Medically Reviewed by Melinda Ratini, DO, MS on January 11, 2022 Show  About half of women will get a urinary tract infection, or UTI, at some point in life. It happens when germs infect the system that carries urine out of the body -- the kidneys, bladder, and the tubes that connect them. Bladder infections are common and usually not serious if treated promptly. But if the infection spreads to the kidneys, it can cause more serious illness. Most UTIs are bladder infections. Symptoms include:
An untreated bladder infection can spread to the kidneys. Signs of this include:
See your doctor right away if you have signs of a urinary tract infection. A bladder infection is generally not a medical emergency -- but some people have a higher risk for complications. This includes pregnant women, the elderly, and men, as well as people with diabetes, kidney problems, or a weakened immune system. Although burning during urination is a telltale sign of a UTI, it can also be a symptom of a number of other problems such as a vaginal yeast infection or certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). These include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. Simple lab tests are available to distinguish a UTI from an STD. Interstitial cystitis also has many of the same symptoms as a urinary tract infection. It can happen in both men and women and can start after a UTI. A cystoscopy, a thin tube and camera that is inserted into the bladder, can not diagnosis interstitial cystitis, but it can help identify abnormalities in the badder that cause cystitis. Few things can ruin a honeymoon like a UTI. But this is so common, it has its own name -- "honeymoon cystitis." The reason is that sexual activity can push bacteria into the urethra. Of course, the problem is not confined to honeymoons. Some women get a bladder infection almost every time they have sex. Women who use a diaphragm for birth control are especially vulnerable. Occasionally, UTIs occur without the classic symptoms. A person may have no symptoms at all. Yet, a urine test shows the presence of bacteria. This is known as asymptomatic bacteriuria. In many cases, no treatment is needed. But pregnant women, some children, and recipients of kidney transplants should be treated to avoid a kidney infection. The main danger associated with untreated UTIs is that the infection may spread from the bladder to one or both kidneys. When bacteria attack the kidneys, they can cause damage that will permanently reduce kidney function. In people who already have kidney problems, this can raise the risk of kidney failure. There's also a small chance that the infection may enter the bloodstream and spread to other organs. Many types of bacteria live in the intestines and genital area, but this is not true of the urinary system. In fact, urine is sterile. So when errant bacteria, such as the E. coli shown here, is accidentally introduced into the urinary system, it can start a UTI. Typically, bacteria travel up the urethra to the bladder, where an infection can take hold. Women are more susceptible than men, probably because they have shorter urethras. UTIs are most common in sexually active women. Other factors that may increase your risk include:
Men are much less likely than women to get UTIs. When it does happen, it's often related to another underlying medical condition, such as a kidney stone or an enlarged prostate. The first step in diagnosing a UTI is usually a simple urine test called a urinalysis. It looks for bacteria, as well as abnormal counts of white and red blood cells. The dipstick test provides quick results, but a urine analysis is not enough by itself to diagnose a UTI. Your doctor may also send urine to a lab for a culture to confirm the type of bacteria and whether or not you have a UTI. At-home test kits can help detect a UTI, but they are not 100% accurate. Be sure to go over the results and symptoms with your doctor. Some UTIs do not require treatment, but prescription antibiotics will almost always cure a UTI. Your healthcare provider may recommend drinking lots of fluids and emptying your bladder frequently to help flush out the bacteria. Kidney infections can often be treated with oral antibiotics, too. But severe kidney infections may require hospital care, including a course of intravenous antibiotics. Some women are prone to getting UTIs over and over again. If you have three or more a year, talk to your doctor about how to prevent or minimize these infections. Your options may include:
