URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

Infections of the urine are a common problem effecting more women than men. Infection within the bladder causes burning while passing urine (dysuria), an increased frequency of passing urine (frequency) and is often accompanied by a rapid onset of the urge to pass urine immediately (urgency) and an offensive urine odour. In some cases blood may be visible in the urine In severe infections bacteria spread into the kidneys (pyelonephritis) causing back pain fevers, shakes, nausea and vomiting. In the most severe cases, bacteria spill over into the blood stream (septicaemia) requiring prompt hospitalisation. In men infection of the urine is frequently due to infections within the prostate gland.

The first step in management is to isolate the bacteria causing the infection and determine the most appropriate antibiotic as many bacteria are now resistant to commonly prescribed antibiotics such as penicillin. It is important that a urine sample be collected prior to the commencement of antibiotics. It is very important that the doctor knows any previous antibiotics used to treat infections and any allergic/adverse reactions experienced. All severe or recurrent infections will require imaging of the kidneys and bladder to determine if there is an abnormality in urine flow which could predispose the urinary tract to infection.