The phrase urinary tract infection is a broad term used to describe both bacterial colonization of the urine and invasion of structures in any part of the urinary tract. Colonization of the urine, that is, multiplication of large numbers of bacteria in the urine, is often difficult to distinguish from actual tissue invasion eliciting a host response, because of the frequent tendency of urinary tract infections to exhibit either few or no symptoms. This phenomenon is known as asymptomatic bacteriuria At any given point in time, an individual may have bacteriuria alone, or bacteriuria with silent tissue invasion, or bacteriuria accompanied by signs of inflammation of the bladder (cystitis) or kidneys (pyelonephritis).
Infections of the structures of the urinary tract are usually accompanied by colonization of the urine which bathes the kidney, ureter, bladder, and urethra. Thus, bacteriuria is the most common denominator of urinary tract infections. Bacteriuria may be absent, however, when the infected focus is not contiguous with the urine as in early lesions of hematogenous pyelonephritis, when there is marked obstruction of the affected portion of the tract or when it is masked by antimicrobial.
Bacteriologic Findings.
The species of bacteria most likely to be recovered in individuals with bacteriuria depends, for the most part, upon previous history of infection, receipt of antimicrobial therapy, hospitalization, and instrumentation of the urinary tract. In this respect, the bacterial flora found in individuals with asymptomatic bacteriuria is no different from that in cases of clinically obvious pyelonephritis.
Entero- bacteriaceae are by far the most common organisms identified. E. coli generally accounts for more than 80 per cent of all species recovered in so-called uncomplicated cases, whereas Proteus, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, enterococci, and Staphylococcus aureus are more likely to be found in patients who have had previous infection or instrumentation (the so- called complicated group).
Occasionally, organisms such as Serratia marcescens, Mima-Herellea, Candida albicans, and even Cryptococcus neo- formans may be significant and produce disease in diabetics and in patients treated with corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents. Diphtheroids, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and micro- aerophilic streptococci are highly suspect as contaminants. They usually will not be isolated on repeated culture. They should not, however, be dismissed if repeatedly recovered under optimal conditions of collection.Despite the abundance of anaerobic flora in the gut, they are actually rare in urinary infections, presumably owing to the poor growth of these organisms in urine.
Microscopic Diagnostic Methods.
Rapid diagnostic methods are available by either preparation of a Gram stain of unsedimented urine and examination with an oil immersion lens, or by study of the centrifuged urinary sediment for bacteria, employing the high dry objective under reduced light with or without the addition of methylene blue. The Gram stain has been the most widely used of these methods and correlates about 80 to 90 per cent with quantitative culture. Examination of the unstained sediment as prepared for search for formed elements in the urine is very helpful. It is much less time consuming than preparation of a stained slide, and can be done in cpnjunction with the routine examination for formed elements.
This method lends itself particularly well in office practice to assessing the presence of a urinary tract infection. The criterion for a positive sediment is the presence of many (preferably more than 20) obvious bacteria. The presence of marked pyuria can mask bacteria in the sediment. Fresh urine is required, because crystals will also obscure the bacteria. If crystals do form, the urine should be warmed until they dissolve.
Ten or more leukocytes per high-powered field in the centrifuged specimen is usually accepted as representing pyuria. When inflammation of the bladder mucosa is intense, there ma;. be saw erythrocytes in the urine, and gross he sometimes occurs. .
Epidemiology of Urinary Tract Infection
Extend epidemiologic studies have provided informalic® of the frequency of bacteriuria in various populations. Bacteriuria in the newborn period has bee’ difficult to define because of problems inherent in collection, but information is being obtained with the widespread use of the bladder puncture method. Infection of the urinary tract in this age group appears to be part of a generalized, life-threatening gram-negative sepsis, and is more common in boys than girls. Symptomatic urinary infections, particularly among girls, are prominent in the preschool years, and are frequently associated with important obstructive or neurogenic lesions.
Urologic investigation is extremely valuable in this age group. It is mandatory in males of any age because of the high frequency of important structural abnormalities found (valves, malformations, obstructive and neurogenic lesions). The prevalence of bacteriuria among schoolgirls is 1.2 per cent; it is only 0.03 per cent in boys of the same’ age. The incidence rate in girls is 0.3 per cent per year; it is linear with time throughout the school years and is unaffected by menarche. The cumulative frequency or urinary infection in girls occurring at one time or another during the school years exceeds 5 per cent.
Why Urinary infection Is Common In Marriage
Bacteriuria in schoolgirls is independent of socioeconomic status and race, and is not increased in diabetic girls. The prevalence of bacteriuria rises with age and is increased in lower socioeconomic groups, probably because of limited antimicrobial therapy delivered to this population. Urinary infection is common after marriage. The “honeymoon cystitis” syndrome may be due to either infection or local irritation, and these should be clearly differentiated by culture. Bacteriuria in pregnancy varies from 2 to 6 per cent, depending upon age, parity, and socioeconomic groups. Early detection and treatment of bacteriuria in this age group will prevent the emergence of symptomatic infection. Elderly women may have frequencies of bacteriuria as high as 10 per cent; this rate may rise even higher in hospitalized patients, particularly diabetics. Bacteriuria in the male begins to appear in the “prostate” years, and is often initiated by instrumentation.
