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Things to know about urinary tract infection (UTI) A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection caused by pathogenic organisms (for example, bacteria, fungi, or parasites) in any of the structures that comprise the urinary tract. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are infections of the urethra, bladder, ureters, or kidneys, which comprise the urinary tract.
SLIDESHOWUrinary Incontinence in Women: Types, Causes, and Treatments for Bladder Control See SlideshowWhat is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?Picture of the urinary tract structures The urinary tract is comprised of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra (see Figure 1). A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection caused by pathogenic organisms (for example, bacteria, fungi, or parasites) in any of the structures that comprise the urinary tract. However, this is the broad definition of urinary tract infections; many authors prefer to use more specific terms that localize the urinary tract infection to the major structural segment involved such as urethritis (urethral infection), cystitis (bladder infection), ureter infection, and pyelonephritis (kidney infection). Other structures that eventually connect to or share close anatomic proximity to the urinary tract (for example, prostate, epididymis, and vagina) are sometimes included in the discussion of UTIs because they may either cause or be caused by UTIs. Technically, they are not UTIs and will be briefly mentioned in this article. UTIs are common, leading to between seven and 10 million doctor visits per year (for all ages in the United States). Although some infections go unnoticed, UTIs can cause problems that range from dysuria (pain and/or burning when urinating) to organ damage and even death. The kidneys are the active organs that produce about 1.5 quarts of urine per day in adults. They help keep electrolytes and fluids (for example, potassium, sodium, and water) in balance, assist in the removal of waste products (urea), and produce a hormone that aids in the formation of red blood cells. If kidneys are injured or destroyed by infection, these vital functions can be damaged or lost. While most investigators state that UTIs are not transmitted from person to person, other investigators dispute this and say UTIs may be contagious and recommend that sex partners avoid relations until the UTI has cleared. There is general agreement that sexual intercourse can cause a UTI. This is mostly thought to be a mechanical process whereby bacteria are introduced into the urinary tracts during the sexual act. There is no dispute about the transmission of UTIs caused by sexually transmitted disease (STD) organisms; these infections (for example, gonorrhea and chlamydia) are easily transmitted between sex partners and are very contagious. Some of the symptoms of UTIs and sexually transmitted diseases can be similar (pain and foul smell). What causes a urinary tract infection (UTI)?The most common causes of UTI infections are E. coli bacterial strains that usually inhabit the colon. However, many other bacteria can occasionally cause an infection. In addition, yeasts and some parasites may cause UTIs. In the U.S., most infections are due to Gram-negative bacteria with E. coli causing the majority of infections. What are urinary tract infection (UTI) risk factors?There are many risk factors for UTIs. In general, any interruption or impedance of the usual flow of urine (about 50 cc per hour in normal adults) is a risk factor for a UTI. For example, kidney stones, urethral strictures, an enlarged prostate, or any anatomical abnormalities in the urinary tract increase infection risk. This is due in part to the flushing or washout effect of flowing urine; in effect, the pathogens have to "go against the flow" because the majority of pathogens enter through the urethra and have to go retrograde (against a barrier of urine flow in the urinary tract) to reach the bladder, ureters, and eventually the kidneys. Many investigators suggest that women are far more susceptible than men to UTIs because their urethra is short and its exit (or entry for pathogens) is close to the anus and vagina, which can be sources of pathogens. People who require catheters have an increased risk (about 30% of patients with indwelling catheters get UTIs) as the catheter has none of the protective immune systems to eliminate bacteria and offers a direct connection to the bladder. Catheters that are designed to reduce the incidence of catheter-related infections are available (they incorporate antibacterial substances into the catheter that suppress bacterial growth), but are not used by many clinicians because of short-termed effectiveness, cost, and concern about antibiotic resistance development in bacteria. There are reports that suggest that women who use a diaphragm or who have partners that use condoms with spermicidal foam are at increased risk for UTIs. In addition, females who become sexually active seem to have a higher risk of UTI. The term, “honeymoon cystitis,” is sometimes applied to a UTI acquired either during the first sexual encounter or UTI after a short interval of frequent sexual activity. Men over the age of 60 have a higher risk for UTIs because many men at or above that age develop enlarged prostates that may cause slow and incomplete bladder emptying. In addition, older males and female populations have seen recent rises in STDs; this increase is thought to be due to this group not using condoms as frequently as younger age groups. Occasionally, people with bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream) have the infecting bacteria lodge in the kidney; this is termed hematogenous spread. Similarly, people with infected areas that are connected to the urinary tract (for example, infected prostate, epididymis, or fistulas) are more likely to get a UTI. Additionally, patients who undergo urologic surgery also have an increased risk of UTIs. Pregnancy does not apparently increase the risk of UTIs according to some clinicians; others think there is an increased risk between weeks six through 26 of the pregnancy. However, most agree that if UTIs occur in pregnancy, the risk of the UTI progressing in seriousness to pyelonephritis is increased, according to several investigators. In addition, a pregnant female with a UTI is at an increased risk for her baby to be premature and/or to have a low birth weight. Patients with chronic diseases such as diabetics or those who are immunosuppressed (HIV or cancer patients) also are at higher risk for UTIs. QUESTIONHow much urine does the average adult pass each day? See AnswerCommon urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms in women, men, and childrenCommon urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms in women include:
Common urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms in men include:
Common urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms in children include:
Urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms and signs by age, sex, and locationThe UTI symptoms and signs may vary according to age, sex, and location of the infection in the tract.
