urinary tract infection: do you know the signs?

a urinary tract infection (uti) typically occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract and attack the bladder, urethra, ureters or kidney. although the vast majority of utis involve the lower urinary tract (the urethra and bladder), more serious problems can occur if bacteria manage to travel past the bladder to the kidney. the most common source of utis, according to the kidney foundation of canada , is the bacteria escherichia coli (e. coli), which is normally found on the skin in the genital area and not inside the sterile urinary tract. utis can also be caused, though more rarely, when a blockage in the urinary tract (usually from a kidney stone or enlarged prostate) causes urine to back up from the bladder to the kidneys.

what are the symptoms of a urinary tract infection?

• an urgent need to urinate despite passing very little urine when doing so
• a burning sensation while urinating
• cloudy or strong-smelling urine
• lower abdominal pain

it is important to note that some other conditions or behaviours, such as anxiety, smoking, drinking large amounts of coffee, pre-menstrual syndrome or food allergies, can produce symptoms that are similar to a uti . people with a history of kidney or urinary tract infections face an increased risk of another infection, as do people with diabetes or some other chronic conditions. if you experience the following symptoms, your kidney or prostate may be infected and you should see a doctor immediately:

• fever, chills or vomiting
• blood or pus mixed in with urine
• intense back pain
• pain while urinating during pregnancy

how is a urinary tract infection diagnosed?

according to the mayo clinic , utis are typically diagnosed by analyzing a urine sample for the presence of white blood cells, red blood cells or bacteria. sometimes, a lab will grow a sample from the urinary tract to determine what bacteria they are dealing with and which medication will be most effective. people who experience frequent utis or have what the doctor suspects to be an abnormal urinary tract may have a ct scan or an mri prescribed to allow for a more thorough diagnosis. a doctor may also perform a cystoscopy, a procedure that involves sending a long, thin tube connected to a tiny camera up the urethra and into the bladder.

how is a urinary tract infection treated?

how to prevent a urinary tract infection

according to the city of toronto , there are a few ways to minimize the risk of acquiring a uti, including urinating before and after sexual intercourse, drinking plenty of water as this can help flush out bacteria, and avoiding spermicidal products. women should wipe from front to back after using the toilet.

how many people get urinary tract infections?

utis are the most common form of outpatient infections, according to one study , with between 50 and 60 per cent of adult women expected to experience at least one in their lifetime. prevalence increases with age and women over 65 face almost double the rate of utis (20 per cent vs. 11 per cent) as the general population. according to the study, around 10 per cent of post-menopausal women indicated they had a uti in the past year.

support and resources if you have a urinary tract infection

if you or someone you know is prone to experiencing utis, the kidney foundation of canada is a offers information and resources about the condition, including advice on how to reduce the likelihood of a repeat occurrence.