Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Urinary Tract Infections

UTIs are usually caused by colonic bacteria traveling from the external genitalia skin up through the urethra to the bladder causing Acute Cysitis (bladder infection) and if untreated it may go up through the ureter to the kidneys causing Kidney infection (Acute Pyelonephritis). Women are more prone to bladder infection due to the short urethra.

Urinary Tract Infections

Bladder Infection

The usual symptoms are:

  • Burning on urination
  • Frequent urination
  • Getting up from sleep during the night to urinate
  • Urinating blood
  • Lower abdominal discomfort
  • NO FEVER or CHILLS

The exam usually shows non ill patient with minimal abdominal tenderness.

Note a sexually transmitted disease should be considered since urethritis /vaginitis can sometimes cause similar symptoms.

The urine rapid clinic dip test usually shows the presence of Blood, Nitrite and  Leukocytes Esterase.

A pregnancy test is recommended when treating young female.

Urine culture is not routinely  recommended.

Simple infection can be treated with Bactrim for 3 days or Macrobid for 5 days.

Kidney Infection

The usual symptoms are:

  • Fever and chills
  • Flank pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Bladder infection symptoms (burning and frequency)
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea (sometimes)

The exam shows quite ill patient with significant flank and lower abdomen tenderness.

The urine test findings are similar to bladder infection.

All Kidney infections require a urine culture.

Some of these patients can be managed in urgent care with IM Rocephin and antiemetic (Zofran) and sent home on Cipro for 10 to 14 days.

The sicker ones will need IV hydration and IV antibiotics and they have to be treated in ER.

Prostatitis

The usual symptoms are:

  • Fever and chills
  • Low back pain
  • Perineal or pelvic pain
  • Pain with ejaculation
  • Frequent urination
  • Burning on urination
  • Symptoms of swollen prostate like weaker urine stream

The exam usually shows very ill patient.

Usually requires hospitalization and IV antibiotics.

The urine test should show some white blood cells.

Rectal exam shows boggy and tender gland.

Colonic bacteria is the usual cause unless the patient is younger than 35 year and is at risk for sexually transmitted disease then Gonorrhea and Chlamydia should be considered. Treatment is Cipro for 4 weeks.

If you think  you have any of the symptoms above, Contact Medical Care One is an urgent care and Walk-in clinic in Ypsilanti

Visit Urgent Care Near You.  All Walkins are welcome and no Appointment  Necessary. Can’t make it to the urgent care?   Meet your doctor online with  Telemedicine.  Read about COVID-19 safety info.