Role of Instrumentation.
Persistent bacteriuria follows single catheterizations at a frequency of 1 to 2 per cent and with open indwelling catheter drainage exceeds 90 per cent within three to four days. This may lead to life-threatening pyelonephritis and gram-negative sepsis. Fortunately, it is partially avoidable by (1) careful preselection of criteria for catheterization, and (2) use of aseptic closed drainage or antimicrobial bladder rinse during prolonged catheterization. The catheter should be removed as soon as it is no longer needed.
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a condition when the urinary system experiences an infection. It can be in the ureter, kidney, bladder, and urethra. Generally, the infection attacks two parts, namely the urethra and the bladder.
Although it can happen to anyone, this infection is more likely to occur in women.
In addition, this infection can attack deeper parts and the most common one that occurs is a bladder infection (cystitis).
Types of Urinary Tract Infections
UTIs are divided into several types, depending on which part of the urinary tract is infected.
Some common types are:
- Infection of the urethra, the hollow tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.
- A bacterial infection of the bladder that often spreads from the urethra.
- This occurs in the kidneys, usually due to an infection that has spread to the urinary tract, or from a blockage in the urinary tract. Obstruction in the urinary tract causes urine to flow back into the ureters and kidneys.
Want to know what vitamins to prevent urinary tract infections? Read in this article: Here are 7 Recommended Vitamins to Prevent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs).
Causes of Urinary Tract Infections
The cause of urinary tract infections is bacteria that infect one part of the urinary system.
The type of bacteria that most often causes this infection is E. coli .
However, there are several other types of bacteria that can also cause UTIs. Such as Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus.
This disease can occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and grow in the bladder. Although the urinary system works to prevent bacteria from entering through the urethra, sometimes it can still happen.
If You Have a UTI, You Should Contact This Doctor Immediately.
Risk Factors for Urinary Tract Infections
General risk factors for urinary tract infections include:
- Have urinary tract abnormalities.
- Having a blockage in the urinary tract.
- Have a low immune system.
- Using a catheter.
- Having surgery or a urinary tract examination.
This disease is more common in women, and many women experience it more than once during their lifetime.
Several factors that increase the risk of this disease in women, namely:
- Sexually active.
- The anatomy of the female body has a shorter urethra than men.
- Using certain types of contraception.
- Already menopausal.
Women who have the habit of wiping the genital area after urinating from back to front are also at risk of contracting this disease. This is because the urethra is located close to the anus which tends to have a lot of bacteria.
Sexual intercourse can also cause bacteria to enter the urinary tract, apart from dirty habits after urinating.
Therefore, cleaning the genital area after having sex is very important.
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections in Women and Men
UTIs can cause the lining of the urinary tract to become red and inflamed (irritated).
Some of the characteristics of urinary tract infections that can occur in men and women include:
- Characteristics of Urinary Tract Infections in Women
Symptoms of urinary tract infections in women can include:
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating.
- Increased frequency of urination.
- Urine smells and has a different color than usual.
- Pelvic or lower abdominal pain.
- Feeling weak and unwell.
- Bloody urine (hematuria).
- In girls, they tend to be restless or cry when urinating.
- Characteristics of Urinary Tract Infections in Men
Although more common in women, men can also experience urinary tract infections (UTIs) with the following symptoms:
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating.
- Difficulty urinating.
- Frequent urination.
- Pain in the lower abdomen or lower back.
- Urine smells and is colored differently than normal.
- A feeling of discomfort in the pelvic or genital area.
- Intense pain.
For more details, here are various symptoms of urinary tract infections in men that you need to know.
Recommended Doctors Who Can Help Treat Urinary Tract Infections
If you experience one or more symptoms of a urinary tract infection, it’s a good idea to immediately consult a doctor at Halodoc .
In addition, if this disease is diagnosed early, the possibility of complications can be prevented.
Well, here are some doctors who have more than 10 years of experience that you can contact.
These doctors also get good ratings from the patients they have previously treated:
Here is the list:
- Reza Maulana M.Si, Sp.U
- Ben Mantiri Sp.U
- Dian Paramita Oktaviani S Sp.U, M.Ked.Klin
No need to worry if the doctor is not available or offline .
Because, you can still make a consultation appointment at another time via the Halodoc application .
Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infection
Some tests and procedures to diagnose urinary tract infections , namely:
- Examination of a urine sample, looking for white blood cells, red blood cells, or bacteria.
- Urine Culture Examination.This is useful to determine the type of bacteria present, in order to determine the right treatment.
