist for further tests and treatments

In some people, antibiotics do not work or urine tests do not pick up an infection, even though you have UTI symptoms.

This may mean you have a long-term UTI that is not picked up by current urine tests. Ask the GP for a referral to a specialist for further tests and treatments.

Long-term UTIs are linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer in people aged 60 and over.

A Brief Intro To Utis

A UTI is an infection in the bladder or other areas of the urinary tract, like the urethra or kidneys, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. The infection is caused by bacteria.

Bacteria can enter the body, but the body usually has its own natural prevention. Urine flows through and flushes out bacteria, but sometimes the bacteria hasnt been fully flushed.

While UTIs can be uncomfortable and painful, they are easily treated with antibiotics. It is important to see your doctor if you have any of the following UTI symptoms.

Pain or discomfort during urination
A persistent need to urinate after having just gone

Guess what, UTI is not the only diagnosis responsible for UTI-like symptoms.

Unfortunately, this scenario happens way too often: you have had many well-diagnosed UTIs in the past, so when you complained of UTI-like symptoms, your doctor prescribed you antibiotics right away.

Sometimes, after you take antibiotics you could even feel better but then you notice that some symptoms still remained. This could be confusing, especially if antibiotics did bring you a slight relief.

Per Dr. Hawes, if you never had blood in your urine, cloudy urine, or funny smelling urine in the first place, if your only symptoms were bladder pain and slight burning with urination, then chances are high that it was not a UTI.

Medications and supplements that help to coat the lining of the bladder could greatly reduce these symptoms.

How Common Are Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections are very common, occurring in 1 out of 5 women sometime in their lifetime. Though UTIs are common in women, they can also happen to men, older adults and children. One to 2% of children develop urinary tract infections. Each year, 8 million to 10 million visits to doctors are for urinary tract infections.

Urinary Tract Infections In Women

UTIs are common, particularly with increasing age. Women are more likely to get a UTI than men. Nearly 1 in 3 women will have a UTI needing treatment before the age of 24.

In women, the urethra is short and straight, making it easier for germs to travel into the bladder. For some women, UTIs relate to changes in their hormonal levels. Some are more likely to get an infection during certain times in their menstrual cycle, such as just before a period or during pregnancy.

In older women, the tissues of the urethra and bladder become thinner and drier with age as well as after menopause or a hysterectomy. This can be linked to increased UTIs.

During pregnancy, the drainage system from the kidney to the bladder widens so urine does not drain as quickly. This makes it easier to get a UTI. Sometimes germs can move from the bladder to the kidney causing a kidney infection. UTIs during pregnancy can result in increased blood pressure, so it is very important to have them treated as soon as possible.

Women are more at risk of repeated UTIs if they:

use spermicide jelly or diaphragm for contraception
have had a new sexual partner in the last year
had their first UTI at or before 15 years of age
have a family history of repeated UTIs, particularly their mother
suffer from constipation

Injury To The Kidneys

Glomeruli are tiny structures within the kidneys that help filter and clean the blood. Glomerulonephritis is the term for a group of diseases that can injure these structures.

In people with GN, the injured kidneys are unable to remove waste and excess fluid from the body. Without treatment, GN can lead to kidney failure.

Chronic GN often occurs in young men who also have hearing and vision loss.

Acute GN comes on suddenly and may cause the following symptoms:

facial puffiness in the morning
blood in the urine

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Relief Without A Prescription

An over-the-counter drug called phenazopyridine can help ease your pain, burning, and irritation. It also controls your need to pee frequently and urgently.

But theres a catch. It only works on your symptoms. It doesnt cure your infection. You still need to see your doctor to make sure you get treatment to fight the bacteria thats causing your UTI.

Also, one common side effect: It turns your pee dark red or orange while you take it.

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What Is A Uti And What Is A Bladder Infection

A urinary tract infection is an infection in your urinary system. Around 50-60% of women will experience at least one UTI in their lifetime, and an unlucky number of them get UTIs frequently. The American Urological Association estimates that 20-40% of women who have had one UTI will get another one, and 25-50% of those women will end up having at least one more after that. Men can also get UTIs, though this happens less frequently than it does in women.

UTIs occur when unwanted bacteria end up in your urinary tract and trigger inflammation. They are caused by a variety of factors, including sexual activity, poor hygiene, genetics, age, and certain types of contraceptives.

The most reliable sign of a UTI is a stinging or burning sensation with urination, though other symptoms may also occur.

A bladder infection is a type of UTI that occurs specifically in your bladder.

Think of it this way: Your urinary tract includes your urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys.

Your bladder is the closest organ to your urethra , so its the area of the body most commonly affected by UTIs. Doctors call inflammation in the bladder cystitis and inflammation in the urethra urethritis.

