Infections of the Kidney and Bladder 

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common  infection which can involve any portion of the urinary system. The urinary system includes the kidneys (produce urine), ureters (tubes  that carry the urine from the kidneys to the bladder), bladder (stores urine)  and the urethra (the tube  that carries urine from  the bladder to outside  the body). 

UTIs can affect men and women, and all age groups. Most  urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria, and  the anal region  is a common source for these organisms. Infections generally develop in  the lower urinary tract (bladder  and urethra), but can progress to involve  the upper urinary tract (ureters  and kidneys). 

There  are many factors which influence a person’s susceptibility  to UTIs: 

• women are more prone to develop UTIs due to their 
• shorter urethra; 
• sexual intercourse causes some women to develop UTIs for unknown reasons; 
• women who use a diaphragm or spermicidal foam are at increased risk for developing UTIs; 
• urinary catheterization (placement  of a small tube in  the urinary collecting system) can introduce bacteria into  the urinary system; 
• obstruction of  the bladder outlet (prostate enlargement in men, bladder stones) 
• injuries to  the bladder that prevent it from functioning normally (spinal cord injuries); 
• pregnancy 
• incomplete emptying  of the bladder 

Infections of the bladder are also called cystitis,  and are the most common type of UTI. Common symptoms include: 

• a need  to urinate urgently and frequently 
• a sensation  of pain or burning with urination 
• blood in  the urine 
• cloudy  or foul smelling urine 
• cramps or tenderness over  the bladder 

Kidney infections also referred  to as pyelonephritis, tend to be  more severe. Patients  may have symptoms similar to cystitis, but also may have: 

• fever  and chills 
• tenderness over  the kidneys (located on either side  of the spinal column, above the waist) 
• nausea  and vomiting 

The diagnosis  of a UTI is made  by examination of  the urine with a dipstick and/or a microscope. The urine may also be cultured  to determine  the type of organism causing the infection. Depending on  the scenario,  your physician may order additional tests to study the  urinary system. 

UTIs are commonly treated with oral antibiotics; how long you need to take them depends on the severity  of the infection. In general, bladder infections are treated  for 3-7 days, while kidney infections are treated for 7-14 days, and may require intravenous antibiotics. If there are other factors increasing  the risk for recurrent infections, these are often managed after  the main infection is cleared. Preventive measures for recurrent infections include cranberry juice, vitamin C, and sometimes a small dose  of antibiotic taken daily  or after sexual intercourse.
  

Notes: http://www.uihealthcare.com/topics/medicaldepartments/urology/infectionskidneybladder/index.html

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EditText of this page (last edited August 16, 2009)