Symptoms and signs of a UTI in the very young and the elderly are not as diagnostically helpful as they are for other patients.
The location of the infection in the urinary tract usually results in certain symptoms.
Is there a link between urinary tract infection (UTI) and pregnancy?Most clinicians think there are several reasons (links) that make a pregnant female more susceptible to UTIs than nonpregnant women. Investigators suggest that hormones cause the bladder and ureters to dilate; this slows urine flow and may decrease bladder emptying which, in turn, increases the likelihood that bacteria can survive and multiply.
How is a urinary tract infection (UTI) diagnosed?The caregiver should obtain a detailed history from the patient, and if a UTI is suspected, a urine sample is usually obtained. The best sample is a midstream sample of urine placed in a sterile cup because it usually contains only the pathogenic organisms instead of the transient organisms that may be washed from adjacent surfaces when the urine stream begins. Male patients with foreskin should retract the foreskin before providing a midstream urine sample. In some patients who cannot provide a midstream sample, a sample can be obtained by a catheter. The urine sample is then sent for urinalysis. Patients with a "discharge," or the possibility of having an STD, usually will have the discharge tested for STD organisms (for example, Neisseria and Chlamydia). A positive urinalysis is usually the detection of about two to five leukocytes (white blood cells), about 15 bacteria per high-power microscopic field, and a positive nitrite test and/or positive leukocyte esterase test. Some clinicians and labs consider a positive test at least two of the above findings; still, others report a positive for bacteria as >1,000 bacteria cultured per milliliter of urine. At best, the initial urinalysis, depending on the various criteria used by clinicians and labs, provides a presumptive positive test for a UTI. Most clinicians believe this presumptive test is adequate enough to begin treatment. A definitive test is usually considered to be the isolation and identification of the infecting pathogen at a level of about 100,000 bacteria per cc of urine with the genus of the pathogen (usually bacterial) identified and antibiotic sensitivity determined by lab studies. This test takes 24 to 48 hours to obtain the results and your health care professional will usually start treatment before this result is available. Sometimes blood in the urine is a sign of a UTI but it may also indicate other problems, such as a urinary calculus or “stone.” In young children, infants, and some elderly patients, the best urine specimen is obtained by catheterization, as they are unable to deliver a “clean catch" urine sample as described above. Urine can also be collected from "bags" placed over the urethral outlet (genital area), but these bagged specimens are only used for presumptive urinalysis as they are unreliable for culture. Some investigators consider any bagged urine samples unreliable. Urine samples not processed within an hour of collection should either be discarded or be refrigerated before an hour passes because bacterial growth in urine at room temperature can yield false-positive tests. Special culture media and other tests are done for infrequent or rare pathogens (for example, fungi and parasites). Other tests may be ordered to further define the extent of a UTI. They may include
What is the treatment and medications for a urinary tract infection (UTI)?Treatment for a UTI should be designed for each patient individually and is usually based on the patient's underlying medical conditions, what pathogen(s) are causing the infection and the susceptibility of the pathogen(s) to treatments.
In addition, pediatric patients and pregnant patients should not use certain antibiotics that are commonly used in adults.
All antibiotics prescribed should be taken even if the person's symptoms disappear early. Reoccurrence of the UTI and even antibiotic resistance of the pathogen may happen in individuals who are not adequately treated. Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines offer relief from the pain and discomfort of UTIs but they don't cure UTIs.
