Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra. Your body can normally flush these bacteria out, but sometimes they multiply in the bladder and cause an infection.
Some conditions make people more vulnerable to urinary tract infections:
- Compromised immune system
- Hormonal changes after menopause
- Poor personal hygiene
- Enlarged prostate
- Kidney stones
- Catheter use
- Recent examination or invasive procedure of the urinary tract
The elderly are particularly susceptible to UTIs. In an older person, a UTI often causes temporary mental confusion and loss of memory.
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections
- A strong, persistent urge to urinate
- A burning sensation when urinating
- Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
- Urine that appears cloudy
- Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-colored — a sign of blood in the urine
- Strong-smelling urine
- Pelvic pain in women, especially in the center of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone
- Low fever
When these symptoms appear suddenly, the cause is likely to be a urinary tract infection.
Treatment for Urinary Tract Infections
If left untreated, a urinary tract infection can spread and cause serious health problems. You should see a doctor if you think you might have a urinary tract infection. At Urgent Family Care in Knoxville, Tennessee we are here to help.
UTIs are commonly treated with antibiotics, and the symptoms begin to disappear soon after treatment is started. A severe UTI might require additional tests and longer treatment.
Urgent Family Care in Knoxville offers diagnosis and treatment for urinary tract infections. Until you see the doctor, you can take these steps to relieve the symptoms:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid drinks that might irritate the bladder, such as coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks.
- Place a warm (not hot) heating pad on your abdomen to relieve discomfort.
For more information on urinary tract infections, see: