Can you have a urinary infection without experiencing pain. What are the symptoms of a silent UTI. How is a painless UTI diagnosed and treated. Why is it crucial to address UTIs promptly, even without discomfort.

The Misconception of Painful UTIs: Unveiling the Truth

Many people associate urinary tract infections (UTIs) with burning or pain during urination. However, this common belief doesn’t always hold true. In fact, a significant number of UTIs can occur without causing any pain or discomfort. These “silent” or “asymptomatic” UTIs pose a unique challenge, as they may go undetected and untreated for longer periods.

Board-certified urologists Dr. Ahmad Kasraeian and Dr. Ali Kasraeian, along with their expert team at Kasraeian Urology in Jacksonville, FL, emphasize the importance of recognizing that UTIs can present in various ways. While some patients experience intense discomfort, others may have subtle or no symptoms at all.

Understanding UTIs: Causes and Risk Factors

UTIs develop when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and travel to the bladder, kidneys, or other urinary structures. Although UTIs are more prevalent in women, they can affect individuals of any age and gender. Several factors contribute to the development of UTIs:

• Being female
• Poor hygiene practices
• Wearing thong or string underwear
• Sexual intercourse
• Incomplete bladder emptying
• Urinary retention

Understanding these risk factors can help individuals take preventive measures and seek timely medical attention when necessary.

Silent UTIs: When Pain Isn’t Present

Can you have a UTI without experiencing pain? The answer is yes. Many patients develop painless UTIs, challenging the common perception that all urinary infections are accompanied by discomfort. While most individuals will exhibit at least one other common UTI symptom, such as fever, foul-smelling urine, or fatigue, some cases may remain entirely asymptomatic.

This phenomenon underscores the importance of regular check-ups and being attuned to subtle changes in your body. Even without pain, a UTI can progress and potentially lead to more severe complications if left untreated.

Recognizing the Diverse Symptoms of UTIs

While pain-free UTIs exist, most cases of urinary tract infections do present with at least some symptoms. Recognizing these signs is crucial for early detection and treatment. Common symptoms of UTIs include:

• Burning or stinging sensation during urination
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Pelvic discomfort
• Fever and chills
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue or general feeling of unwellness
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine

If you experience any combination of these symptoms, even without pain, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation.

Diagnostic Approaches for UTIs: Beyond Traditional Methods

How are UTIs diagnosed, especially when symptoms are minimal or absent? The team at Kasraeian Urology employs a range of diagnostic tools to confirm the presence of bacteria in urine and identify the specific pathogen causing the infection. These methods include:

1. Urinalysis
2. Urine culture
3. PCR test for urine culture

The PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test represents a significant advancement in UTI diagnosis. This highly sensitive method offers same-day results and can identify the specific bacteria causing the infection. Moreover, it provides information on antibiotic sensitivity, enabling healthcare providers to prescribe the most effective treatment promptly.

The Advantages of PCR Testing for UTIs

Why is PCR testing particularly beneficial for diagnosing UTIs? This advanced diagnostic tool offers several advantages:

• Rapid results, often available within the same day
• High accuracy in identifying bacterial strains
• Ability to detect antibiotic resistance
• Improved treatment precision, reducing the risk of ineffective antibiotics

By utilizing PCR testing, healthcare providers can offer more targeted and effective treatment plans, particularly beneficial for patients with recurrent or complex UTIs.

The Dangers of Untreated UTIs: Why Prompt Action Matters

Why is it crucial to treat UTIs promptly, even when they’re not causing pain? Untreated urinary tract infections can lead to severe complications. As the infection spreads, it can affect the kidneys and potentially enter the bloodstream, causing a life-threatening condition known as sepsis.

Potential complications of untreated UTIs include:

• Kidney infections (pyelonephritis)
• Permanent kidney damage
• Increased risk of premature birth or low birth weight in pregnant women
• Sepsis, a potentially life-threatening systemic infection

These risks underscore the importance of seeking medical attention for suspected UTIs, even when symptoms are mild or absent.

Treatment Approaches for UTIs: Tailored Care for Every Patient

How are UTIs treated, and does the approach differ for silent infections? The primary treatment for UTIs typically involves a course of antibiotics. However, the specific antibiotic and duration of treatment may vary based on several factors:

• The type of bacteria causing the infection
• The severity of symptoms
• Whether the infection is in the lower or upper urinary tract
• The patient’s overall health and medical history

For asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic UTIs, healthcare providers may still recommend treatment to prevent potential complications. However, the approach might be more conservative, focusing on shorter courses of antibiotics or close monitoring.

