Urinary Tract Infection: Finding the Root Cause
UTI - Can Lead to Serious Damage
The urinary system (also called the “urinary tract”) is the part of your body that makes urine. It is made up of two kidneys, the ureters, the bladder, and the urethra.
Kidney damage can occur if there is an obstruction or blockage of urine from the kidneys. Obstruction or blockage can occur in the ureter or at the outlet of the bladder.
Congenital abnormality with narrowing of the upper or lower ureter can lead to chronic kidney disease in children.
In adults, causes of urinary tract obstruction or blockage can be from kidney stones or tumours, and in men may be due to an enlarged prostate gland.
Common Symptoms
Urinary Tract Infection's may be overlooked or mistaken for other conditions in older adults.
Male Urinary Tract System
Female Urinary Tract System
UTI's- Can Lead to Serious Damage
Urinary tract infections don't always produce signs and symptoms, but when they do, they may include:
- A strong, persistent urge to urinate
- A burning sensation when urinating
- Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
- Urine that appears cloudy
- Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-coloured — a sign of blood in the urine
- Strong-smelling urine
- Pelvic pain in women — especially in the centre of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone
Frequent, painful urination and urine that appears cloudy or bloody. If the UTI involves the kidneys, fever and back pain may also occur.
Types of Urinary Tract Infections
Part of the Urinary Tract Affected | Signs and Symptoms |
|---|---|
Kidneys (acute pyelonephritis) |
|
Bladder (cystitis) |
|
Urethra (urethritis) |
|
Contact your doctor if you have signs and symptoms of a UTI.
Don't wait and think it will just go away on its own.
Recommended Topics
Blood Sample Test
A simple blood test can check your Serum Creatinine which measures kidney function!
Urine Sample Test
Strongly recommended that everyone have a urine test for albumin at least once a year.
Blood Urine Nitrogen Test
A simple Blood Urine Nitrogen (BUN) Test measures the amount of urea nitrogen found in blood.
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