When To See A Healthcare Provider
While mild UTIs in healthy adukts will often go away on their own without treatment, you shouldn’t avoid seeing a healthcare provider to get a urine test or start treatment.
If you develop signs of a kidney infection, including flank pain, nausea, or vomiting, you need to see a healthcare provider immediately.
If you are pregnant, you should never take a chance with UTIs, especially if you have diabetes, HIV, or have had previous infections. Even mild symptoms should be looked at, treated, and monitored to ensure that the infection is fully cleared.
Without exception, any symptoms of suggestive of sepsis should be treated as a medical emergency. This is especially true in babies or the elderly.
How Do I Know If I Have A Uti Or A Kidney Infection
It may feel like all urinary tract infections are the same they all feel pretty uncomfortable! But a UTI can occur anywhere within your urinary system and its important to know what to look for in case it travels to your kidneys. Read on to learn more about UTIs and Kidney Infections, and how to tell the difference between them.
Frequent Urge To Urinate
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This is a very common sign, and its one of the first symptoms that something is not right. You will have painful urination and feel an urgency to go right away, Dr. Mohan says. Pubic pain is not uncommon. All of these are associated with a bladder infection. The fever comes when the bacteria has moved up to the kidneys, he adds.
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Risk Factors In Women
Women are particularly susceptible to urinary tract infections because their urethra is shorter, meaning the infection can spread throughout the urinary tract more easily. Additionally, the anal and urinary openings of a woman are in closer proximity, increasing the risk of bacteria spreading between the two.
In addition to the above, women are also susceptible to the following risk factors for UTIs:
- Sexual intercourse can contribute to the spread of genital or anal bacteria, especially with a new sexual partner when the rate of sexual activity is typically higher. However, UTIs are not a sexually transmitted disease
- Spermicides and birth control methods which use spermicides can affect the natural balance of healthy bacteria within the vagina
- Antibiotics can also alter the natural bacterial balance within the vagina
- Diaphragms can place pressure on a womanââ¬â¢s urethra, resulting in the possibility of the bladder not emptying properly
- Pregnancy. As the uterus grows in pregnancy, it can put added weight on the bladder, leading to the possibility of the bladder not emptying properly
- Menopause can cause hormonal changes which affect the vaginaââ¬â¢s natural bacterial balance
What Do I Do If I Have One
If you notice any signs of a UTI or kidney infection, visit your doctor ASAP. He or she will probably take a urine sample, and possibly a blood test, and give you a prescription for antibiotics. Although over-the-counter pain-relievers like AZO can make you more comfortable while you wait for the drugs to kick in, they will not treat the infection.
Usually, antibiotics plus plenty of liquids will get you better in no time. And as with most things, the earlier its caught, the easier its treated and the faster youll recover.
While its true that some women do get UTIs more often than othersand some even get them chronicallyno one is immune. And unfortunately, infections dont care whether or not theres room for them on your calendar. As I learned, not everything gets better with time, tea, and wishful thinking. So keep a lookout for the symptoms, keep an open mind when self-diagnosing, and remember: if you dont take care of it now, youll pay for it later.
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Side And Suprapubic Pain
Pain during urination is on the list of typical UTI symptoms, but other types of pain often arent mentioned because theyre less common. An uncomplicated urinary tract infection may cause mild to moderate suprapubic pain, a type of pain that most patients experience as a feeling of pressure or discomfort just above the public bone.
You may also experience a more generalized pelvic pain or cramping in your abdomen. Short-lived pelvic pain may occur during your infection. It can also turn into chronic pain after the infection clears up.
When your infection travels from the bladder to your kidneys, you can develop flank pain, or pain thats felt in your side. Flank pain arises as the infection causes swelling in the kidneys. When that happens, youll experience a steady, aching pain.
What Are Symptoms Of A Uti
For patients, the first question is when to see a doctor after feeling the initial symptoms. Typically, these symptoms are burning pain with urination, urgency and frequency of urination, and pain above the pubic bone.
Our bodies sometimes can clear these infections on their own, said Elodi Joy Dielubanza, MD, a urologist in Brigham and Womens Hospitals Division of Urology.
But if symptoms do not get better within a couple of days, contact a doctor. Antibiotics may relieve symptoms shortly after you begin taking them.
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Recognizing A Kidney Infection
When you have a UTI that spreads to your kidneys, youll probably have symptoms in your lower urinary tract first. But the following symptoms indicate that your kidneys may also be affected:
Fever and Chills A UTI thats limited to your lower urinary tract usually doesnt cause flu-like symptoms, but when it spreads to your kidneys, your bodys immune system tends to kick into higher gear.
Pain in Your Lower Back or Side Your kidneys are located on each side of your body in the lower part of your torso. A kidney infection can cause pain on one or both sides of your body, or more general pain in your lower back.