Complementary Approaches to UTI Management

In addition to antibiotics, what other strategies can help manage UTIs? Healthcare providers may recommend:

• Increased fluid intake to help flush out bacteria
• Pain relievers for symptomatic relief
• Probiotics to support urinary tract health
• Lifestyle modifications to reduce the risk of recurrent infections

These complementary approaches can support the body’s natural defenses and improve overall urinary tract health.

Preventing Future UTIs: Proactive Strategies for Urinary Health

How can individuals reduce their risk of developing UTIs in the future? While not all UTIs are preventable, several strategies can help minimize the risk:

• Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Urinate frequently and completely, especially after sexual intercourse
• Practice good hygiene, wiping from front to back after using the bathroom
• Avoid using irritating feminine products in the genital area
• Consider cranberry products, which may help prevent UTIs in some individuals
• Wear breathable, cotton underwear

For those prone to recurrent UTIs, healthcare providers may recommend additional preventive measures, such as low-dose antibiotics or vaginal estrogen therapy for postmenopausal women.

The Role of Regular Check-ups in UTI Prevention

Regular urological check-ups play a crucial role in maintaining urinary tract health, especially for individuals with a history of UTIs or those at higher risk. These check-ups allow healthcare providers to:

• Monitor for silent or developing infections
• Assess overall urinary tract health
• Provide personalized advice on prevention strategies
• Address any concerns or symptoms promptly

By maintaining open communication with healthcare providers, individuals can take a proactive approach to their urinary health and reduce the risk of both symptomatic and asymptomatic UTIs.

Advancements in UTI Research: Looking Towards the Future

What does the future hold for UTI diagnosis and treatment? Ongoing research in the field of urology continues to advance our understanding of urinary tract infections and improve diagnostic and treatment approaches. Some promising areas of research include:

• Development of rapid, point-of-care diagnostic tests
• Exploration of non-antibiotic treatment options to combat antibiotic resistance
• Investigation of the urinary microbiome and its role in UTI prevention
• Personalized medicine approaches to tailor UTI treatment to individual patients

These advancements hold the potential to revolutionize UTI management, offering more precise, effective, and patient-friendly solutions in the future.

The Importance of Patient Education in UTI Management

How can improved patient education contribute to better UTI outcomes? Empowering patients with knowledge about UTIs, including the possibility of silent infections, can lead to:

• Earlier detection and treatment of UTIs
• Improved adherence to preventive strategies
• Reduced anxiety about urinary symptoms
• Better communication with healthcare providers

Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in educating patients about the diverse presentations of UTIs and the importance of regular check-ups, even in the absence of symptoms.

Understanding that urinary tract infections can occur without pain challenges common perceptions and emphasizes the need for vigilance in urinary health. By recognizing the diverse symptoms of UTIs, seeking prompt medical attention, and adopting preventive strategies, individuals can protect themselves from the potential complications of untreated infections. The advancements in diagnostic tools, such as PCR testing, offer new hope for rapid and accurate UTI detection, paving the way for more effective and personalized treatment approaches. As research continues to expand our knowledge of UTIs, the future holds promise for even better management strategies, ultimately improving the quality of life for those affected by these common yet potentially serious infections.

Does A UTI Always Cause Painful Urination?

Ahmad Kasraeian, M.D., FACS | 01/25/2022

If you’re like most people, you probably think of burning or pain with urination being an unavoidable consequence of a UTI. In reality, many urinary tract infections do not cause painful urination, and some patients with UTIs are completely asymptomatic. Even without dysuria, UTIs can still be uncomfortable and even dangerous if left untreated. To help patients get relief from a wide range of UTI symptoms and avoid future infections, board-certified urologists Drs. Ahmad and Ali Kasraeian and the expert team at Kasraeian Urology in Jacksonville, FL provide the most current testing and treatment tools available today, including the breakthrough PCR test. Read on for a closer look at what symptoms you may experience with a UTI and how your urinary tract infection may be most effectively identified and treated to give you the rapid relief you deserve.

How do you get a UTI?

UTIs develop when bacteria enter the urinary tract via the urethra and travel to the bladder, kidney, or other structures in the urinary tract, and grow into an infection. While UTIs are more common in women than men, anyone of any age can develop a UTI. Some of most common causes and risks factors for UTIs include:

• Being female
• Poor hygiene
• Wearing thong/string underwear
• Sexual intercourse
• Incomplete bladder emptying
• Urinary retention

Can I have a UTI without pain?

Yes. Many patients develop painless UTIs, though most men and women will have at least one other common UTI symptom, such as fever, foul-smelling urine, or fatigue.

