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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