Acute Conditions
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) 
What are infections affecting the urinary tract?
A urinary tract infection can impact any portion of the urinary system, including the ureters, urethra, bladder, and kidneys. However, most infections impact the lower portion of the urinary tract, which is made up of the urethra and bladder.
What are the common signs of urinary tract infections?
- Increased urge to urinate
- A burning sensation while urinating
- Increase in urination, passing small amounts of urine
- Hazy urine
- Traces of blood in the urine cause urine to appear pink or cola-coloured.
- Potent smelling urine
- Uncomfortable pelvic pain, particularly in the middle of the pelvis and the area surrounding the pubic bone.
How do you diagnose urinary tract infections?
Procedures done to check for urinary tract infections include the following:
- Urine sampling involves analysing a urine sample to assess its contents for red and white blood cells and bacteria.
- An MRI or CT scan is ordered to create detailed images of the urinary tract to visualise parts of the urinary system in detail. Furthermore, a contrast dye is injected to highlight parts of the urinary system.
- A cystoscopy uses a lighted, flexible scope (cystoscope) to examine the inside of the bladder and urethra. Doctors place the cystoscope through the urethra, which is guided to the bladder.
How do you treat urinary tract infections?
Antibiotics serve as the first line of defence against urinary tract infections, mainly if the cause of the infection is the presence of harmful bacteria. Your overall health, including the type of bacteria traced in your urine, should determine the type of medication needed.
General medications prescribed for standard UTIs include the following:
- Bactrim
- Monurol
- Cephalexin
Typically, urinary tract infections should begin to clear up from the onset of treatment, but antibiotics are usually taken for a week or more. The duration of treatment depends on the symptoms and your medical evaluation.
FAQ
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Burning pain when urinating
- Pain in the side and lower back pain