Recognizing the symptoms of a UTI

Although certain cases of urinary tract infection cause no symptoms, the majority of patients with a UTI will experience at least some symptoms, which may include:

• Pain with urination
• Burning with urination
• Stinging while urinating
• Pelvic pain
• Feeling of constantly needing to urinate
• Fever
• Chills
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue
• Feeling generally unwell
• Cloudy urine
• Foul-smelling or strong-smelling urine

If you suspect that your uncomfortable symptoms may be related to a urinary tract infection, our knowledgeable team can perform one or more of the following to confirm the presence of bacteria in your urine, identify which bacteria is causing your UTI, and determine the most appropriate antibiotic for you:

• Urinalysis
• Urine culture
• PCR test for urine culture

What happens if a UTI is left untreated?

Even if you aren’t experiencing significant pain or burning, it is still critical that your UTI is treated completely with a full course of the appropriate antibiotic. If left untreated, a UTI can continue to spread throughout your urinary tract, into the kidneys, and beyond, which can cause a number of severe symptoms and even life-threatening complications.

To help patients get the most accurate diagnosis of their urinary tract infection, Dr. Kasraeian often recommends the PCR test. This highly advanced tool offers same-day results and can identify which bacteria is causing the UTI and which antibiotics the pathogen may be sensitive or resistant to, ensuring the best possible chance for quick treatment and rapid relief.

Get faster, more accurate answers about your UTI symptoms with a PCR test in Jacksonville, FL

Whether you have intense burning on urination or simply don’t feel like yourself, you deserve accurate answers and rapid relief when it comes to your urinary tract infection. To learn more about the benefits of a PCR urine test and how to prevent future UTIs, call Kasraeian Urology in Jacksonville, FL to schedule your private consultation with board-certified urologists Dr. Ahmad Kasraeian or Dr. Ali Kasraeian today.

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Bladder Infection Symptoms, Causes, Home Remedies, and More

Medically Reviewed by Melinda Ratini, MS, DO on January 11, 2022

About half of women will get a urinary tract infection, or UTI, at some point in life. It happens when germs infect the system that carries urine out of the body — the kidneys, bladder, and the tubes that connect them. Bladder infections are common and usually not serious if treated promptly. But if the infection spreads to the kidneys, it can cause more serious illness.

Most UTIs are bladder infections. Symptoms include:

• Pain or burning during urination
• The urge to urinate often
• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Urine that is cloudy or foul-smelling
• Some people may have no symptoms

An untreated bladder infection can spread to the kidneys. Signs of this include:

• Pain on either side of the lower back
• Fever and chills
• Nausea and vomiting

See your doctor right away if you have signs of a urinary tract infection. A bladder infection is generally not a medical emergency — but some people have a higher risk for complications. This includes pregnant women, the elderly, and men, as well as people with diabetes, kidney problems, or a weakened immune system.

Although burning during urination is a telltale sign of a UTI, it can  also be a symptom of a number of other problems such as a vaginal yeast infection or certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). These  include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. Simple lab tests are  available to distinguish a UTI from an STD. Interstitial cystitis also has many of the same symptoms as a urinary tract infection. It can happen in both men and women and can start after a UTI. A cystoscopy, a thin tube and camera that is inserted into the bladder, can not diagnosis interstitial cystitis, but it can help identify abnormalities in the badder that cause cystitis.  

Few things can ruin a honeymoon like a UTI. But this is so common, it has its own name — “honeymoon cystitis.” The reason is that sexual activity can push bacteria into the urethra. Of course, the problem is not confined to honeymoons. Some women get a bladder infection almost every time they have sex. Women who use a diaphragm for birth control are especially vulnerable.

Occasionally, UTIs occur without the classic symptoms. A person may have no symptoms at all. Yet, a urine test shows the presence of bacteria. This is known as asymptomatic bacteriuria. In many cases, no treatment is needed. But pregnant women, some children, and recipients of kidney transplants should be treated to avoid a kidney infection.

The main danger associated with untreated UTIs is that the infection may  spread from the bladder to one or both kidneys. When bacteria attack the  kidneys, they can cause damage that will permanently reduce kidney function. In  people who already have kidney problems, this can raise the risk of kidney  failure. There’s also a small chance that the infection may enter the  bloodstream and spread to other organs.

Many types of bacteria live in the intestines and genital area, but this is not true of the urinary system. In fact, urine is sterile. So when errant bacteria, such as the E. coli shown here, is accidentally introduced into the urinary system, it can start a UTI. Typically, bacteria travel up the urethra to the bladder, where an infection can take hold. Women are more susceptible than men, probably because they have shorter urethras.

UTIs are most common in sexually active women. Other factors that may increase your risk include:

• Not drinking enough fluids
• Taking frequent baths
• Holding urine in the bladder too long
• Kidney stones

Men are much less likely than women to get UTIs. When it does happen, it’s often related to another underlying medical condition, such as a kidney stone or an enlarged prostate.

