CONDITIONS
Bladder and Kidney Infections
Urinary infections (UTIs) are characterized by the presence micro-organisms causing inflammation of the urinary tract with resultant discomfort. These infections are most often caused by bacteria and are commonly seen in adult females.
Urinary tract infections are also seen in males but are less common due to a longer urethra, the anti-bacterial nature of the prostatic fluid and the drier urethral environment.
What are the related symptoms of recurrent urinary tract infections?
Signs and symptoms of a bladder infection include:
- Frequent urination
- Pain/pressure felt in the lower abdomen
- Small-volume voiding
- Increase in night-time voiding
- Blood in your urine
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Pain in the bladder region
Signs and symptoms of kidney infections include
- Fever and chills
- Nausea
- Pain on the lower back or below the ribs
How are recurrent urinary tract infections treated?
The first step in treating a urinary tract infection is to define the type of urinary tract infection. Urinary tract infections may be classified according to:
- Micro-organism (Bacterial, Fungal, Viral)
- Community or hospital-acquired
- Part of the urinary tract involved (Kidney, bladder, prostate, urethra)
- Anatomy (Normal vs Abnormal)
- Unresolved
- Untreated
- Recurrent
- Reinfected
- Bacterial persistence
- Severity
- Underlying immune deficiency
Once the infection has been classified, a plan for treating the infection and also preventing further infections can be made. A baseline physical assessment including an ultrasound scan and a cystoscopy is often required.
The basis of treatment is the prescription of an appropriately chosen antibiotic for a period of time determined by the classification of the infection. General prevention strategies, as well as patient-specific measures to prevent infections, will also be suggested and prescribed.