- Imaging tests.Such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI, to see images of the urinary tract.
- An examination using a special instrument inserted through the urethra to look inside the bladder.
Checking for Urinary Tract Infections Can Be Done at Home
To detect whether you have a urinary tract infection or not, you can do a health screening at home.
You don’t need to bother going to a clinic or hospital because currently Halodoc provides a Home Lab Urinary Tract Infection Check facility available in Jabodetabek, Bandung, and Surabaya.
This service is a laboratory test or test package from Halodoc where samples can be taken at home or at any location you choose.
There are several advantages of this lab testing service, including:
✔ No need to bother leaving the house.
✔ No need to queue.
✔ Save time and money.
✔ Professional health workers and fast response.
✔ Strict health protocols.
✔ Samples are taken safely and sterilely.
✔ The equipment used is of high quality, safe, sealed and meets standards.
✔ Price for checking urinary tract infection starts from Rp269,000. You can also make a family booking to get an extra discount.
✔ All lab test services consist of laboratory examinations and doctor consultations.
✔ After the test, you can get a 25 thousand voucher for a consultation on the results with a trusted doctor from Halodoc .
Booking Urinary Tract Infection Checks is Easier at Home via Halodoc.
You can order through the application or contact the WhatsApp number 0888-0999-9226 directly .
Come on, check for urinary tract infections at Halodoc right now!
The process is practical, accurate, and hassle-free because the health worker will come directly to your home.
Urinary Tract Infection Treatment
The most common treatment for this disease is by administering antibiotics.
This drug is able to kill bacteria, thereby eliminating the infection that occurs.
However, make sure to finish the antibiotics according to the doctor’s prescription so that the bacterial infection is resolved and the body does not become resistant to the drug later.
In addition, it is also necessary to consume more water so that bacteria can be removed from the urinary tract system.
So, Can Urinary Tract Infections Be Cured with Pipemidic Acid?
Learn more.
If this condition recurs three times in a year or more, ask your doctor to recommend a specific treatment plan.
Some treatment options that you can undergo include:
- Using low doses of antibiotics over a longer period to help prevent recurrent infections.
- Taking a single dose of antibiotics after intercourse, to prevent common triggers of infection.
- Take antibiotics for 1 or 2 days whenever you experience symptoms.
So, if you experience problems with your bladder, contact this doctor immediately.
Recommended Medications for Treating Urinary Tract Infections
The following are recommended medications for treating urinary tract infections:
- Floxifar 500 mg 10 Caplets. Tablets containing the antibiotic Ciprofloxacin which are useful for treating infections in the urinary tract, bones and joints, and digestive tract.
- Scopma 10 mg 10 Caplets. Used to treat stomach pain or serious digestive disorders.
- Spasmolit 10 mg 10 Tablets. A hard drug that can be consumed based on doctor’s instructions. This drug contains Hyoscine Butylbromide to treat digestive disorders such as paroxysmal pain in the stomach or small intestine.
- Tequinol 500 mg 10 Caplets. Can be consumed to treat severe infections caused by bacteria such as urinary tract infections, urethritis, infections of the digestive tract and respiratory tract.
- Baquinor Forte 500 mg 10 Caplets. Antibiotics containing Ciprofloxacin are useful for treating infections of the urinary tract, skin and soft tissue, bones and joints, to acute osteomyelitis.
- Helixim Dry Syrup 30 ml. Is a type of antibiotic that contains Cefixime to treat urinary tract infections without complications.
- Cefspan Dry Syrup 30 ml. With Cefixime content, this drug is an antibiotic to treat urinary tract infections, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis.
- Buscopan 10 mg 10 Tablets. Tablets containing Hyoscine-N-butylbromide are useful for treating spastic disorders in the digestive tract, urinary tract, bile duct, and genital tract in women.
- Prive Uricran 10 Capsules. Supplements that contain multivitamins and Isoflavones that are useful for maintaining urinary tract health.
To learn more about UTI medication, you can read this article: “ These Are Commonly Prescribed Urinary Tract Infection Medications .”
Complications of Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections that are not treated immediately can trigger urosepsis, a condition where bacteria in the infected kidney spread to the blood.
This causes many bad effects, such as shock and even death.
In addition, in some cases this disease can also cause:
- Premature birth, if this disease occurs in pregnant women.
- Permanent kidney damage if the bacteria spread to the kidneys.
- Narrowing of the urinary tract.
Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections
Here are some efforts to prevent urinary tract infections:
- Not holding urine.
- Always clean the genital area from front to back after urinating.
- Drink plenty of water.
- You should avoid feminine hygiene sprays, feminine fragrances, and other products for the feminine area because they will only irritate the mucosa.
- Clean the genital area before having sex.
- After intercourse, urinate. This is to remove any bacteria that may have entered the urethra.
- Don’t wear underwear for days.
- Do not wear tight bottoms as they will increase humidity.