The first step in diagnosing a UTI is usually a simple urine test called a urinalysis. It looks for bacteria, as well as abnormal counts of white and red blood cells. The dipstick test provides quick results, but a urine analysis is not enough by itself to diagnose a UTI. Your doctor may also send urine to a lab for a culture to confirm the type of bacteria and whether or not you have a UTI. At-home test kits can help detect a UTI, but they are not 100% accurate. Be sure to go over the results and symptoms with your doctor.

Some UTIs do not require treatment, but prescription antibiotics will almost always cure a UTI. Your healthcare provider may recommend drinking lots of fluids and emptying your bladder frequently to help flush out the bacteria. Kidney infections can often be treated with oral antibiotics, too. But severe kidney infections may require hospital care, including a course of intravenous antibiotics.

Some women are prone to getting UTIs over and over again. If you have three or more a year, talk to your doctor about how to prevent or minimize these infections. Your options may include:

• Taking a low dose of antibiotics long-term
• Taking a single antibiotic dose after sex
• Taking antibiotics promptly as self-treatment when symptoms appear
• Vaginal estrogen therapy in peri and post-menopausal women

For some women, using non antibiotic treatment such as taking cranberry supplements can help prevent UTIs. Be sure to discuss your options and their potential effectiveness with your doctor.

An over-the-counter drug called phenazopyridine can help ease your pain, burning, and irritation. It also controls your need to pee frequently and urgently.

But there’s a catch. It only works on your symptoms. It doesn’t cure your infection. You still need to see your doctor to make sure you get treatment to fight the bacteria that’s causing your UTI.

Also, one common side effect: It turns your pee dark red or orange while you take it.

People with diabetes are more vulnerable to UTIs for several reasons. First, their immune systems tend to be weaker. Second, high blood sugar can spill into the urine and encourage the growth of bacteria. Also, nerve damage related to diabetes can prevent the bladder from fully emptying. People with diabetes should talk with their doctor at the first sign of a UTI.

During pregnancy, there are several factors that boost the risk of UTIs, especially a kidney infection. Hormones cause changes in the urinary tract, and the uterus may put pressure on the ureters or bladder or both — making it more difficult for urine to pass from the kidneys to the bladder and out. Untreated UTIs can contribute to preterm labor, so be sure to alert your doctor if you suspect you have an infection.

Estrogen has a protective effect in the urinary tract, but levels of this hormone drop off significantly during menopause. Low estrogen levels can make it easier for bacteria to thrive in the vagina or urethra. For this reason, women may be more susceptible to UTIs after menopause.

A hospital stay can put you at risk for a UTI, particularly if you need to use a catheter. This is a thin tube that’s inserted through the urethra to carry urine out of the body. Bacteria can enter through the catheter and reach the bladder. This is more often a problem for older adults who require prolonged hospital stays or who live in long-term care facilities.

UTIs are among the most common infections in the elderly. But the symptoms may not follow the classic pattern. Agitation, delirium, or other behavioral changes may be the only sign of a UTI in elderly men and women. This age group is also more likely to develop serious complications as a result of UTIs.

Babies occasionally develop UTIs, but they can’t tell you what they feel. Here are some signs to watch for:

• An unexplained fever
• Strange-smelling urine
• Poor appetite or vomiting
• Fussy behavior

It’s vital to treat a baby’s UTI quickly to prevent kidney damage. Promptly changing a dirty diaper can help prevent bladder infections. And of course, wipe from front to back whenever changing a baby’s diaper.

About 1% of boys and 3% of girls develop UTIs by age 11. This includes some children who repeatedly delay a bathroom trip. Their muscles may not relax enough later to fully empty the bladder and flush away any bacteria. More regular bathroom trips and drinking plenty of liquids may help. A small number of children have a structural problem that obstructs urine flow or lets urine flow back from the bladder to the kidneys, triggering chronic kidney infections. This can lead to kidney damage.

Accidents are par for the course during toilet training. Even kids who have mastered the art of the potty may sometimes have a relapse. Other children may scream or cry when taken to the potty, as a way of rebelling against the process. These are generally not signs of a UTI.

Here are several strategies to reduce the risk of UTIs:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Visit the toilet before and after sex.
• Wipe from front to back.
• Avoid feminine hygiene sprays.
• Take showers instead of baths.

Maybe Mom told you that cranberry juice cures a UTI. They’re close. Some studies suggest it can help prevent, but not treat an infection in some people. It  is more effective in  women at risk for the infections. Cranberries contain a substance that prevents E. coli bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder. If you don’t like the taste of cranberry juice, capsules or tablets may work, too. People with a history of kidney stones should check with a doctor, first.

