Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most prevalent illnesses. They affect any part of the urinary system that includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Typical symptoms include a strong urge to urinate, discomfort when urinating, and lower back pain. The majority of UTIs are treatable with medication. UTI specialists at Family Medicine Austin, TX, are committed to providing the finest UTI testing and treatment services.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are infections of the urinary system (comprising of the urethra, the kidneys, or the bladder).
Urine typically contains no microorganisms by itself. The kidneys and the rest of the body’s filtration system produce urine. The kidneys produce urine by removing waste and excess water from circulation. Urine normally passes through the urinary system without absorbing any hazardous chemicals. On the other hand, bacteria can enter the urinary system from outside the body. It might result in infections and inflammation, known as urinary tract infections.
UTIs are caused by pathogens, mostly bacteria, entering the urethra and bladder. The pathogen causes urinary tract irritation and infection. UTIs commonly affect the bladder and urethra, but bacteria can infect the kidneys by traveling up the ureters.
Anything that causes the bladder to drain more slowly or irritates the urinary system results in UTI. Factors that increase the likelihood of developing a urinary tract infection (UTI) include:
Different UTI symptoms can result from infections in the lower (bladder and urethra) or upper (kidneys and ureters) urinary tract. It is, therefore, essential to determine which portion of the urinary system is affected.
The symptoms of lower UTI include:
People with upper UTI experience the same symptoms as that with lower UTI with the below additional symptoms:
UTI specialists at Family Medicine Austin conduct the following tests to determine if you have an infection of the urinary tract:
Urinalysis: During this examination, the patient’s urine will be examined for bacteria, red blood cells, and white blood cells. There is an infection if the urine contains many red and white blood cells.
Urine Culture: The purpose of urine culture is to determine the types of bacteria in a patient’s urine. The test is crucial since it helps determine the most effective treatment.
If your infection does not respond to therapy or recurs frequently, a UTI doctor may prescribe the following tests to evaluate your urinary system for disease or injury:
Ultrasound: An ultrasound is a diagnostic procedure that utilizes high-frequency sound waves to produce an image of the organs within the body.
CT scan: It uses a specialized X-ray to capture cross-sectional images of the body (like slices). Standard X-rays cannot match the precision of this examination.
Cystoscopy: A cystoscope with a lens and a light source is utilized to examine the bladder via the urethra.
Based on the findings of the tests, a urinary tract infection specialist will be able to determine the condition to devise an appropriate treatment.
When bacteria cause a UTI, antibiotics are used to treat it. Antivirals are medications used to treat UTIs brought on by viruses. UTIs caused by fungi are treated with antifungal medication.
The antibiotic used to treat a bacterial UTI typically depends on the affected part of the urinary tract.
In most cases, oral antibiotics treat infections in the lower urinary tract. Intravenous antibiotics are required to treat upper urinary tract infections,
Bacteria can develop antibiotic resistance. Most likely, a UTI doctor will prescribe the shortest treatment period feasible to reduce the likelihood that your body will develop antibiotic resistance. The majority of treatments do not exceed one week.
UTI doctors at Family Medicine Austin determine the type of bacteria responsible for the infection by analyzing the results of a urine culture.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is unpleasant and painful; you will likely never forget it. Half of all Americans will likely experience a urinary tract infection (UTI) at least once in their lifetimes. Certified healthcare professionals at Family Medicine Austin have substantial knowledge and experience to promptly identify and treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) and return you to your regular activities. Call now to book an appointment for UTI testing.
