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.



LISTEN ABOVE

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. 
 
LISTEN ABOVE

Jack Tame’s crisp perspective, style and enthusiasm makes for refreshing and entertaining Saturday morning radio on Newstalk ZB.

News, sport, books, music, gardens and celebrities – what better way to spend your Saturdays?

Jack Tame’s crisp perspective, style and enthusiasm makes for refreshing and entertaining Saturday morning radio on Newstalk ZB. News, sport, books, music, gardens and celebrities – what better way to spend your Saturdays?

Advertisement