Cystitis/Urinary Tract Infection

Bladder Infection

Your urinary tract consists of the kidneys, bladder, urethra and all of the ureter tubes connecting these parts.  A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria are introduced to any part of the urinary tract.  Once inside, these bacteria will multiply and cause inflammation.  Left untreated, the infection can spread and become very serious.  Most infections are limited to the bladder and urethra, but infections that spread to the kidneys can become deadly if not treated right away. 

In general, women have a higher risk of UTIs than men.  This is because their urethras are shorter and positioned close to the anus, which raises the risk of cross-contamination.  The invasion of e. coli bacteria into the urethra is one common cause of UTIs.  Other pathogens, including STDs, can be responsible for infections as well. 

 

A bladder infections is officially called cystitis, and a urethra infection is called urethritis.  If the infection spreads to the kidney's, it's referred to as acute pyelonephritis.  Regardless of the location of the infection, many of the symptoms of a UTI will be similar:

-- A frequent and persistent urge to urinate
-- Passing of frequent but small amounts of urine
-- Urine that's cloudy or shows the presence of blood
-- Strong-smelling urine

Urethritis will cause a burning sensation while urinating.  With cystitis, patients will experience pelvic pain and pressure in the lower abdomen.  Kidney infections will be accompanied by fever, nausea, vomiting and upper back pain. 

Whenever you experience the symptoms of a urinary tract infection, it's important to seek medical care right away.  UTIs generally will not resolve themselves without the use of antibiotics, and they run the risk of spreading and worsening if left untreated.  Patients may also find that drinking cranberry juice or taking a cranberry supplement can help with managing the symptoms of a UTI.  A doctor may also be able to prescribe a drug that will reduce the feelings of urgency and frequency associated with a UTI.