Pain caused by a kidney infection can range from mild to severe.
Nausea and Vomiting These symptoms, like fever and chills, indicate an infection thats more severe and advanced than a typical UTI.
Abdominal or Pelvic Pain An infection in your abdominal region, such as in your kidneys, can cause your abdominal muscles to contract, causing pain.
Your pelvic or groin area may also be painful due to muscle contraction.
Cloudy or Smelly Urine While its possible for an infection in your lower urinary tract to cause changes in your urine, if its noticeably cloudy or smells foul, thats an indication your UTI may have progressed to your kidneys.
Cloudy urine may indicate the presence of pus, a thick, white or yellow liquid that can form in areas of infection.
Tracking Down Relief For A Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infections are common infections that can cause serious health problems if left untreated. The infection can spread to your bladder or kidney within three days, which is why women should seek care immediately for a quick diagnosis and prompt treatment.
Urinary tract infections are common infections that can cause serious health problems if left untreated. The infection can spread to your bladder or kidney within three days, which is why women should seek care immediately for a quick diagnosis and prompt treatment.
By visiting with a doctor right away, you can start antibiotics before the infection spreads. According to Bindi Shukla, MD, an urgent care doctor at Duke Urgent Care Croasdaile, If you think you may have signs of a UTI and develop body aches or lower abdominal pain, you should see a doctor soon.
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What Are Causes And Risk Factors For A Urinary Tract Infection
The urine is normally sterile. An infection occurs when bacteria get into the urine and begin to grow. The bacterial infection usually starts at the opening of the urethra where the urine leaves the body and moves upward into the urinary tract.
- The culprit in at least 90% of uncomplicated infections is a type of bacteria called Escherichia coli, better known as E. coli. These bacteria normally live in the bowel and around the anus.
- These bacteria can move from the area around the anus to the opening of the urethra. The two most common causes of this are improper wiping and sexual intercourse.
- Usually, the act of emptying the bladder flushes the bacteria out of the urethra. If there are too many bacteria, urinating may not stop their spread.
- The bacteria can travel up the urethra to the bladder, where they can grow and cause an infection.
- The infection can spread further as the bacteria move up from the bladder via the ureters.
- If they reach the kidney, they can cause a kidney infection , which can become a very serious condition if not treated promptly.
The following people are at increased risk of urinary tract infection:
The following special groups may be at increased risk of urinary tract infection:
What You Need To Know
- The main 3 sources of colicky abdominal pain are the colon, biliary, and ureteric pain.
- Irritable bowel syndrome and acute gastroenteritis are the most common causes of waves of abdominal pain that come and go.
- Gall bladder waves of pain last longer and are more intense .
- Ureteric colic is very intense pain in the loin or the lower sides of your abdomen. It is usually caused by a stone in the ureter or kidney.
- Other less common causes of abdominal pain such as ovarian, uterine, and cancer pain are discussed in detail below.
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Your Back Or Stomach Hurt
If youre feeling an aching pain or pressure in your tummy or lower back, particularly if its paired with the symptoms weve already discussed, then UTI-caused inflammation of your bladder might be to blame. Getting a UTI and stomach pain is not an uncommon occurrence. Dr. Sonpal lists pain or pressure in your back or lower abdomen as a possible symptom, which, per the CDC, can be caused by pressure or cramping in the groin from the UTI.
That said, in some cases, this could also indicate the infection has reached your kidneys â Dr. Sonpal notes that this is often accompanied by fever and chills. Whatever the case may be, you should make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible, as kidney infections can reach the bloodstream and, per the AUA, become a life-threatening health issue.
How Is Ic Diagnosed
Interstitial cystitis is often mistaken for a urinary tract infection. Patients often go as long as four years between the time they first experience symptoms and the time they receive their diagnosis. It most commonly affects women, although men can get it too.
IC is diagnosed by ruling out other conditions, such as bladder infections or bladder cancer. Also, when it is advanced, it can be diagnosed by cystoscopy, as there will be visible ulcers on the lining of the bladder. For a cystoscopy, you will have to see a urologist. Not all doctors believe a cystoscopy is a necessary or effective way to diagnose the condition since the exam can be normal but you still may have IC.
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Some Myth Some Truth: Sexual Activity
Sexual intercourse indeed can be a strong trigger for a UTI, as can any activity that has the potential for putting infection-causing bacteria near the urethra.
Your partners anatomy can act as a ladder for infection of the urethra with bacteria that usually live in the bowel, said Dr. Dielubanza.
Use of spermicides with or without barrier contraceptives has been shown to increase the risk of urinary tract infections in sexually active women. Women may consider an alternative contraceptive regimen if they experience UTIs after intercourse.
