The kidneys, bladder, urethra, and ureters are all organs that make up the urinary system. The kidneys work to filter the blood and the get rid of excess water. All excess is passed as urine through the ureters and down to the bladder, where it is eventually passed through the urethra, and then outside the body. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of any of the organs in the urinary system. There is a wide range of medications doctors use to treat UTIs (although it's usually some form of antibiotic) depending on its location, the condition of the patient, and other factors.
Causes of UTIs
UTIs are mostly caused by the bacteria Escherichia coli, which may be present after sexual intercourse or due to poor hygiene. Escherichia coli normally live in the intestinal system, but can move directly from the anus to the urethra and into the urinary tract. Simple infections can spread from the urethra and bladder, whereas complex infections can involve the ureters and kidneys.
Symptoms of UTIs
An infection of the urethra and bladder presents itself as painful urination, frequent urination, a sense of urgency before urination, cloudy, bloody or foul smelling urine, mild fever, and lower abdominal pain. Symptoms of a kidney or ureter infection are usually more severe. If the kidneys or ureters are infected, a person will often experience a high fever, shivering, nausea and vomiting. Children and the elderly may experience different symptoms, such as jaundice, hypothermia or fever, change in mood and poor appetite.
Treatment for UTIs
If you experience nausea, vomiting or a high fever it is important to seek emergency medical attention to prevent further spread of the infection. Complex and simple urinary tract infections are both treated with antibiotics.The most commonly used antibiotics include trimethoprim, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, amaxicillin, ampicillin and nitrofurotoin. The type and regimen of treatment depends of the age, sex and type of infection. For infections of the urethra or bladder, adult women are usually given a five- to seven- day regimen of antibiotics. Adult males usually require a seven- to 14-day regimen. Children are usually given a 10-day regimen. Phenazopyridine may be prescribed to alleviate pain felt during urination. Infections of the kidney or ureters may require hospital care, and then several additional weeks of treatment at home. Upon hospitalization, otherwise healthy adults are given an initial injection of antibiotic. Fluids may be administered via an IV if the patient is dehydrated. The patient is typically sent home with a 14-day regimen of antibiotics, and should follow up with his doctor one or two days after he is discharged from the hospital.
Medications to Treat UTIs
Typically, doctors will prescribe a weekly dose of antibiotics except for individuals with diabetes, kidney failure, delayed treatment, men with a prostate infection, or individuals with structural issues. These individuals will usually require longer treatment. Infections that are long-lasting are usually caused by the bacteria mycoplasma or chlamydia, and are treated with tetracycline, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, or doxycycline.
An uncomplicated UTI of the urethra is treated with bactrimDS, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, or levofloxacin for a total of three days. In more complicated or recurrent infections of the urethra a regimen of metronidazole plus erythromycin, or metronidazole plus erythromycin ethylsuccinate may be prescribed for seven days.
Patients with a sever kidney infection require weeks of antibiotic treatment, and possible hospitalization if symptoms are severe. Researchers at the University of Washington found that two-week therapy with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole is effective treatment for kidney disease.
Self Care
First and foremost, always follow the doctor's orders. Take all antibiotics as prescribed even if the symptoms ease up. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, but drink plenty of water. For lower back pain, use a heating pad and acetominophen. Cranberry juice has also been shown to reduce future risk of UTIs (See comment following this article).
Prevention
The two most common causes of UTI's are sexual intercourse and poor hygiene. It is important for women especially to wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom, and to avoid scented hygiene products. This will help prevent irritation and fecal bacteria from spreading into the urethra. In addition, urinate immediately after sexual intercourse. Always drink plenty of fluids to clear potentially infective bacteria. Go to the bathroom when you have to; never resist the urge to urinate.
References:
MayoClinic: Urinary Tract Infections
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