Definition
A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection that can happen anywhere along the urinary tract. The urinary tract includes the:
- Bladder
- Kidneys
- Ureters -- the tubes that take urine from each kidney to the bladder
- Urethra -- the tube that empties urine from the bladder to the outside
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Definition
A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection that can happen anywhere along the urinary tract. The urinary tract includes the:
- Bladder
- Kidneys
- Ureters -- the tubes that take urine from each kidney to the bladder
- Urethra -- the tube that empties urine from the bladder to the outside
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Symptoms
The symptoms of a UTI include:
Young children with UTIs may only have a fever, or no symptoms at all.
Additional symptoms may include:
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Causes
Cystitis, a common condition, is usually caused by bacteria entering the urethra and then the bladder. This leads to inflammation and infection in the lower urinary tract.
Certain people are more likely to get UTIs. Women tend to get them more often because their urethra is shorter and closer to the anus. Elderly people (especially those in nursing homes) and people with diabetes also get more UTIs.
Some children develop UTIs. In boys, they are most common before the first birthday. In young girls, UTIs are most common around age 3, overlapping with the toilet training period.
Cystitis in children can be promoted by abnormalities in the urinary tract. Therefore, children with cystitis, especially those ...
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Treatment
A mild case of cystitis may go away on its own without treatment. Because of the risk of the infection spreading to the kidneys, however, antibiotics are usually recommended. It is important that you finish the entire course of prescribed antibiotics.
In children, cystitis should be treated promptly with antibiotics to protect their developing kidneys. In the elderly, prompt treatment is recommended due to the greater chances of deadly complications.
Commonly used antibiotics include:
- Amoxicillin
- Doxycycline (should not be used under age 8)
- Cephalosporins
- Nitrofurantoin
- Sulfa drugs (sulfonamides)
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Other Names
Bladder infection; Cystitis; UTI
Outlook (Prognosis)
Cystitis is uncomfortable, but usually responds well to treatment.
Prevention
- Do NOT douche or use similar feminine hygiene products.
- Do NOT drink fluids that irritate the bladder, like alcohol and caffeine.
- Drink cranberry juice or use cranberry tablets, but NOT if you have a personal or family history of kidney stones.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Keep your genital area clean.
- Urinate after sexual intercourse.
- Wear cloth undergarments.
- Wipe from front to back.
Use of low-dose antibiotics on a daily basis may be recommended to prevent UTIs if you get frequent infections.
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Exams and Tests
Tests generally include taking a urine sample.
Urinalysis commonly reveals nitrates, white blood cells, and red blood cells. See also: RBC - urine
A urine culture (clean catch) or catheterized urine specimen may be done to determine the type of bacteria in the urine and the appropriate antibiotic for treatment.
TESTING IN CHILDREN
Many children with cystitis need special imaging studies to determine why they got a urinary tract infection. Many of them have something abnormal about their anatomy that predispose them to infections. The long-term consequences of repeated urinary tract infections in children can be quite serious. However, these infections can usually be prevented.
Special studies usually include an ultrasound of the kidneys and an x-ray taken during urination (called a voiding cystourethrogram or VCUG).
Most experts recommend this evaluation for:
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References
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Evidence-based care guideline for medical management of first urinary tract infection in children 12 years of age or less. Cincinnati (OH): Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; 2006 Nov. 23 p.
Walsh, PC, ed. Campbells Urology . 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2002.
Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosens Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002.