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What Are The Long

There are some people who experience untreated urinary tract infections. Some people who have this will get their symptoms to go away over time. Some people develop more serious conditions that cannot be ignored. It is already a known fact that women may get afflicted by UTI more than men so women may need to become more aware of the signs and symptoms of this condition.

Recurrent UTI There are some men and women who experience recurrent UTI. This means that even if they were able to treat their UTI in the past, the UTI just goes back all over and over again. If you are prone to getting UTI, you should know how to do recurrent UTI prevention.

Possible Effects of UTI on the Body What are the things that might occur when people do not get treatment for UTI? One of the reasons why people do not get treated is not because of the lack of money. Some do not get treated because they do not experience any symptoms.

There are some people who are more prone to getting these conditions because of UTI:

Parkinsons Disease

The most common serious condition that people may experience is a kidney infection. The infection from the urinary tract infection may spread to the kidney. When this happens, a portion of the kidney stops functioning. It may come to a point when the kidney does not want to function anymore and this can become a problem.

The best uti prevention is always to become more hygienic. This will decrease the chances of getting infected.

Bacterial And Yeast Infections

How to CURE urinary tract infection? (UTI) – Doctor explains

Bacterial and yeast infections are among the most common and best-known problems capable of causing painful intercourse. These infections include bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, and cervicitis, which is an infected and inflamed cervix. Of these, a yeast infection is most likely to cause painful sex.

As you can see, there are many possible reasons for painful intercourse before menopause. The good news is that we can help treat all of them: Call Fred A. Williams, MD, or book an appointment online.

Children And Urinary Tract Infections

Symptoms in children are different from symptoms in adults. Urinary tract infections are quite common in children. While UTIs in very young children are often associated with an anatomic abnormality, for others the infection is related to introducing bacteria into the urinary tract. UTIs in children generally peak in infancy and then again between ages 2 and 4, coinciding with potty training.

In newborns, signs of urinary tract infection include poor feeding, lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, mild jaundice, and fever. For babies younger than 2, foul-smelling urine may also be a sign. For older children, the more classic UTI signs, such as urgency, incontinence, and pain while urinating occur.

Symptoms Of Bladder Cancer

It is veryimportant that you visit your GP as soon as you notice anything unusual theearlier that bladder cancer is diagnosed, the more quickly it can be treatedand the better the outcome.

The most common symptoms are:

Blood in theurine
Recurrenturinary infections

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Risk Factors For Developing Utis

Some people are at greater risk than others of developing UTIs. These include:

women sexually active women are vulnerable, in part because the urethra is only four centimetres long and bacteria have only this short distance to travel from the outside to the inside of the bladder
people with urinary catheters such as people who are critically ill, who cant empty their own bladder
people with diabetes changes to the immune system make a person with diabetes more vulnerable to infection
men with prostate problems such as an enlarged prostate gland that can cause the bladder to only partially empty
babies especially those born with physical problems of the urinary system.

What Causes A Uti

If you have had a UTI in the past, youre at a higher risk of getting one before. Women are also more likely to get a UTI than men based on their female anatomy.

Your genetic background can also put you at a heightened risk. Other risk factors of a UTI include sexual intercourse, menopause, obesity and uncontrolled diabetes.

During intercourse, the area near the urethra is prone to bacteria therefore, its important that you urinate immediately following intercourse to prevent fecal bacteria from being transmitted to the bladder.

Women with a higher body mass index are also at a higher risk of a UTI because they typically have an increase in the folds of the labia, which can harbor bacteria.

Finally, anyone with uncontrolled diabetes typically struggle with a weakened immune system, causing them to be more susceptible to infection.

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Urinary Tract Infections Are Uncomfortable And Can Disrupt Your Life How Long Do Symptoms Last

Story by: Sara Thompson on August 31, 2022

A urinary tract infection can be annoying, painful and disrupting to your life. How long does a UTI last?

Although most UTIs arent serious, symptoms can be severe enough to interrupt your daily routine. Antibiotics usually are the best way to treat UTIs, but relief isnt instant it takes time for the medicine to ease symptoms.

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Why Do Utis Cause Confusion In The Elderly

The immune system of an older adult reacts differently to infection compared to younger people.

A bladder infection places stress on the body, says Dr. Mary Ann Forciea, an associate clinical professor at the University of Pennsylvania Health System in Philadelphia.

That stress can result in confusion and abrupt changes in behavior in older adults with a UTI. And for seniors with Alzheimers disease or other types of dementia, any kind of stress, physical or emotional, will often make dementia temporarily worse, Forciea says.

