Symptoms
- Burning during urination
- Frequency and urgency
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Lower abdominal discomfort
- Fever, chills and back pain in kidney infection
Causes and risk factors
- Bacteria entering through the urethra
- Incomplete bladder emptying
- Stones or catheters acting as a nidus
- Diabetes lowering resistance
Diagnosis
- Urine routine and microscopy
- Urine culture with sensitivity
- Ultrasound with residual urine
- Further imaging for recurrent infection
Treatment
- Culture-directed antibiotics
- Adequate hydration
- Treatment of stones or obstruction
- Preventive strategies for recurrent UTI
Prevention
- Drink water regularly through the day
- Do not hold urine for long
- Pass urine after intercourse
- Control blood sugar
- Complete the full antibiotic course
Recovery
Simple bladder infections improve within 48 to 72 hours of the correct antibiotic. Kidney infections may need five to fourteen days of treatment.
Information on this website is for patient education only and does not replace an in-person consultation. Treatment results vary between individuals and no outcome is guaranteed.