Urinary tract infection Health Article

Definition

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection that can happen anywhere along the urinary tract. The urinary tract includes the:

• Bladder
• Kidneys
• Ureters -- the tubes that take urine from each kidney to the bladder
• Urethra -- the tube that empties urine from the bladder to the outside

Alternative Names

Bladder infection; Cystitis; UTI

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Cystitis, a common condition, is usually caused by bacteria entering the urethra and then the bladder. This leads to inflammation and infection in the lower urinary tract.

Certain people are more likely to get UTIs. Women tend to get them more often because their urethra is shorter and closer to the anus. Elderly people (especially those in nursing homes) and people with diabetes also get more UTIs.

Some children develop UTIs. In boys, they are most common before the first birthday. In young girls, UTIs are most common around age 3, overlapping with the toilet training period.

Cystitis in children can be promoted by abnormalities in the urinary tract. Therefore, children with cystitis, especially those under age 5, deserve special follow-up to prevent later kidney damage.

The following risk factors increase your chances of getting a UTI:

• Bowel incontinence
• Catheterization
• Kidney stones
• Immobility (for example, during recovery from a hip fracture)
• Menopause
• Narrowed urethra
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Pregnancy
• Prostate inflammation or enlargement
• Sexual intercourse, especially if you have multiple partners
• Using a diaphragm for birth control

Symptoms

The symptoms of a UTI include:

• Cloudy urine
• Blood in the urine
• Foul or strong urine odor
• Frequent or urgent need to urinate
• Need to urinate at night
• Pain or burning with urination
• Pressure in the lower pelvis

Young children with UTIs may only have a fever, or no symptoms at all.

• Mental changes or confusion (in the elderly, mental changes or confusion often are the only signs of a urinary tract infection; possible spread to the blood should be considered)
• Flank (side pain, vomiting, fever, and chills (may be a sign of kidney involvement)
• Painful sexual intercourse
• Penis pain