IMAGES PROVIDED BY:

(1) David M. Phillips / Photo Researchers, Eye of Science / Photo Researchers, 3D4Medical.com
(2) Thierry Dosogne/Photographer’s Choice
(3) Tetra Images
(4) Tom Merton/OJO Images
(5) Peter Dazeley/Photographer’s Choice
(6) Jupiterimages
(7) Fancy
(8) Eye of Science / Photo Researchers, 3D4Medical.com
(9) 3D4Medical.com
(10) Darcy G. Varney/Flickr
(11) David Sacks/The Image Bank
(12) ProHealthMedia/Doc-Stock
(13) Radius Images
(14) Corbis
(15) Getty
(16) Moodboard/Cultura
(17) Dorling Kindserley/Agency Collection
(18) Imagewerks
(19) Bounce/Uppercut Images
(20) Bambu Productions/Taxi
(21) Nicole Hill/Rubberball
(22) Matt Carey/Flickr
(23) Safia Fatimi/Photographer’s Choice
(24) Laurence Monneret/Stock Image
(25) Rosemary Calvert/Photographer’s Choice RF
 

REFERENCES:

American Academy of Family Physicians.
American Academy of Pediatrics.
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
American Journal of Epidemiology, October 2004.
Cochrane Database.
Lynch, D. Am Fam Physician. December 1, 2004.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
National Women’s Health Information Center.
Nemours Foundation.
University of Maryland Medical Center.
Urology Institute.
Virginia Tech Health Center

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists: “Phenazopyridine. “

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Acute, chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs) in adults

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infectious diseases. UTI is more common in women than in men. So, during the life of 40-50% of women experience one episode of UTI, while about 30% of them suffer from recurrent infections. 1 in 2000 healthy men will develop this painful condition once a year.

What is the urinary tract

The urinary system is the system responsible for producing urine and removing it from the body. It includes the following organs:

• The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs about the size of your fists that produce urine from our body’s metabolic waste products.
• Ureters are tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
• The urinary bladder is an unpaired hollow organ used to store urine.
• The urethra is the tube from the bladder through which urine is expelled from the body.

Causes

Most urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by bacteria that live in the digestive system. Escherichia coli (E. coli) plays a key role in the development of UTI. This pathogen accounts for 75% of all cases of infections of the lower urinary tract.

If these bacteria enter the urethra, they can cause an infection.

Bacteria can multiply and travel through the urinary tract causing infections:

• Urethra (urethritis)
• Bladder (cystitis)
• Kidney (pyelonephritis)

Risk group

Women suffer from UTI more often than men. This is due to the fact that in women, the urethra is closer to the anus than in men. In addition, a woman’s urethra is much shorter, making it easier for bacteria to access the bladder.

You may also be more likely to develop urinary tract infections if you have:

• Diseases in which there is obstruction or blockage of the urinary tract, such as urolithiasis or hydronephrosis.
• A disease that interferes with the complete emptying of the bladder (stagnation of urine makes it easier for bacteria to multiply), such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (adenoma), narrowing (stricture) of the urethra, prolapse of the pelvic organs.
• Weakened immune system, such as during chemotherapy.
• If you have had a catheter inserted into your urethra for any reason – a tube inserted into your bladder to remove urine.

Other risk factors in women

Urinary tract infections in women can also occur if:

• They are sexually active – during intercourse, the urethra can become irritated, which allows bacteria to enter the bladder through it much more easily.
• They use a vaginal diaphragm for contraception – the diaphragm can put pressure on the bladder and prevent it from emptying normally.
• Spermicide-coated condoms are used – spermicides can irritate the vagina, making it more vulnerable to infections.
• Prefer tight underwear (thongs).

Asymptomatic bacteriuria

Having bacteria in your urine does not necessarily mean you will develop a urinary tract infection (UTI).

In some people, the bacteria present in the urine does not lead to any negative consequences. This asymptomatic infectious disease is known as asymptomatic bacteriuria. It is more common in women than in men. Do not miss the onset of inflammation will allow monitoring of the general analysis of urine-determination of the level of leukocytes, nitrites. In these cases, having a portable urine analyzer at home is indispensable.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an upper urinary tract infection (kidneys and ureters) are different from those of a lower urinary tract infection (bladder and urethra).

However, in some cases you may notice symptoms from both areas, as the infection can spread from one area to another.

The symptoms of a urinary tract infection can be similar to those of many other diseases and do not necessarily mean that you have an infection.

Lower urinary tract symptoms include:

• Frequent urge to urinate, persistent, dull pain in the pubic region and pain when urinating (dysuria)
• Cloudy urine or blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Bad smell of urine
• General malaise

Upper urinary tract symptoms include:

• High temperature (fever) of 38°C or higher.
• Pain in the lumbar region.
• Chill.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Stool disorder.

If you have an upper urinary tract infection, you may also experience pain in your side, back, or groin. The pain can range in severity from moderate to severe and is often worsened by urination.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI) is carried out using a urinalysis, which can detect an increase in the number of leukocytes, nitrites, erythrocytes.

