• Home
• >
• Health Articles
• >
• Urinary Tract Infection: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Urinary Tract Infection: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Urinary tract infections pose a significant public health concern due to their prevalence and potential for recurrence; they are uncomfortable medical issues affecting individuals across all demographics. While both men and women can develop UTIs, they are more commonly observed in women, children, and elderly individuals who are otherwise healthy. 

This guide navigates UTI as a medical condition, its types, symptoms and diagnosis.

What is Urinary Tract Infection?

Urinary tract infections are characterized by the infiltration of bacteria, typically originating from the skin or rectum, into the urethra, leading to infection within the urinary tract. 

While these infections can impact various segments of the urinary system, bladder infections, known as cystitis, are the most frequently encountered type.

Causes of UTI

The pathogens primarily responsible for UTIs include:

• Escherichia coli
• Klebsiella pneumoniae
• Proteus mirabilis
• Enterococcus faecalis
• Staphylococcus saprophyticus 
• Group B Streptococcus 
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Fungi; such as Candida 

The increasing antimicrobial resistance among these uropathogens presents a growing challenge in managing UTIs effectively.

Types of UTI

UTIs can be classified into two main categories: 

1. Uncomplicated UTI

Uncomplicated UTIs typically occur in individuals without underlying urinary tract abnormalities or significant medical conditions.

1. Complicated UTI

Complicated UTIs are associated with factors such as indwelling catheters, urinary tract abnormalities, immunosuppression, or previous exposure to antibiotics.

Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections

UTI symptoms can vary depending on the location and severity of the infection. Below are common indicators associated with bladder and kidney infections:

Bladder Infection (Cystitis) Symptoms

• Discomfort or Burning Sensation While Urinating

People with a bladder infection often experience discomfort or a burning sensation during urination.

Some people may feel pressure or cramping in the groin or lower abdomen.

• Urinary Urgency and Frequency

Feeling a sudden and intense need to urinate, even when the bladder isn’t full. People may also feel the urge to urinate more frequently, often with small amounts of urine.

• Presence of Blood in Urine

The appearance of blood in the urine, whether visible or detected through laboratory analysis, may indicate a bladder infection.

Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis) Symptoms

• Fever with Chills

The onset of fever, often accompanied by chills, suggests a more severe kidney infection.

Note: Fever is a common indicator of UTIs in infants and toddlers. However, it’s essential to note that not all children with fever have a UTI. 

• Lower Back Discomfort

Pain localized in the lower back or side, typically on one side, is a characteristic symptom of kidney infection.

• Nausea or Vomiting

Nausea or vomiting may occur due to the systemic effects of kidney infection.

If you or your child experience any of these symptoms, particularly if they persist or worsen, you should consult a healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment.

Risk Factors for Urinary Tract Infection

Some people face a higher likelihood of developing a urinary tract infection. Below are the risk factors that control UTI epidemiology:

• History of Previous UTI

People with a prior UTI are at higher risk of recurrence.

• Age

Both older adults and young children are more susceptible to UTIs, possibly due to factors such as weakened immune responses or incomplete bladder emptying.

• Hygiene Practices

Poor hygiene habits, particularly in children undergoing potty training, can facilitate the spread of bacteria and contribute to UTI development.

• Structural Abnormalities in the Urinary Tract

Conditions like an enlarged prostate can obstruct urinary flow, increasing the risk of UTIs.

• Sexual Activity

Engaging in sexual intercourse can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract, raising the risk of infection.

• Gender

Females, in particular, are more susceptible due to the anatomical characteristics of their urethras, which are shorter and in closer proximity to the rectum. This proximity facilitates the easier ingress of bacteria into the urinary tract.

• Alterations in Vaginal Flora

Changes in the composition of bacteria residing within the vagina, known as vaginal flora, can predispose women to UTIs. Factors such as menopause or the usage of spermicides can disrupt this bacterial balance.

• Pregnancy

Pregnant women are more prone to UTIs due to hormonal changes and increased pressure on the urinary tract.

Urinary Tract Infection Diagnosis

Diagnosing urinary tract infections relies on specific symptoms, such as:

1. Patient History and Clinical Investigation

Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and history of UTI, along with a clinical test to figure out if you have UTI cystitis or other condition.

1. Lab Tests

As a second diagnosis step, your doctor will ask you to get the following urine  tests:

• Urinalysis

For this test, you will be asked to collect a urine sample in a specialized container at the laboratory. 

A healthcare provider will then analyze the sample for the presence of bacteria and white blood cells, which the body produces as a response to infection. 

It’s important to note that bacteria may also be present in your urine even if you don’t have an infection in case you didn’t clean the area prior to collecting the sample.

• Urine Culture

In certain cases, a healthcare professional may opt to culture your urine to identify the specific type of bacteria causing the infection; this will help your doctor to tailor the most effective treatment plan for your condition.

The results of a urine culture typically take around 2-3 days to be processed and returned. 

Urinary Infection Treatment and Prevention

Antibiotics such as trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, and ampicillin are frequently prescribed for the treatment of UTIs. However, the rise in antibiotic resistance and recurrent infections poses a significant challenge to effective management. There is a pressing need for alternative therapies that are less susceptible to resistance development.

This makes UTI prevention the best way to reduce the risk of having UTIs; this includes:

1. Void the bladder after sexual activity.
2. Maintain adequate hydration.
3. Opt for showers over baths.
4. Limit the use of douches, sprays, or powders in the genital area.
5. Instruct girls during potty training to wipe from front to back.