What are common antibiotics used to treat a urinary tract infection (UTI)?The following antibiotics are used to treat UTIs:
There are other antibiotics that are used occasionally, such as Nitrofurantoin, but its use is limited to cystitis and should not be used to treat more serious (kidney) UTIs. Choice of antibiotics for treatment depends mainly on the susceptibility of the infecting agent to the drug, the seriousness of the infection, if the infected person is an adult, child, or pregnant, and on the treating doctor's experience and knowledge of local antibiotic resistance patterns of commonly infecting bacteria, especially if the individual has an STD because of possible antibiotic resistance of STD-causing organisms. The medication types, dose, frequency, and length of treatment times depend on the age, weight, and patient condition with complicating factors like pregnancy, and antibiotic resistance that may be present. Medical treatments should be prescribed by the patient's physician who can give the individual personalized treatment for their infection. This is especially important in children aged 2 months to 2 years as the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests additional tests (for example, ultrasound) if after 2 days there is a poor clinical response to treatment. Are there any home remedies for a urinary tract infection (UTI)?The best "home remedy" for a UTI is prevention (see the section below). However, although there are many "home remedies" available from websites, holistic medicine publications, and from friends and family members; there is controversy about them in the medical literature as few have been adequately studied. However, a few remedies will be mentioned because there may be some positive effects from these home remedies. The reader should be aware that while reading about these remedies (the term means to correct, relieve, or cure), they should not overlook the frequent admonition that UTIs can be dangerous. If the person does not experience relief or if his or her symptoms worsen over 1 to 2 days, the person should seek medical care. In fact, many of the articles about UTI remedies actually describe ways to reduce or prevent UTIs. Examples of home treatments that may help to prevent UTIs, that may have some impact on an ongoing infection, and that is unlikely to harm people are as follows:
The problem with these home remedies is that standard testing data and results with known amounts or concentrations of these compounds are usually not available. For example, how much cranberry juice is effective for a woman with known cystitis? Most publications do not answer this simple question, and some say that sweetened cranberry juice may aggravate the infection. In addition, it pays to read the entire label for these products as many have a caveat at the end of the ad that says the product does not claim it will cure UTIs. If people elect to try home remedies, they should clearly understand that if symptoms are not reduced or if they get worse, medical care should be sought. Most home remedies do not “cure” a bacterial infection, although a few mild UTIs may be cleared by the body's immune defense system. Home remedies may be dangerous if they cause a person to delay medical care for serious UTIs. There are over-the-counter (OTC) tests available for detecting presumptive evidence for a UTI (for example, AZO test strips). These tests are easy to use and can provide a presumptive diagnosis if the test instructions are carefully followed; a positive test should encourage the person to seek medical care. What are possible complications of a urinary tract infection (UTI)?Most UTIs cause no complications if they spontaneously resolve quickly (a few days) or if treated early in the infection with appropriate medications. However, there are a number of complications that can occur if the UTI becomes chronic or rapidly advances.
What is the prognosis for a urinary tract infection (UTI)?A good prognosis is usual for spontaneously resolved and quickly treated UTIs. Even patients that have rapidly developed symptoms and early pyelonephritis can have a good prognosis if quickly and adequately treated. The prognosis begins to decline if the UTI is not quickly recognized or treated. Elderly and immunosuppressed patients may not have the UTI recognized early; their prognosis may range from fair to poor, depending on how much damage is done to the urinary tract or if complications like sepsis occur. Like adults, most adequately treated children will have a good prognosis. Children and adults with recurrent UTIs may develop complications and a worse prognosis; recurrent UTIs may be a symptom of an underlying problem with the urinary tract structure. These patients should be referred to a specialist (urologist) for further evaluation. Is it possible to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) with a vaccine?Currently, there are no commercially available vaccines for UTIs, either recurrent or first-time infections. One of the problems in developing a vaccine is that so many different organisms can cause infection; a single vaccine would be difficult to synthesize to cover them all. Even with E. coli causing about most infections, the subtle changes in antigenic structures that vary from strain to strain further complicate vaccine development even for E. coli. Researchers are still investigating ways to overcome the problems in UTI vaccine development. Can a urinary tract infection (UTI) be prevented?Many methods have been suggested to reduce or prevent UTIs. The single most important prevention measure is increased fluid intake. Many people develop UTIs simply because they do not drink enough fluids. Some of these are considered home remedies and have been discussed (see above home remedies section). There are other suggestions that may help prevent UTIs. Good hygiene for males and females is useful. For females, wiping from front to back helps keep pathogens that may reside or pass through the anal opening away from the urethra. For males, retracting the foreskin before urinating reduces the chance of urine lingering at the urethral opening and acting as a culture media for pathogens. Incomplete bladder emptying and resisting the normal urge to urinate can allow pathogens to survive and replicate easier in a non-flowing system. Some clinicians recommend washing before and urinating soon after sex to reduce the chance of urethritis and cystitis. Many clinicians suggest that anything that causes a person irritation in the genital area (for example, tight clothing, deodorant sprays, or other feminine products like bubble baths) may encourage UTI development. Wearing underwear that is somewhat adsorptive (for example, cotton) may help wick away urine drops that otherwise may be areas for pathogen growth. Is it possible to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) with diet and supplements?It is possible to reduce the chance that a UTI will develop with dietary methods and some supplements but prevention of all UTIs is unlikely with these methods.
From References Reviewed by: What medication for UTI turns urine orange?Phenazopyridine causes the urine to turn reddish orange . This is to be expected while you are using it. This effect is harmless and will go away after you stop taking the medicine. Also, the medicine may stain clothing.
Why does urinary tract medicine turn pee orange?Phenazopyridine, which is used to treat symptoms of UTI, will also turn urine orange. The most concerning cause of orange urine is liver disease. In that case, the orange-color is caused by an increase in bilirubin.
What is phenazopyridine used for?Phenazopyridine is used to relieve the pain, burning, and discomfort caused by infection or irritation of the urinary tract. It is not an antibiotic and will not cure the infection itself.
Does metronidazole change urine color?Conclusions: Metronidazole can cause urine discoloration without otherwise harming the patient. Clinicians should be aware of this potential side effect and provide reassurance to patients who develop abnormal urine that there are no clinically relevant adverse outcomes.
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Which drug prescribed to a client with a urinary tract infection UTI turns urine reddish orange in color?
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