Increased risk of complications

There are some risk factors that increase the chance of more serious UTIs. These include:

• Kidney disease
• Diabetes mellitus type 1 or 2
• Weakened immune system due to chemotherapy
• “Congestion” in the urinary tract, such as kidney stones or a catheter (a thin tube inserted into the urethra by a healthcare professional to empty the bladder)
• Pregnancy
• People over the age of 65

If any of the above conditions apply to you, home monitoring of a general urine test is advisable – determining the level of leukocytes, nitrites as early markers of inflammation. Starting treatment on time will reduce the risk of serious complications from a UTI, and in cases where home treatment is not effective enough, it will allow your doctor to recommend hospitalization in a timely manner. In these cases, it becomes indispensable to have a portable urine analyzer at home.

UTIs and dementia

If an older person with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease develops a UTI, it can lead to a marked change in their behavior within a few days, known as delirium.

Signs of delirium are:

• Agitation or restlessness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Hallucinations or delusions
• Unusual drowsiness
• Withdrawal

Because a person with dementia may not be able to discuss the problem, family members or caregivers should be aware of these signs of a UTI, and home monitoring of a urinalysis is also helpful. If you notice these signs, and inflammatory changes appear in the general urine test, seek medical help so that the patient can be examined and treated as soon as possible.

When additional tests are needed

Usually, additional tests and body tests are not needed, but if your symptoms do not improve during treatment, or if the UTI may be caused by an abnormality in the urinary tract, further body tests are recommended. Additional tests may be recommended for you:

• CT scan of the urinary tract (urogram)
• Cystoscopy
• Ultrasound

Treatment

Antibiotics are prescribed for urinary tract infections.

The treatment of urinary tract infections depends primarily on the site of the infection (upper or lower infection). Both types of UTIs can usually be treated at home with antibiotics, under the control of a urinalysis.

If an upper UTI is more severe or you are at increased risk for complications, you may be treated in a hospital.

Self-help

Make sure you drink plenty of fluids as this will help relieve fever symptoms and prevent dehydration.

Recurrent UTIs

Unfortunately, some people experience recurrent UTIs. Recurrence of UTIs can happen because the urethra becomes irritated after intercourse. If you suspect that this may be the cause of a recurring UTI, you may be given an antibiotic each time you have sex.

The use of a contraceptive diaphragm or spermicide-coated condoms may increase the risk of UTIs.

If you think sexual intercourse is not the cause of your urinary tract infection, you may be given low doses of antibiotics every day.

You can reduce the amount of antibiotics you take by doing home urinalysis monitoring with a portable analyzer.

Complications

Complications of a urinary tract infection are not common, but they can be very serious. Complications tend to develop in people who have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, or who have a weakened immune system.

An increased risk of UTI complications occurs during pregnancy, so it is important to let your doctor know if you have any symptoms of a UTI if you are pregnant.

Urinary tract infections may develop the following complications.

Prostatitis

Men who experience recurrent UTIs are at risk of complications such as prostatitis.

Prostatitis is inflammation (swelling) of the prostate gland, which can lead to pain when urinating or ejaculating, and general discomfort in the pelvic area.

Kidney infection

Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) can develop when bacteria spread from the bladder to the kidneys. Kidney infection usually does not pose a serious threat to your health if treated promptly, but during this time, you may feel very ill. If a kidney infection is not treated, it can lead to significant deterioration, up to and including irreversible kidney damage.

Often, symptoms appear very quickly, often within hours. You may feel symptoms of fever, trembling, malaise, and pain in your back or side.

Kidney failure

Kidney failure is a condition in which the kidneys stop working properly. If a person has kidney failure, they may need dialysis.

Blood poisoning

Blood poisoning (sepsis) is a rare but life-threatening complication of a kidney infection. This happens when bacteria spread from the kidneys into the bloodstream.

Once the bacteria has entered the bloodstream, the infection can spread to any part of your body, including your vital organs.

In case of blood poisoning, one should not hesitate – it is necessary to urgently seek emergency medical help, and as a rule, such a patient is hospitalized in an intensive care hospital, where antibiotics are used to fight the infection.

Prevention

Not all urinary tract infections (UTIs) are preventable, but there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing an infection.

Treat constipation promptly

Constipation can increase the risk of UTIs. Recommended treatments for constipation include:

• Increase fiber-rich foods (20g to 30g fiber per day)
• Use mild laxative (short)
• Drink plenty of fluids

Diaphragms and condoms

The use of a diaphragm for contraception by women may increase the risk of UTIs. This is due to the fact that the diaphragm can put pressure on the bladder and prevent it from emptying completely during urination.

If you use a diaphragm and have urinary tract infections from time to time, you should consider changing your method of contraception.

