Urinary Tract Infection

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection may include pain in the lower abdomen, nausea and vomiting, and a fever. A urinalysis test can determine whether you have a UTI. It involves catching the urine in midstream and screening it for bacteria, white blood cells and yeast. A higher number of white blood cells in the urine is a sign of infection. A doctor may also order blood tests or an ultrasound.

A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria from the rectum, vagina or skin travel up the urethra to the bladder. This can happen because of structural abnormalities in the urinary tract or because of sexually transmitted infections. Females are more likely to develop a UTI than men. Women’s anatomy makes it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder. When an infection occurs, the lining of the bladder becomes red. It may also leak, causing pain in the lower back.

A bladder infection can be treated with antibiotics and pain relievers. If your urinary tract infection is caused by a bacteria, you should drink lots of fluids to flush out the bacteria. If you have an infection caused by a fungus, antifungal medication is used to treat the infection. If you have a viral infection, antivirals are usually used.

A urinary tract infection may be caused by an enlarged prostate or kidney stones. If you have these problems, your doctor may recommend an ultrasound or CT scan. These tests can give your doctor a better view of your bladder and kidneys. They are also more precise than an X-ray.

In a bacterial UTI, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria. These antibiotics are often given as capsules. These antibiotics usually last for a week or so. However, if you have a persistent urinary tract infection, your doctor may need to prescribe a longer course of antibiotics. Taking a full course of antibiotics reduces the likelihood that bacteria will become resistant to the antibiotic.

A fungus infection usually occurs when a person’s immune system has been compromised. This can happen because of an illness, infection, or because of a change in birth control methods. Women are also more susceptible to UTIs because of the structure of their bladder and urethra. They are also at a higher risk if they are pregnant.

If you have a UTI, it is important to follow all your doctor’s orders. You should take all the medicine you have been prescribed and drink plenty of water. You should also change your catheter after the early signs of an infection have gone away. You may also want to consider taking a heating pad if you are suffering from pain.

There are several types of UTIs, and each one is caused by a different type of bacteria. Antibiotics are the most common way to treat a UTI. Your doctor will determine the type of antibiotic to use based on the symptoms. You may also need to take an oral antibiotic or an intravenous antibiotic.