What is a URINARY TRACT INFECTION (UTI)?
- Urinary tract infections (UTI's) refer to the presence of bacteria in the urinary system.
- Urinary tract infections are one of the most common bacterial infections in medicine today and account for over 7 million patient visits annually. It is estimated that 40-50% of women will have at least one UTI in their lifetime.
- A urine culture is the gold standard for diagnosis and the method of collection is critical. It must be midstream, clean-catch and cleaning of the external genitalia prior to collection is important.

Causes of a URINARY TRACT INFECTION (UTI)
- The most common cause of uncomplicated UTI’s is the Escherichia coli (E. Coli) bacteria which accounts for 85% of community-acquired infections. 
- The microbiologic etiology of UTI’s usually originates from normal bowel flora. Virtually every organism has been associated with UTI’s, but certain organisms predominate.
-  During menopause, the loss of estrogen is associated with a higher frequency of UTI’s. 
- Sexual activity in the previous week increases risk of UTI 9-fold. The use of spermicides and diaphragms may predispose patients to a UTI, as do some sexual transmitted diseases.

Symptoms of a URINARY TRACT INFECTION (UTI)
- The symptoms of uncomplicated UTI's are pain or burning on urination, urge to urinate, increased urination frequency, nocturia, and suprapubic heaviness.
- Systemic symptoms are typically absent unless left untreated.

Treatment of a URINARY TRACT INFECTION (UTI)
- Prescription antibiotics are used to cure urinary tract infections and uncomplicated UTI's are simple for physicians to treat.
- If left untreated, urinary tract infections can spread, become very serious and may require hospitalization.
- Some prescription and non-prescription medications are used in the short-term relief of UTI symptoms.  These medications are not antibiotics and only help with the temporary relief of symptoms (they do not cure the UTI infection itself). (Specific products may be recommended by a physician or pharmacist.)
- Drinking extra cranberry juice may be protective by possibly inhibiting unwanted bacterial growth.

More Monographs   •   Disclaimer   •   Pharmacist Jobs   •   Nursing Jobs   •   CE   •   R.Ph & RN Salary Data
This information is of a general nature and may not apply to your special circumstances. If you have specific questions, please contact your physician or an appropriate health care professional.  These monographs are counseling aids for healthcare professionals only and are not to be used as a reference to diagnose or treat medical conditions.          Copyright 2005 RXinsider LTD