If you are concerned about urinary tract infections because you are using condoms, try using condoms without spermicidal lubricant on them. Spermicidal lubricant can cause irritation, which increases the risk of UTIs.

Other Helpful Hints

The following tips will help you keep bacteria out of your bladder and urethra and prevent them from multiplying:

• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and to flush out bacteria from the urinary tract
• Go to the toilet as soon as you feel the need to and do not let urine linger in the bladder
• Wash your genitals every day and before intercourse
• In women with relapses after sexual activity, forced urination immediately after intercourse
• Home monitoring of urinalysis

Urinary tract infection in children. What is urinary tract infection in children?

IMPORTANT
The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.

Urinary tract infection in children is a group of microbial-inflammatory diseases of the urinary system organs: kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra. Depending on the location of the inflammation, urinary tract infection in children can be manifested by dysuric disorders, pain in the bladder or lower back, leukocyturia and bacteriuria, and temperature reaction. Examination of children with suspected urinary tract infection includes urinalysis (general, bacterial culture), ultrasound of the urinary system, cystoureterography, excretory urography, cystoscopy. The basis for the treatment of urinary tract infections in children is the appointment of antimicrobial drugs, uroantiseptics.

• Causes of urinary tract infection in children
• Classification
• Symptoms in children
• Diagnostics
• Treatment of urinary tract infection in children
• Prognosis and prevention
• Prices for treatment

General

Urinary tract infection in children is a general concept that refers to inflammatory processes in various parts of the urinary tract: infections of the upper urinary tract (pyelitis, pyelonephritis, ureteritis) and lower urinary tract (cystitis, urethritis). Urinary tract infections are extremely common in childhood – by age 5, 1-2% of boys and 8% of girls have had at least one episode of the disease. The prevalence of urinary tract infections depends on age and gender: for example, among newborns and infants, boys are more likely to get sick, and girls between the ages of 2 and 15 years. Most often in the practice of pediatric urology and pediatrics one has to deal with cystitis, pyelonephritis and asymptomatic bacteriuria.

urinary tract infection in children

Causes of urinary tract infection in children

The spectrum of microbial flora that causes urinary tract infections in children depends on the sex and age of the child, the conditions of infection, the state of intestinal microbiocenosis and general immunity. In general, among bacterial pathogens, enterobacteria are in the lead, primarily E. coli (50-90%). In other cases, Klebsiella, Proteus, Enterococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococci, Streptococci, etc. are sown. Acute urinary tract infections in children are usually caused by one type of microorganism, however, with frequent relapses and malformations of the urinary system, microbial associations are often detected.

Urinary tract infections in children can be associated with urogenital chlamydia, mycoplasmosis and ureaplasmosis and combined with vulvitis, vulvovaginitis, balanoposthitis. Fungal infections of the urinary tract often occur in debilitated children: premature, suffering from malnutrition, immunodeficiency states, anemia. There is an assumption that a viral infection (infection with Coxsackie, influenza, adenoviruses, herpes simplex virus types I and II, cytomegalovirus) is a factor contributing to the layering of a bacterial infection.

Conditions accompanied by impaired urodynamics predispose to the development of urinary tract infection in children: neurogenic bladder, urolithiasis, bladder diverticula, vesicoureteral reflux, pyelectasis, hydronephrosis, polycystic kidney disease, kidney dystopia, ureterocele, phimosis in boys, synechia of the labia in girls. Often, urinary tract infections in children develop against the background of gastrointestinal diseases – dysbacteriosis, constipation, colitis, intestinal infections, etc. Metabolic disorders (dysmetabolic nephropathy in children, glucosuria, etc.) can be a risk factor.

The introduction of infection into the urinary tract can occur with insufficient hygiene of the external genitalia, improper washing technique of the child, lymphogenous and hematogenous routes, during medical manipulations (bladder catheterization). Boys who have undergone circumcision suffer from urinary tract infections 4-10 times less often than uncircumcised boys.

Classification

According to the localization of the inflammatory process, infections of the upper urinary tract are distinguished – the kidneys (pyelonephritis, pyelitis), ureters (ureteritis) and the lower sections – the bladder (cystitis) and urethra (urethritis).

According to the period of the disease, urinary tract infections in children are divided into the first episode (debut) and relapse. The course of recurrent urinary tract infection in children may be maintained by unresolved infection, persistence of the pathogen, or reinfection.

According to the severity of clinical symptoms, mild and severe urinary tract infections in children are distinguished. In a mild course, the temperature reaction is moderate, dehydration is insignificant, the child complies with the treatment regimen. Severe urinary tract infection in children is accompanied by high fever, persistent vomiting, severe dehydration, sepsis.

