"A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that affects part of the urinary tract. When it affects the lower urinary tract it is known as a bladder infection (cystitis) and when it affects the upper urinary tract it is known as a kidney infection (pyelonephritis)."
Study of infections that affect the urinary system, including bacterial infections of the bladder and kidneys.
Urinary System: overview and general function: The urinary system, also known as the renal system, is responsible for removing waste products and excess fluids from the body.
Anatomy of the Urinary System: The urinary system is composed of the kidneys, ureters, the bladder, and the urethra. The kidneys are the primary organs of the urinary system, and they are responsible for filtering waste and excess fluids from the bloodstream.
Physiology of the Urinary System: The physiology of the urinary system involves the process of filtration, reabsorption, and secretion.
Pathophysiology of Urinary Tract Infections: Urinary tract infections occur when bacteria enter the urinary system and cause an infection. Symptoms include frequent and painful urination, lower abdominal pain, and fever.
Causes of Urinary Tract Infections: Urinary tract infections can be caused by a variety of factors, including bacteria, anatomical abnormalities, and weakened immune systems.
Risk Factors for Urinary Tract Infections: People with certain risk factors, such as women, older adults, and people with a history of urinary tract infections, are more likely to develop a urinary tract infection.
Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infections: Diagnosis of urinary tract infections involves a physical exam, urinalysis, and potentially other tests.
Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections: Treatment of urinary tract infections often involves antibiotics, and home remedies such as drinking plenty of fluids and taking pain relievers.
Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections: Preventive measures for urinary tract infections include proper hygiene, staying hydrated, and avoiding certain irritants.
Complications of Urinary Tract Infections: Complications of urinary tract infections may include kidney damage, pyelonephritis, sepsis, and rarely, chronic kidney disease.
Cystitis: Inflammation of the bladder caused by an infection in the bladder wall.
Pyelonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney caused by an infection in the upper urinary tract.
Urethritis: Inflammation of the urethra caused by bacterial infection.
Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland caused by bacterial infection.
Interstitial Cystitis: Inflammation of the bladder due to non-bacterial causes.
Acute bacterial prostatitis: Severe inflammation of the prostate gland, usually caused by a bacterial infection.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis: Long-term inflammation of the prostate gland due to recurring bacterial infection.
Non-bacterial prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland due to other causes instead of bacterial infection.
Hemorrhagic cystitis: Inflammation of the bladder from radiation, medication, or chemicals causing bleeding in the urine.
"Symptoms from a lower urinary tract infection include pain with urination, frequent urination, and feeling the need to urinate despite having an empty bladder."
"Symptoms of a kidney infection include fever and flank pain usually in addition to the symptoms of a lower UTI."
"Rarely the urine may appear bloody."
"In the very old and the very young, symptoms may be vague or non-specific."
"The most common cause of infection is Escherichia coli, though other bacteria or fungi may sometimes be the cause."
"Risk factors include female anatomy, sexual intercourse, diabetes, obesity, and family history."
"Although sexual intercourse is a risk factor, UTIs are not classified as sexually transmitted infections (STIs)."
"Kidney infection, if it occurs, usually follows a bladder infection but may also result from a blood-borne infection."
"Diagnosis in young healthy women can be based on symptoms alone."
"In complicated cases or if treatment fails, a urine culture may be useful."
"In uncomplicated cases, UTIs are treated with a short course of antibiotics such as nitrofurantoin or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole."
"Phenazopyridine may help with symptoms."
"In those who have bacteria or white blood cells in their urine but have no symptoms, antibiotics are generally not needed, although during pregnancy is an exception."
"About 150 million people develop a urinary tract infection in a given year."
"They are more common in women than men."
"Similar between anatomies while carrying indwelling catheters."
"In women, they are the most common form of bacterial infection."
"Up to 10% of women have a urinary tract infection in a given year, and half of women have at least one infection at some point in their lifetime."
"They occur most frequently between the ages of 16 and 35 years."