How Do You Get Flu
Among the symptoms you can get from kidney stones not related to urination are nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills. A bad enough case can cause nausea and vomiting, while an infection in the kidney or bladder can cause fever and chills.
Many of these symptoms are also closely associated with bad cases of the flu, which can create confusion over what condition you have. When you have these symptoms in addition to abdominal pain and urinary problems, they may be the sign of an infection, so you should seek treatment as soon as possible. Your doctor can treats the infection in addition to helping you pass the stone.
A blood or urine test can determine if youre dealing with kidney stones. Treatments are available, including anti inflammatory drugs, allopurinol to reduce uric acid levels, shock wave lithotripsy to break up larger stones, ureteroscope , or surgery.
Kidney stones can be painful, but many treatment options are available. If youre dealing with kidney stones and need treatment, make an appointment with Drs. Herman, Kester and Urology Center of Florida today.
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You Eat A Lot Of Sugar
Bacteria that cause UTIs love feeding on sugar, so you run the risk of providing a feast for them whenever your sweet tooth strikes. Kalas V, et al. Structure-based discovery of glycomimetic FmlH ligands as inhibitors of bacterial adhesion during urinary tract infection. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1720140115
If you eat tons of added sugars and get a real surge in your blood sugar, you may end up with some of that sugar in your urine, says Mary Jane Minkin, MD, a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Yale School of Medicine.
Some foods and beverages, like coffee, booze, and chocolate, can also irritate your delicate urinary tract and exacerbate an existing UTI.
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How Are Utis Treated And Prevented
UTIs are usually treated with antibiotics. The specific antibiotic used and how long treatment lasts depend on the type of bacteria causing the infection and if there are any other health complications.
Some common antibiotics used to treat UTIs include:
There are also some steps you can take that may help prevent UTIs. These include:
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Practicing good hygiene, including wiping from front to back for women, which helps prevent the spread of bacteria from stool.
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Drinking plenty of water, which increases urination and can help flush out bacteria.
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Avoiding some types of birth control, like spermicide, which in some women may increase the risk of UTIs.
Some studies suggest that cranberry juice and probiotics can help prevent UTIs in women, but more research needs to be done to see how helpful they really are.
If you develop symptoms of a UTI, its important to let your healthcare provider know right away so that you get the right diagnosis and treatment.
Myth: A Long Course Of Antibiotics Is Best
Typically, antibiotics are prescribed for 3 to 5 days for symptoms confined to the lower urinary tract in patients who have no fever, flank pain or flu-like symptoms.
Longer courses do not increase the likelihood of clearing the infection, said Dr. Dielubanza. But they do increase the risk of antibiotic resistance, increase the risk of yeast infections, and increase the risk of infectious forms of diarrhea.
A longer course may be required for someone who has more severe symptoms of an infection or if the infection is in the bladder. Always follow all instructions and take antibiotics for the number of days prescribed.
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Truth: Being Female Is The Biggest Risk Factor For Utis
UTIs generally are caused by bacteria that live in the colon, especially the rectum. The short length of the female urethra places its opening close to bacterial reservoirs , making women more vulnerable to infection.
In truth, being female is simply the strongest risk factor for UTIs, says Dr. Dielubanza.
Another trigger particular to women is hormonal change with age. Until menopause, vaginal flora includes protective bacteria. But when estrogen drops during menopause, the pH of the vagina changes, and the good flora cannot thrive there as easily. Without these good bacteria, the bad bacteria can more easily flourish in postmenopausal women.
Men are not immune to UTIs, but they are less likely to have them. This is because their longer urethras present a challenge to bacteria entry. However, as men age and begin to empty their bladders less efficiently due to prostate enlargement, urinary tract infections can become more common.
A trigger for UTIs in both men and women is use of any medical instrument near the urethra, including a catheter to drain urine.
Can A Uti Cause Fever And Chills
Infection in the upper urinary tract generally affects the kidneys , which can cause fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and other severe symptoms.
Besides, can a UTI cause flu like symptoms?
Fever and Chills A UTI that’s limited to your lower urinary tract usually doesn’t cause flu–like symptoms, but when it spreads to your kidneys, your body’s immune system tends to kick into higher gear. Pain caused by a kidney infection can range from mild to severe.
Secondly, how long does fever last with UTI? Fever is usually gone in 48 hours. Pain and burning are often much better in 48 hours. Frequency is also usually better in 48 hours.
Beside this, can a UTI cause chills?
The bacteria spreads to your bladder and then continues on to one or both of your kidneys, organs that help filter your blood and produce urine. Symptoms can include a fever, abdominal or back pain, chills or night sweats, and just generally feeling awful. But unlike a cold, the symptoms won’t let up.
What happens if a UTI goes untreated for a week?
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.
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