Introduction
Urinary tract infections are among the most common infections encountered by adults worldwide. Particularly prevalent among women, they are known for both the discomfort they cause and the potential complications they can bring, making it imperative to understand their nature, causes and treatment.
Zenith Pharmacy is now offering consultation and treatment of uncomplicated UTIs as part of a state-wide pharmacy trial.Our pharmacists are now fully trained and equipped to offer guidance and medicine based on your symptoms.
To celebrate this innovative new service, join us as we delve into everything you need to know about UTIs - discussing symptoms, risk factors, treatments, and prevention strategies.
What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that affects any component of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. While the bladder and urethra are most commonly affected, the infection can progress to the kidneys and become more serious.
What are the common signs and symptoms of a UTI?
Individuals with a UTI may experience the following symptoms:
- A burning or stinging sensation during urination.
- An increased urge to urinate.
- Nausea and/or fever.
- Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen, sides, and back.
- Cloudy, dark, or bloody urine with a strong odour.
What are the common causes of a UTI?
A UTI typically arises when bacteria, predominantly Escherichia coli (E. coli) from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, find their way into the urinary tract. While bacteria are the most common culprits, fungi or viruses can also be the cause in rare cases.
What are the risk factors for a UTI?
- Anatomical Factors: Women have a higher susceptibility to UTIs compared to men. This increased risk is attributed to the female anatomy, especially the shorter length of the urethra, which allows bacteria easier access to the bladder.
- Sexual Activity: Engaging in sexual activity can introduce bacteria into the urethra, increasing the risk of UTIs.
- Birth Control: The use of diaphragms or spermicides can alter the bacterial balance in the area, potentially leading to UTIs.
- Menopause: Declining oestrogen levels during menopause can affect the urinary tract's bacterial balance and its defence mechanisms.
Other factors include:
- Insufficient fluid intake.
- Presence of conditions like diabetes that compromise the immune system.
- Use of catheters.
- Structural abnormalities or blockages in the urinary tract.
- Conditions that affect bladder emptying.
- Complications due to previous urinary tract issues
If left untreated, UTIs can lead to severe complications, including recurrent infections, permanent kidney damage, and sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection. Pregnant women are at risk of delivering low birth weight or premature infants if they have untreated UTIs.
When should I see my doctor?
While UTIs are not considered serious when confined to the bladder, they can cause serious complications when left untreated. Therefore, we recommend speaking to your doctor if you have any symptoms typically associated with a UTI. Most UTIs do require a short course of antibiotics for treatment, which can only be required via a prescription.
(In NSW, UTI treatment can also be acquired from pharmacists participating in the NSW Pharmacy Trial)
If you are showing any signs or symptoms of a kidney infection (such as fever, back pain, diarrhoea and vomiting), then consult your doctor immediately. If a UTI does spread to the kidneys, the resulting complications are potentially life-threatening. It could also be a systemic infection of the bloodstream that requires hospitalisation.
How are UTIs diagnosed?
Upon suspecting a UTI, doctors typically require a mid-stream urine test to detect blood, pus, and elevated bacteria counts. A mid-stream test is used to reduce the risk of the sample being contaminated by bacteria from other sources, such as the skin around the urethra.
In rare cases, additional means such as an ultrasound may be recommended by your doctor, usually in the case of recurring infections or a suspected complicated UTI.
What is the difference between an uncomplicated and a complicated UTI?
Whether a UTI is considered complicated depends on the gender of the patient and the presence of particular risk factors.
An uncomplicated UTI typically affects healthy individuals without any abnormalities or recurring issues with their urinary tract. It is presumed to be confined to the bladder with no suggestion of infection in the kidneys.
On the other hand, a complicated UTI is associated with infection that extends beyond the bladder. Additional symptoms found in a complicated UTI include:
- Fever, chills
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Discomfort around the kidneys, upper abdomen and back
A UTI might be categorised as complicated based on certain risk factors, regardless of symptoms. For instance, urinary tract infections in males are often deemed complicated due to their rarity. Similarly, pregnant women, postmenopausal women, individuals using catheters, or those with other prominent risk factors typically fall into the complicated category.
Prevention of UTI
While treatment of a urinary tract infection is generally very effective, it is always better to prevent an infection rather than treat it.
To lower the risk of developing a UTI:
- Drink ample fluids, primarily water, to flush out bacteria.
- Urinate frequently and avoid holding urine for extended periods.
- Wipe from front to back after bowel movements to prevent bacterial spread.
- Empty the bladder before and after sexual activity.
- Avoid using irritating feminine products in the genital area.
- Consider alternative birth control methods if diaphragms or spermicides are presumed to be causing recurrent UTIs.
Treatment of UTI
Management of an acute uncomplicated UTI is usually straightforward and just involves a short course of antibiotics.
Broadly speaking, a complicated UTI is an infection that carries a higher risk of treatment failure. Typically, these infections require more extended treatment with a different set of antibiotics. Confirming the cause is important to ensure the best treatment.
In instances where the infection is caused by candida, rather than bacteria, antifungal medicine will be used for treatment instead.
Over-the-counter / home treatments for UTI
While the best thing you can is adhere to the treatment plan instructed by your doctor, there are severalsupplementary measures you can take to alleviate discomfort.
- Drink ample fluids, primarily water, to flush out bacteria.
- Urinate frequently and empty bladder completely before bed
- Avoid caffeinated drinks as they can irritate your bladder
- Use a hot water bottle or heating pad to warm your abdomen
Additionally, here at Zenith Pharmacy, we provide OTC solutions for urinary tract infections. Hiprex contains hexamine hippurate, known for suppressing urinary tract bacteria associated with recurring UTIs. Cranberry tablets help maintain urinary tract health in females and help reduce the occurrence of UTIs. For relief of symptoms, products like Ural help relieve irritation by neutralising acidic urine in your bladder. However, avoid taking Ural withhexamine Hippurate products as the interaction can render the treatment ineffective.
As always, make sure to read the label and follow all directions before use. To maximise the success of your UTI treatment, follow the prescribed antibiotics course accurately, while complimenting the treatment plan with OTC solutions as needed.
Conclusion
Urinary tract infections, predominately affecting women, manifest with a range of symptoms and severity. These infections can range from mild discomfort to severe conditions impacting the kidney or bloodstream. Antibiotics remain the most effective treatment, however lifestyle habits and over-the-counter options can supplement recovery and prevent recurrence. At Zenith Pharmacy, we emphasise the important of seeking medical advice promptly if you believe you have a UTI.
Make sure to continue to follow our blog for consistent health content that you can trust.Additionally, feel free to contact us at contact@zenithpharmacy.com.au for further health advice from our expert pharmaceutical team.