Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, bladder, and the ureters. It is often bacteria-based and is more frequent in women. A UTI can be a bladder or kidney infection. Kidney infections usually take longer to resolve and may even require hospitalization.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection may include:

• Back pain, pelvic pain
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Painful urination
• Cloudy urine
• Blood in the urine
• General ill feeling; malaise

Treatment

Self-help measures: Over the counter pain relievers, use of a heating pad and drinking plenty of fluids, including cranberry juice.

Medication. Often anti-bacterial drugs. Duration of use depends upon the type of bacteria. May also include self-directed antibiotic treatment and vaginal estrogen if the woman is susceptible to recurrent UTIs.

Additional tests may be necessary if infections are recurrent.