CASE STUDY: URINARY TRACT INFECTION (UTI)

A Case Study Submitted to

Dr. Judy Gigare
Course Facilitator

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in

ENS 4: ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

Submitted by

Arollado, SM
Fernandes, Rebecca
Sotelo, Lyka Lyn
Tabia, Kierstie Ally Glendale

2023
INTRODUCTION

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common bacterial

infection encountered in the ambulatory care setting in the
United States, accounting for 8.6 million visits (84% by women)
in 2007 (Matsumoto et al., 2017). UTI happens when bacteria from
outside your urinary tract enter it, usually through the urethra.
It is classified as “simple” or “complicated”. Simple UTIs will
only affect the bladder. Complicated UTIs describe resistant
infections that require stronger medications, or those that
affect the kidneys (Suffering From a Urinary Tract Infection,
2022).
The UTI is something that many women and some men have to deal
with at some point in their lives. Compared to men, however,
women are more likely to get this infection. Females are more
likely to develop a UTI than males, with 40–60% of females
developing an infection at least once in their life and 10% of
females developing a UTI once a year. Females are at a higher
risk than males because their urethra is shorter, which makes it
easier for bacteria to enter the bladder (McIntosh, 2023).
An infection that only affects the bladder can be uncomfortable
and painful. A UTI, however, can spread to the kidneys and cause
major health issues. The common symptoms of UTI include frequent
urination, urgency, and dysuria. Additional complaints could
include hesitancy, nocturia, severe hematuria, or suprapubic
soreness or discomfort. The anatomical site where the infection
and inflammation take place determines the classification of
urinary tract infections.
Our case respondent which we will call as Clara, is a person who
suffered UTI at the age of 13 years old. She claimed that having
a urinary tract infection was difficult because she experienced
cramps, lower back pain, frequent, scorching urination, and a
fever that reached 39 °C. Her mother’s side of the family has a
history of getting this infection, however, her unhealthy
lifestyle and poor hygiene can be the main reason why she got
infected.
The antimicrobial resistance rate for urinary tract infection has
been increasing, which has constrained the therapeutic
alternatives despite the widespread demand for UTI treatment. For
these reasons, primary care providers need to be knowledgeable
about and proficient in the diagnosis and management of UTIs. If
a person suspects they have a kidney infection, they should seek
medical attention as soon as possible.
CASE PRESENTATION

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) happen when microbes such as

bacteria overcome the body’s defenses in the urinary system. They
can cause discomfort and urination problems.
At the age of thirteen, Clara has started suffering from urinary
tract infections (UTI). According to her, having a urinary tract
infection is painful, as she felt lower back pain, cramps,
urinating often with a burning sensation, and a fever up to 39
°C. Her urinary disorder is traced to her mother's family. She
reports that her aunts, cousins, and even nephews and nieces have
UTIs. However, her genetic vulnerability is not the sole reason
for the occurrence of the infection, as her lifestyle affects it
because she usually eats salty foods and drinks soft drinks
instead of water. Clara confessed that she barely drinks 1 to 2
liters of water every day. Her parents brought her to a doctor
when she got a fever that lasted for 3-5 days while experiencing
the symptoms relating to a UTI. As for the laboratory result of
her urine, it is always cloudy and yellowish. Clara has suffered
from an UTI for eight years. For her, it is uncomfortable since
she experiences cramps and a burning sensation when she pees. And
unfortunately, there was a time when she peed with blood.
Interestingly, Clara practices water therapy all the time.
Although her UTI keeps coming back after months, she insists on
doing water therapy and taking her antibiotics.

DISCUSSION

CONCLUSION

REFERENCES

Diagnosis and Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections: A Case-Based Mini-Review, Part

2. (n.d.). Consultant360. https://www.consultant360.com/articles/diagnosis-and-
treatment-urinary-tract-infections-case-based-mini-review-part-2
 Suffering from a urinary tract infection? (2022b, January 14). Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/uti.html#:~:text=What
%20is%20a%20urinary%20tract,a%20bladder%20infection%20(cystitis)

Urinary tract infection (UTI) - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic. (2022, September
14). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-
infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353447

McIntosh, J. (2023b, January 3). Urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms, causes, and
remedies. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/189953