Dr Bryan Betty: Urinary Tract Infections

What is a urinary tract infection and who gets them? 

-Referred to as a bladder infection or cystitis 

-Bacteria gets up into bladder causing the infection 

-Sometimes if untreated can go up into the kidneys – more serious infection is called pyelonephritis 

-More common in women – most women will get one at some point 

-Less common in men – often related to an enlarged prostate as get older 

How do you recognise them? 

-Burning passing urine 

-Increased frequency of urination  

-Sudden urgency to pass urine 

-Abdominal pain 

-Smelly or cloudy urine 

-Children can also get urine infections: temperatures, or suddenly bed wetting at night 

-Elderly: can be very difficult to diagnose.  May present with confusion or a fall. 

-Often the GP or nurse will do urine test or send-off sample to the Lab. 

How do we treat them? 

-Antibiotics from doctor or nurse 

-If its straightforward your pharmacist may be able to give you antibiotics 

-Drink plenty of fluids 

-You need to see a doctor if you haven’t improved in three days, develop shakes, have a spiking temperature, or increasing pain 

Can you Prevent them? 

-Stay well hydrated, cranberry juice may help prevent them 

-Post-sex voiding urine sometimes advised 

-Avoid wearing tight-fitting underwear 

-Make sure to wipe after bowel movements, going front to back 

-Treating constipation if present, as it puts pressure on the bladder 

-They can be recurrent and may need ‘preventive antibiotics. 

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