For some women, using non antibiotic treatment such as taking cranberry supplements can help prevent UTIs. Be sure to discuss your options and their potential effectiveness with your doctor. An over-the-counter drug called phenazopyridine can help ease your pain, burning, and irritation. It also controls your need to pee frequently and urgently. But there's a catch. It only works on your symptoms. It doesn't cure your infection. You still need to see your doctor to make sure you get treatment to fight the bacteria that's causing your UTI. Also, one common side effect: It turns your pee dark red or orange while you take it. People with diabetes are more vulnerable to UTIs for several reasons. First, their immune systems tend to be weaker. Second, high blood sugar can spill into the urine and encourage the growth of bacteria. Also, nerve damage related to diabetes can prevent the bladder from fully emptying. People with diabetes should talk with their doctor at the first sign of a UTI. During pregnancy, there are several factors that boost the risk of UTIs, especially a kidney infection. Hormones cause changes in the urinary tract, and the uterus may put pressure on the ureters or bladder or both -- making it more difficult for urine to pass from the kidneys to the bladder and out. Untreated UTIs can contribute to preterm labor, so be sure to alert your doctor if you suspect you have an infection. Estrogen has a protective effect in the urinary tract, but levels of this hormone drop off significantly during menopause. Low estrogen levels can make it easier for bacteria to thrive in the vagina or urethra. For this reason, women may be more susceptible to UTIs after menopause. A hospital stay can put you at risk for a UTI, particularly if you need to use a catheter. This is a thin tube that's inserted through the urethra to carry urine out of the body. Bacteria can enter through the catheter and reach the bladder. This is more often a problem for older adults who require prolonged hospital stays or who live in long-term care facilities. UTIs are among the most common infections in the elderly. But the symptoms may not follow the classic pattern. Agitation, delirium, or other behavioral changes may be the only sign of a UTI in elderly men and women. This age group is also more likely to develop serious complications as a result of UTIs. Babies occasionally develop UTIs, but they can’t tell you what they feel. Here are some signs to watch for:
It’s vital to treat a baby’s UTI quickly to prevent kidney damage. Promptly changing a dirty diaper can help prevent bladder infections. And of course, wipe from front to back whenever changing a baby's diaper. About 1% of boys and 3% of girls develop UTIs by age 11. This includes some children who repeatedly delay a bathroom trip. Their muscles may not relax enough later to fully empty the bladder and flush away any bacteria. More regular bathroom trips and drinking plenty of liquids may help. A small number of children have a structural problem that obstructs urine flow or lets urine flow back from the bladder to the kidneys, triggering chronic kidney infections. This can lead to kidney damage. Accidents are par for the course during toilet training. Even kids who have mastered the art of the potty may sometimes have a relapse. Other children may scream or cry when taken to the potty, as a way of rebelling against the process. These are generally not signs of a UTI. Here are several strategies to reduce the risk of UTIs:
Maybe Mom told you that cranberry juice cures a UTI. They’re close. Some studies suggest it can help prevent, but not treat an infection in some people. It is more effective in women at risk for the infections. Cranberries contain a substance that prevents E. coli bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder. If you don't like the taste of cranberry juice, capsules or tablets may work, too. People with a history of kidney stones should check with a doctor, first. How long is too long to have a UTI?Women suffering from chronic urinary tract infections may have: Two or more infections in a 6-month period and/or three or more infections in a 12-month period. Symptoms that don't disappear within 24 to 48 hours after treatment begins. A urinary tract infection that lasts longer than two weeks.
What happens if you leave a UTI untreated for a week?When left untreated, the infection from a UTI can actually move throughout the body—becoming very serious and even life threatening. If you do not treat a bladder infection, it may turn into a kidney infection, which can then result in a more serious infection that's moved into the blood stream.
What happens if a UTI goes untreated for a month?If your UTI goes untreated, it may progress into a more serious infection. “An untreated bladder infection can become a kidney or prostate infection. These infections are more serious, because they can travel through the blood stream causing sepsis. Sepsis makes people very ill and can even be critical,” Dr.
How long does UTI stay if untreated?Sometimes your body's immune system can clear out the invading bacteria without any help from medications, said Courtenay Moore, MD, a urologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. "If untreated, a UTI would typically take about three to seven days to fight off on your own," Dr. Moore told Health.
|
How long can you let a uti go untreated
Related Posts
Copyright © 2024 berikutyang Inc.
