Urinary tract infections are usually controlled with antibiotic therapy. By performing a urine culture, the type of bacteria causing the infection is determined and appropriate antibiotics are prescribed. It is also important to drink plenty of water, pay attention to hygienic precautions and take measures to support urinary tract health. UTI can be cured with timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment and helps prevent serious complications.
What are the symptoms of urinary tract infection?
Urinary tract infection symptoms can differ in men and women. Urinary tract infections are more common, especially in women, and symptoms may be more pronounced. Urinary tract infection symptoms are usually controlled with antibiotic therapy. It’s important to see a healthcare professional if you have symptoms. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection can differ from person to person, but the following symptoms are usually seen:
- Frequent Urination: People with urinary tract infections feel the need to urinate frequently. However, the amount of urine may often be less than normal.
- Burning Feeling While Urinating: People with urinary tract infections may experience a burning, sore, or tingly sensation when urinating.
- Blood or Pus in the Urine: Depending on the severity of the infection, blood or pus may appear in the urine. It is also possible for the urine to be cloudy or foul-smelling.
- Abdominal or Groin Pain: A urinary tract infection can cause pain in the lower abdomen or groin area. This pain can be felt continuously or intermittently.
- General Fatigue: The infection can cause a general feeling of weakness, tiredness or exhaustion in the body.
Where does urinary tract infection cause pain?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) can cause pain in different parts of the urinary tract. The pain of a urinary tract infection can vary from person to person, and not everyone will experience the same symptoms. Pain intensity and site may vary depending on the severity of the infection, its spread, and individual factors. It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you have pain as well as your symptoms. Pain is usually felt in the following areas:
- Urethra: UTI can spread along the urethra, which is the lowest part of the urinary tract. In this case, a burning, stinging or tingling sensation may be experienced in the urinary tract. Pain may be felt in this area while urinating and after urination.
- Lower Abdomen: A urinary tract infection can also cause pain in the urinary bladder (bladder) area. This pain may be felt as mild or moderate pressure or pain in the lower abdomen. In some cases, the pain may radiate to the groin area.
- Kidneys: When a UTI progresses, it can also spread to the kidneys. In this case, pain may be felt in the back area, on the sides or in the lower back. People with kidney infections often experience more severe back pain and generalized weakness.
A cold does not directly cause a urinary tract infection. Urinary tract infections are usually caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract. The most common causes include the bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli). Bacteria usually travel from the anus to the urinary tract, causing an infection. Chills are a condition caused by the low temperatures the body is exposed to in cold weather. Being outside for a long time in cold weather, exposure to cold water, or poorly dressed can lead to chills. However, being cold does not directly cause a urinary tract infection.
Being cold and being cold can weaken the immune system or make the urinary tract vulnerable. This may cause bacteria to settle in the urinary tract more easily and cause an infection. For this reason, it is important to prevent cold, to keep the immune system strong and to pay attention to hygienic measures in the prevention of urinary tract infections. It is important to take precautions such as drinking plenty of water, urinating frequently, paying attention to hygienic toilet habits and dressing appropriately to reduce the risk of infection.
How to treat urinary tract infection that does not go away despite antibiotics?
Urinary tract infections that persist despite antibiotic therapy are considered resistant or recurrent infections. In order for antibiotic therapy against urinary tract infections to be effective, the right antibiotic, the right dosage and the appropriate duration should be used. However, in cases where the infection does not resolve or recurs, it is important to consult a specialist healthcare professional. One or more of the following treatment approaches can be used for urinary tract infection that does not go away despite antibiotics:
- Antibiotic Change: A different antibiotic may be prescribed if initial antibiotic therapy fails. Based on the urine culture results, an antibiotic is selected that determines the susceptibility of the bacteria causing the infection.
- Long-Term Antibiotic Use: Antibiotic therapy may be longer in resistant or recurrent infections. Taking low doses of antibiotics for several weeks or months can prevent the infection from recurring.
- Specific Treatment Approaches: In some cases, abnormalities or underlying health problems that cause urinary tract infections may require treatment. For example, if there are stones or obstructions in the urinary tract, these conditions may need to be corrected.
- Urinary Tract Hygiene: Proper hygiene measures should be taken to prevent recurrence of urinary tract infections. Precautions such as drinking plenty of water, regular toilet habits, cleaning the genital area and drying the genital area after urination should be taken.
- Expert Consulting: It is important to consult a urologist in cases where urinary tract infections are resistant or recurrent. The specialist can perform further examinations and determine the appropriate treatment plan.
In how many days does urinary tract infection heal?
Recovery time of urinary tract infection varies depending on the severity of the infection, how early treatment is started, the effectiveness of the antibiotic used, and individual factors. Usually, the symptoms of a urinary tract infection begin to subside within 1 to 3 days after antibiotic therapy is started. Antibiotic therapy can usually take 7 to 14 days. It is important that you regularly take the antibiotics prescribed by your doctor during this time. Antibiotics control the infection by killing the bacteria causing the infection.
Each individual’s healing process may be different. Some people recover faster, while others may feel their symptoms for a longer period of time. Following your doctor’s instructions during treatment, taking antibiotics for the full duration, and drinking plenty of water can help the infection heal faster. Importantly, despite the relief of symptoms, antibiotic therapy should be completed. Failure to use all of the medication may lead to the return of the infection or the development of a resistant infection. It is important to stay in touch with your doctor during the recovery period and to apply immediately if symptoms persist.
What are the symptoms of kidney inflammation?
There is a relationship between kidney inflammation and urinary tract infection. Urinary tract infection is an infection usually caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract. This infection can start in the lower parts of the urinary tract (bladder) and travel upwards to the kidneys. If bacteria from the urinary tract reach the kidneys, infection and inflammation of the kidneys (pyelonephritis) can occur.
Kidney inflammation usually occurs as a complication of urinary tract infection. People with urinary tract infections may develop infection and inflammation of the kidney tissue as a result of the spread of bacteria from the urinary tract to the kidneys. This causes symptoms such as pain in the kidneys, fever, and urinary changes. Kidney inflammation is a condition in which an infection occurs in the kidneys and is medically called “pyelonephritis”. Symptoms of kidney inflammation may include:
- One of the most obvious symptoms is pain in the back area. Pain is usually felt on the sides of the back or lower back, in the area of one or both kidneys. The pain can be severe and sometimes radiating.
- Some changes can be observed while urinating. The amount of urine may increase or decrease. Urine may be squeezed and an urgent need to urinate may be felt. There may be blood in the urine or the urine may be dark in color.
- People with kidney inflammation may experience general weakness, fatigue and loss of energy. Loss of appetite and weight loss may also occur.
- Depending on the severity of the infection, high fever and chills may occur. Fever means having a higher body temperature than normal.
- In some cases, people with kidney inflammation may also experience nausea and vomiting. This may be associated with the spread of infection and a general feeling of discomfort in the body.
If kidney inflammation is suspected, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. These symptoms can be associated with other health problems besides kidney inflammation, so it is important to consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.