Symptoms in children

Clinical manifestations of urinary tract infection in a child depend on the localization of the microbial-inflammatory process, the period and severity of the disease. Consider the signs of the most common urinary tract infections in children – pyelonephritis, cystitis and asymptomatic bacteriuria.

Pyelonephritis in children occurs with febrile temperature (38-38.5 ° C), chills, symptoms of intoxication (lethargy, pallor of the skin, loss of appetite, headache). At the height of intoxication, frequent regurgitation, vomiting, diarrhea, neurotoxicosis, and meningeal symptoms may develop. The child is concerned about pain in the lumbar region or abdomen; effervescence symptom is positive. At an early age, infections of the upper urinary tract in children can be hidden under the guise of pylorospasm, dyspeptic disorders, acute abdomen, intestinal syndrome, etc.; in older children – flu-like syndrome.

Cystitis in children is manifested primarily by dysuric disorders – frequent and painful urination in small portions. In this case, complete simultaneous emptying of the bladder is not achieved, episodes of urinary incontinence are possible. In infants, cystitis is often accompanied by stranguria (urinary retention). The presence of dysuria in children of the first year of life can be indicated by anxiety or crying associated with urination, intermittent and weak urine stream. Cystitis is characterized by pain and tension in the suprapubic region; the temperature in cystitis is normal or subfebrile.

Asymptomatic bacteriuria is more common in girls. This form of urinary tract infection in children is not accompanied by any subjective clinical signs, but is detected only during laboratory examination. Sometimes parents pay attention to the turbidity of the child’s urine and the bad smell emanating from it.

Diagnosis

Assessment of the severity of urinary tract infections in children requires an integrated approach and the participation of a number of specialists – a pediatrician, pediatric urologist, pediatric nephrologist, pediatric gynecologist.

Urinary tract infections in children may be suspected if leukocyturia, bacteriuria, proteinuria, and sometimes hematuria are detected in a general urine test. For a more detailed diagnosis, a urine test according to Nechiporenko, Zimnitsky’s test is shown. Blood changes are characterized by neutrophilic leukocytosis, elevated ESR; with pyelonephritis – a high level of acute phase proteins (CRP, alpha globulins).

The basis for the diagnosis of urinary tract infections in children is a bacteriological culture of urine with the release of the pathogen, an assessment of the degree of bacteriuria and sensitivity to antibiotics. In some cases, a urine test for chlamydia, ureaplasma, mycoplasma is required by cultural, cytological, serological (ELISA) methods, PCR.

Children with a urinary tract infection must undergo an ultrasound examination of the urinary system (ultrasound of the kidneys, ultrasound of the vessels of the kidneys, ultrasound of the bladder). X-ray contrast studies of the urinary tract (excretory urography, voiding cystography, urethrography) are indicated only for repeated episodes of urinary tract infections in children and only in the remission phase. To study the state of the renal parenchyma, static or dynamic scintigraphy of the kidneys is performed.

Endoscopy methods in children (ureteroscopy, cystoscopy) are used to detect urethritis, cystitis, anomalies of the urethra and bladder. In order to study urodynamics, uroflowmetry and cystometry are performed.

Treatment of urinary tract infection in children

The main place in the treatment of urinary tract infections in children belongs to antibiotic therapy. Until a bacteriological diagnosis is established, initial antibiotic therapy is given on an empirical basis. Currently, in the treatment of urinary tract infections in children, preference is given to inhibitor-protected penicillins (amoxicillin), aminoglycosides (amikacin), cephalosporins (cefotaxime, ceftriaxone), carbapenems (meropenem, imipenem), uroantiseptics (nitrofurantoin, furazidin). The duration of the course of antimicrobial therapy should be 7-14 days. After completion of the course of treatment, a repeated laboratory examination of the child is carried out.

It is recommended to take NSAIDs (ibuprofen), desensitizing agents (clemastine, loratadine), antioxidants (vitamin E, etc.), herbal medicine. Asymptomatic bacteriuria usually does not require treatment; sometimes uroseptics are prescribed in these cases.

When an acute urinary tract infection subsides, children are shown physiotherapy: microwave, UHF, electrophoresis, paraffin and ozocerite applications, mud therapy, pine baths.

Prognosis and prevention

Advanced urinary tract infections in children can lead to irreversible damage to the renal parenchyma, kidney shrinkage, hypertension, and sepsis. Recurrences of urinary tract infections occur in 15-30% of cases, so children at risk are given anti-relapse prophylaxis with antibiotics or uroantiseptics. The child should be under the supervision of a pediatrician and a nephrologist. Vaccination of children is carried out during periods of clinical and laboratory remission.

Primary prevention of urinary tract infection in children should include the inculcation of proper hygiene skills, the rehabilitation of chronic foci of infection, and the elimination of risk factors.