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How Are Utis Treated

UTIs are treated with antibiotics. After several days of antibiotics, your doctor may repeat the urine tests to be sure that the infection is gone. Itâs important to make sure of this because an incompletely treated UTI can come back or spread.

If a child has severe pain when peeing, the doctor may also prescribe medicine that numbs the lining of the urinary tract.

Give prescribed antibiotics on schedule for as many days as your doctor directs. Keep track of your childâs trips to the bathroom, and ask your child about symptoms like pain or burning during peeing. These symptoms should improve within 2 to 3 days after antibiotics are started.

Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids, but skip drinks that containe caffeine , such as soda and iced tea.

Most UTIs are cured within a week with treatment.

What Happens If You Leave A Bladder Infection Untreated

Acute pyelonephritis (urinary tract infection) – causes, symptoms & pathology

The main danger associated with untreated UTIs is that the infection may spread from the bladder to one or both kidneys. When bacteria attack the kidneys, they can cause damage that will permanently reduce kidney function. In people who already have kidney problems, this can raise the risk of kidney failure.

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What Qualifies As A Recurrent Uti And What Causes Them

Patients who have had two urinary tract infections in the past six months or three in the past year have recurrent urinary tract infections. Patients who have recurrent urinary tract infections are often referred to a urogynecologist or a urologist for further evaluation, and may require treatment to prevent infections.

Risk factors for recurrent urinary tract infections can be divided into two categories: behavioral and genetic. Behavioral risk factors include sexual activity, a new sexual partner and the use of spermicides. Genetic and health-state risk factors include having a mother with a history of UTIs, having UTIs as a child, diabetes, fecal incontinence, urinary incontinence and being post-menopausal.

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What Causes A Bladder Infection

Bacteria that enter through the urethra and move into the bladder can cause infections. Typically, the body removes the bacteria by flushing them out during urination.

Bacteria can sometimes attach to the walls of your bladder and multiply quickly. This overwhelms the bodys ability to destroy them, resulting in a bladder infection.

Most bladder infections are caused by Escherichia coli . This type of bacteria is naturally present in the large intestines.

a frequent sensation of having to urinate, which is called urgency
cramping or pressure in your lower abdomen or lower back

When bladder infections spread, they can also cause mid-back pain. This pain is associated with an infection in the kidneys. Unlike muscular back pain, this pain will be persistent regardless of your position or activity.

A kidney infection will often cause:

Youll typically feel quite ill. Kidney infections are more serious than bladder infections and require urgent medical attention.

Anyone can get bladder infections, but there are different risks for women and men.

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What Causes Urosepsis

Urosepsis starts with the development of a UTI. UTIs most often occur when bacteria enter your urinary tract through your urethra, the tube through which urine exits the body. Bacteria can get into the urethra commonly through sexual activity. The bacteria can get into your bladder, where they begin to multiply and cause an infection.

Urosepsis can occur if a UTI is left untreated. People who are more susceptible to urosepsis include:

If your healthcare professional prescribes you antibiotics:

Take antibiotics exactly as your healthcare professional tells you.
Do not share your antibiotics with others.
Do not save antibiotics for later. Talk to your healthcare professional about safely discarding leftover antibiotics.

Drink plenty of water or other fluids. Your healthcare professional might also recommend medicine to help lessen the pain or discomfort. Talk with your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your antibiotics.

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How To Feel Better

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If your healthcare professional prescribes you antibiotics:

Take antibiotics exactly as your healthcare professional tells you.
Do not share your antibiotics with others.
Do not save antibiotics for later. Talk to your healthcare professional about safely discarding leftover antibiotics.

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How Bad Can A Uti Make You Feel

Not everyone with a UTI has symptoms, but most people have at least one. Symptons may include a frequent urge to urinate and a painful, burning feeling in the area of the bladder or urethra during urination. It is not unusual to feel bad all overtired, shaky, washed outand to feel pain even when not urinating.

How Are Urinary Tract Infections Treated

You will need to treat a urinary tract infection. Antibiotics are medicines that kill bacteria and fight an infection. Antibiotics are typically used to treat urinary tract infections. Your healthcare provider will pick a drug that best treats the particular bacteria thats causing your infection. Some commonly used antibiotics can include:

Nitrofurantoin.

Its very important that you follow your healthcare providers directions for taking the medicine. Dont stop taking the antibiotic because your symptoms go away and you start feeling better. If the infection is not treated completely with the full course of antibiotics, it can return.

If you have a history of frequent urinary tract infections, you may be given a prescription for antibiotics that you would take at the first onset of symptoms. Other patients may be given antibiotics to take every day, every other day, or after sexual intercourse to prevent the infection. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best treatment option for you if you have a history of frequent UTIs.