Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Symptoms, Tests and Treatment

6 min read · Conditions · By the Asthra Health Care team

What is a UTI?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection anywhere in the urinary system: the kidneys, the tubes from the kidneys (ureters), the bladder or the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. Most UTIs affect the bladder and are called cystitis. An infection that spreads to the kidneys, called pyelonephritis, is more serious.

UTIs are much more common in women, because the urethra is shorter and closer to the back passage, making it easier for bacteria from the gut to enter. Most UTIs are caused by E. coli bacteria that normally live in the bowel.

Who is at higher risk?

Anyone can get a UTI, but some people are more likely to get them. Drinking too little water, which is common in hot Indian summers and in people who avoid using public toilets, allows bacteria to build up in the bladder.

• Women, especially after sexual activity or menopause
• Pregnant women
• People with diabetes
• Men with an enlarged prostate
• People with kidney stones or a urinary catheter
• Holding urine for long periods and drinking too little water

Symptoms of urinary tract infection

Bladder infection causes burning or pain when passing urine, needing to pass urine often and urgently, passing only small amounts, lower stomach pain, and cloudy or bad-smelling urine. Sometimes there is blood in the urine. Some women feel a constant pressure or discomfort low in the belly even after passing urine.

Kidney infection causes high fever with chills, pain in the back or side below the ribs, nausea and vomiting. Elderly people may not have typical symptoms and may instead become confused, weak or fall. Young children may simply have fever, poor feeding, irritability or bedwetting.

How a UTI is diagnosed

A urine routine test looks for pus cells, bacteria and blood in the urine. A urine culture identifies the bacteria and shows which antibiotics will work, which is important because many UTI germs in India are now resistant to common antibiotics. Collect a clean mid-stream sample in the sterile container provided, ideally before starting any antibiotic.

For repeated infections, kidney infection, men, children or pregnant women, the doctor may also order blood tests, kidney function tests, blood sugar and an ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder to look for stones or blockage. Finding and treating such a cause helps prevent the infection from coming back.

How urinary tract infection is treated

UTIs are treated with antibiotics, taken only on a doctor's prescription. The choice depends on the type of infection, local resistance patterns, pregnancy and kidney function. The doctor may change the antibiotic once the culture result is available. Complete the course exactly as advised, even if symptoms improve in a day or two.

Drinking enough water helps flush the bladder. Paracetamol can ease pain and fever; follow the label or your pharmacist's advice. Urine alkalisers sold at pharmacies may ease burning but do not treat the infection and are not suitable for everyone, particularly people with kidney or heart disease.

UTI in pregnancy and in men

UTIs in pregnancy need prompt treatment, even without symptoms, because they can lead to kidney infection and affect the baby. Routine urine tests during pregnancy check for this. Only a doctor should choose the antibiotic, as some are unsafe in pregnancy.

In men, a UTI is less common and often points to an underlying cause such as an enlarged prostate or kidney stones, so a doctor will usually investigate further. Men with UTI symptoms, fever and pain between the legs may have a prostate infection, which needs a longer course of treatment decided by the doctor.

Prevention and when to see a doctor

Drink enough water through the day so that your urine is pale yellow, and do not hold urine for long. Pass urine after sexual intercourse. Women should wipe from front to back after using the toilet. Keep diabetes well controlled with the treatment your doctor has advised.

See a doctor for any UTI symptoms, and urgently if there is fever, back pain, vomiting or blood in urine. If you get UTIs often, ask your doctor about further tests and prevention. Your doctor or pharmacist can answer questions about your medicines.

This article is general health information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or combine medicines on your own — always follow your doctor's prescription and ask your pharmacist if unsure.