URINARY TRACT INFECTION (UTI)

• A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an

infection in any part of the urinary
system which includes the kidneys,
ureters, bladder and urethra.
Most infections involve the lower
urinary tract — the bladder and the
urethra.
Women are at greater risk of developing
a UTI than are men. If an infection is
limited to the bladder, it can be painful
and annoying. But serious health
problems can result if a UTI spreads to
the kidneys.
Types of Urinary Tract Infections

• Urethritis: An infection of the urethra, the hollow tube that drains

urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.
• Cystitis: A bacterial infection in the bladder that often has moved up
from the urethra.
• Pyelonephritis: An infection of the kidneys that is usually a result of
an infection that has spread up the tract, or from an obstruction in
the urinary tract. An obstruction in the urinary tract causes urine to
back flow into the ureters and kidneys.
What causes a urinary tract infection (UTI) in teens and adults?

• Bacteria that normally live in the large intestine and are present in
feces (stool) are the most common source of infection.
• Sexual intercourse may move bacteria into the urinary tract. This
happens most in women.
• Catheters are a common source of infection in people who are in
hospitals or who live in long-term care facilities. Catheters are small,
flexible tubes inserted into the bladder to allow urine to drain.
• Sometimes bacteria traveling through the blood or lymph system
cause kidney or bladder infections.
 What causes a urinary tract infection (UTI) in teens and adults?

UTIs typically occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to spread in the bladder.
The urinary system is designed to keep out bacteria. But the defenses sometimes fail. When that happens,
bacteria may take hold and grow into a full-blown infection in the urinary tract.
The most common UTIs occur mainly in women and affect the bladder and urethra.

•Infection of the bladder. This type of UTI is usually caused by E. coli (Escherichia coli ). E. coli is a type of
bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. But sometimes other bacteria are the cause.
Having sex also may lead to a bladder infection, but you don't have to be sexually active to develop one. All
women are at risk of bladder infections because of their anatomy. In women, the urethra is close to the anus. And
the urethral opening is close to the bladder. This makes it easier for bacteria around the anus to enter the urethra
and to travel to the bladder.

•Infection of the urethra. This type of UTI can happen when GI bacteria spread from the anus to the urethra.
An infection of the urethra can also be caused by sexually transmitted infections. They include herpes,
gonorrhea, chlamydia and mycoplasma. This can happen because women's urethras are close to the vagina.
 Risk factors

Risk factors
UTIs are common in women. Many women experience more than one UTI during their lifetimes.
Risk factors for UTIs that are specific to women include:

Female anatomy. Women have a shorter urethra than men do. As a result, there's less distance for bacteria to travel to reach the bladder.

Sexual activity. Being sexually active tends to lead to more UTIs. Having a new sexual partner also increases risk.

Certain types of birth control. Using diaphragms for birth control may increase the risk of UTIs. Using spermicidal agents also can increase risk.

Menopause. After menopause, a decline in circulating estrogen causes changes in the urinary tract. The changes can increase the risk of UTIs.

Urinary tract problems. Babies born with problems with their urinary tracts may have trouble urinating. Urine can back up in the urethra, which can
cause UTIs.

Blockages in the urinary tract. Kidney stones or an enlarged prostate can trap urine in the bladder. As a result, risk of UTIs is higher.

A suppressed immune system. Diabetes and other diseases can impair the immune system — the body's defense against germs. This can increase
the risk of UTIs.

Catheter use. People who can't urinate on their own often must use a tube, called a catheter, to urinate. Using a catheter increases the risk of UTIs.
Catheters may be used by people who are in the hospital. They may also be used by people who have neurological problems that make it difficult to
control urination or who are paralyzed.

A recent urinary procedure. Urinary surgery or an exam of your urinary tract that involves medical instruments can both increase the risk of
developing a UTI.
Clinical presentation (Signs and
Symptoms)
• A strong urge to urinate that doesn't go away
• A burning feeling when urinating
• Urinating often, and passing small amounts of urine
• Urine that looks cloudy
• Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-colored — signs of blood in
the urine
• Strong-smelling urine
• Pelvic pain, in women — especially in the center of the pelvis and
around the area of the pubic bone
 Con’t
Part of urinary tract affected Signs and symptoms

Kidneys •Back or side pain

•High fever
•Shaking and chills
•Nausea
•Vomiting

Bladder •Pelvic pressure

•Lower belly discomfort
•Frequent, painful urination
•Blood in urine

Urethra •Burning with urination

•Discharge
Complications
When treated promptly and properly, lower urinary tract infections rarely lead to
complications. But left untreated, UTIs can cause serious health problems like;
• Repeated infections, which means you have two or more UTIs within six
months or three or more within a year. Women are especially prone to having
repeated infections.
• Permanent kidney damage from a kidney infection due to an untreated UTI.
• Delivering a low birth weight or premature infant when a UTI occurs during
pregnancy.
• A narrowed urethra in men from having repeated infections of the urethra.
• Sepsis, a potentially life-threatening complication of an infection. This is a risk
Prevention

• Drink plenty of liquids, especially water. Drinking water helps dilute the urine.
That leads to urinating more often — allowing bacteria to be flushed from the
urinary tract before an infection can begin.
• Wipe from front to back. Do this after urinating and after a bowel movement. It
helps prevent the spread of bacteria from the anus to the vagina and urethra.
• Empty your bladder soon after having sex. Also drink a full glass of water to help
flush bacteria.
• Avoid potentially irritating feminine products. Using them in the genital area can
irritate the urethra. These products include deodorant sprays, douches and
powders.
• Change your birth control method. Diaphragms, unlubricated condoms or
condoms treated with spermicide can contribute to bacterial growth.