A short introduction to urinary tract infections (UTI)

Women suffer more frequently from bladder infections than men, because the urethra is shorter in females compare d to males. The most dangerous risk of a urinary tract infection is a progression of the inflammation to the renal pelvic , which may harm the kidney s. Thus, it is very important to consult a doctor promptly. Without a physician‘s care, the risk of suffering from a serious urosepsis increase s.

How is a urinary tract infection diagnosed? Urinary tract infections are often associated with these symptoms:

Pain and burning when urinating

Urinating often, and passing small amounts of urine

Increased urge to urinate

Urine that looks cloudy

Strong smelling urine

Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola–colored; signs of blood in the urine

A general feeling of illness

Sometimes fever and shivering

Pelvic pain , and discomfort around the area of the pubic bone

To unambiguously diagnose a urinary tract infection, the midstream urine is examined for bacteria. A urine dip test can work as a first indication of a urinary tract infection. For this, a urine dipstick is held into the urine sample before the results are read by colour matching. The test strip is briefly immerse d in the urine sample (approx. 1 second). When removing, the test strip is wiped against the lateral edge of the vessel to remove excess urine. After 60 seconds (leukocytes 60–120 seconds), the reaction colours of the test fields can be compared to the colour scale on the label.

The colours are the result of strong or weak reactions of the tiles with the substances in the urine. In the case of an infection, the values for protein, leucocytes, erythrocytes and nitrite are elevated. The pH value test might show an increased pH value, indicating a possible infection of the urinary tract.

For a more accurate assessment , a culture is prepared (with a nutrient medium on which the contained germ s can easily grow). The bacterial count is determined and an antibiogram can be compiled . Using this method, the specific pathogen can be identified and matched with an antibiotic against this specific pathogen. It helps the physician to prescribe the optimal antibiotic.

Any amount of germs exceeding 100,000 per millilitre is the strongest indication of a urinary tract infection. However, half of all urinary tract infections do not show this high amount of germs.

In severe cases with suspected sepsis, a blood culture should be conducted , since urinary tract infections may elevate the inflammatory values in the blood. To detect the cause of the urinary tract infection or diagnose potential complications, an ultrasound examination is then performed.

Potential differential diagnoses could include an irritable bladder , vulvovaginitis, irritation due to bladder catheters, allergic reactions of the urethra or bladder, or reactions due to medication.

How is a urinary tract infection treated? There are some helpful means to prevent an infection of the urinary tract. Correct hygiene after going to the toilet (wiping from the front to back), using protection during sex and/or peeing immediately after sexual intercourse all reduce the risk of an infection. Avoiding cooling of the abdomen helps to prevent inflammation, since the reduction of blood flow weakens the defence functions of the bodily region.

Sometimes, the urinary tract infection can heal by itself, when drinking enough (2–3 l) and keeping the abdomen warm. However, different means of treatment might be needed.

Recommended home remedies that should also accompany any treatment (in consultation with the doctor) are hydration (at least 2 litres of water per day), regular emptying of the bladder, heat applications such as hot water bottles and (bed) rest.

Mild infections may be treated with painkillers such as ibuprofen. Alternatively, plant-based preparations might help, especially when the urinary tract infection is detected early enough. Medication acidifying the pH value of the urine can help since the pH value often increases with urinary tract infections. Sometimes antibiotics are required. The length and intensity of the antibiotic treatment depends on the severity of the infection. What type of antibiotic is prescribed depends on the responsible pathogen detected in the laboratory tests.

EXERCISE:

1. You should urgently go to the doctor with a urinary tract infection when your urine appears red, at the latest when you get fever. A) True B) False

2. For reading the leukocytes in a dipstick test, one must wait more than 3 minutes. A) True B) False

3. Symptoms for a UTI are: A) Headache B) Pain and burning when urinating C) Urinating often, and passing small amounts of urine D) Increased urge to urinate E) Urine that looks cloudy

You’ll find the answer below.

BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. www.blase-gesundheit.de 2. www.cdc.gov 3. http://dict.leo.org 4. www.dict.cc 5. www.webster-dictionary.org

CARMEN LOBITZ Carmen Lobitz ist freie Trainerin, Lehrerin und MTA. Sie gründete 1998 in Berlin lobitz seminare, die unter anderem Englischseminare für Health Professionals anbieten. Kontakt: mail@lobitz-seminare.de www.lobitz-seminare.de

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Lösung für Exercise:

1. A)

2. B)

3. B)–E)

A short introduction to urinary tract infections (UTI)

How is a urinary tract infection diagnosed?

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A short introduction to urinary tract infections (UTI)

How is a urinary tract infection diagnosed?

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