Urinary tract infections.
An infection can occur anywhere along the urinary tract. It can  affect the urethra, bladder, ureters or kidneys. Urinary tract infections may be chronic or recurrent.
Cystitis is a bladder infection and it is the most common and characteristic urinary tract infections. In fact, this is the reason that quite often the term "cystitis" is used to describe inflammatory conditions of the lower urinary system all together. Although a variety of bacteria, including Proteus, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Providencia and Klebsiella, can be involved, the infection is usually caused by Escherichia Coli which may descend from the anus and enter the urethra and eventually the bladder. If cystitis remains untreated, the infection can spread further into the urinary system and cause pyelonephritis. This is a kidney infection which may lead to episodes of intense pain.
Although cystitis can happen in both genders, females are more prone to the infection, since in women the urethra is short and closer to the anus. Elderly people and diabetics are more likely to experience cystitis.
Inadequate fluids intake, pregnancy, menopause, prostate inflammation or enlargement, kidney stones, narrowed urethra, bowel incontinence, catheterization, diabetes, surgical treatment for overactive bladder and occasionally, sexual intercourses are the most common risk factors that increase a person's chances of developing a urinary tract infection.
Urinary tract infections are common in children, especially in uncircumcised boys. In girls, the condition usually occurs around the age of three, over the toilet training period. Cystitis in children can be persistent and may be caused by abnormalities in the urinary tract. Therefore, children with cystitis, especially those under the age of five, must be checked frequently, in order later kidney problems to be prevented.
Urinary tract infection symptoms.
Symptoms of urinary tract infections may include frequent urge to urinate, pain or burning in the bladder or urethra during urination, cloudy or reddish urine, strong urine odor, fatigue or shakiness, painful sexual intercourse and penis pain. Vomiting or fever and chills may be a sign of kidney involvement. Women may experience pressure above the pubic bone. Men may have a feeling of fullness in the rectum.
Urinary tract infection treatment.
Although mild cystitis may settle down within a few days, without treatment, usually antibiotic courses are prescribed, especially in children, where the risk for kidney damage is higher. In elderly people, urgent treatment is recommended, since they are far more susceptible to serious or even fatal complications.
In cases of chronic or recurrent urinary tract infections, antibiotics may need to be given for a period ranging from six months to two years.
If any anatomical abnormality is present, surgery to correct the problem may be recommended.
Drinking plenty of fluids will help in preventing another infection.
For more information about pharmaceutical treatment check the Medications for Urinary Track Infections page.
Urinary tract infection prevention.
Good hygiene in the genital area, wiping from front to back, drinking plenty of water, urination after sexual intercourses and avoidance of excessive amounts of alcohol or caffeine may prevent urinary tract infections.
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