Urinary tract infection (UTI) is usually secondary to a bacteria causing discomfort or pain during urination, frequency and urgency of going to toilet to urinate, blood in urine in a bladder infection or fever, nausea or vomiting and flank pain in kidney involvement. Kideny infection is usually complicated with the presence of bacteria in blood circulation and may cause abscesses around the kidneys.

 

Diagnosis & Treatment:

Diagnosis is made by finding a bacteria in a urine slide or culture. Blood culture, blood tests and sometimes imaging including ultrasound or CT scan should be done to make the diagnosis and plan for the best management. Treatment depends on the type of infection. In case of simple bladder infection (Cystitis), oral antibiotic is usually sufficient however kidney infection (Pyelonephitis) usually needs admission in hospital and require intravenous antibiotics and rehydration. 

 

Prevention:

Hand & personal hygiene is the most important way to prevent the infection. However the following tips may help avoiding the infection:

                                             1. Urinate when you need and do not hold it.

                                             2. Urinate before & after sexual contact

                                             3. Keep the area clean and dry all the time