Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

What is meant by Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?

UTI refers to infection involving the urinary tract, that is the organs that produce and conduct the urine. Acute UTI is quite common, especially in women. These infections occur in 1 to 3 per cent girls in the school-going age. The incidence of UTI increases markedly in sexually active women, the vast majority of infections occurring in young women. It is not common in men under the age of 50.

Is Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), the same as Cystitis?

Urinary tract infections can be of two types - Lower UTI (involving the urethra, prostate or bladder) and Upper UTI (involving the kidneys), whereas Cystitis refers to inflammation of the bladder.

How does one get UTI?

A small number of organisms that are usually present in and around the vagina and anus, can gain entry to the urinary bladder through the urethra (the tube conducting the urine from the bladder to the outside). The entry is facilitated by urethral massage during intercourse. Under normal circumstances, bacteria in the bladder are rapidly cleared by frequent voiding of urine. But when a large number of virulent organisms manage to overwhelm defense mechanism, they can cause an infection.

What are the usual symptoms of UTI?

The common symptoms of UTI are an urgency to pass urine and an increase in the frequency, accompanied by a burning sensation while passing urine. Lower abdominal pain occurs when cystitis is also present. The urine appears cloudy and may contain blood. The urine is often smelly. Fever with chills and shivering are common. Vomiting may also be present when the kidneys are involved.

What are the conditions predisposing to UTI?

UTI is more common in women. It can also occur more often during pregnancy due to a decreased tone in the urethra and back flow of urine. Obstruction to the flow of urine caused by stones, narrowing of the urethra, or prostatic enlargement can increase the chance of UTI. Sexual activity predisposes to UTI in women. A lax bladder and reflux of urine from the bladder to the kidneys can also contribute to UTI.

Why is UTI more common in women?

Since women have a shorter urethra than men, the microorganisms can cause infection more easily. But in men over 50, an enlarged prostate gland may cause obstruction to the flow of urine, resulting in an increased risk of UTI.

How is UTI diagnosed?

A doctor will suspect a person to have UTI if the person has the classical symptoms mentioned above. A turbid looking urine, which tests positive to protein and shows red blood cells, pus cells and sometimes bacteria under the microscope, points towards UTI. Confirmation is by culture of the urine in the laboratory.

Can UTI be treated easily?

Treatment of UTI is usually with a 3 day course of antibiotics for uncomplicated UTI. If the kidneys are also affected, then a longer course is advised. Sometimes drugs that alkalinize the urine may be prescribed. It is advisable to drink plenty of fluids to keep the urinary tract flushed.

Is urine culture always necessary?

If a woman gives a typical history consistent with UTI, the doctor may advise the treatment for UTI to be started. Urine culture test is warranted when a woman has recurrent episodes of UTI or when a man is suspected to have UTI.

What are the measures to be taken to avoid UTI?

A person should take plenty of water, especially in summer, so that passing of urine keeps the urinary tract clear of organisms. Women are advised to pass urine after immediately sexual activity. Genital hygiene is of paramount importance to prevent UTI.