this is the end of the copied areaXxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
HOW IS A Bladder Infection (UTI) TREATED?
* Be aware that the recommended treatments of illnesses are always being improved. This website was last update on 11/1/2024. The best treatment option MIGHT have changed since that time.
ANTIBIOTICS:
A. Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) 100 mg orally twice a day for 5 days (But it is contraindicated if creatinine clearance is < 60 mL/min)
B. Fosfomycin 3 g orally once
C. Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) 160/800 mg orally twice a day for 3 days
If there a possible Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis)
A. Ciprofloxacin 500 mg orally twice a day for 7-14 days
B. Levofloxacin 750 mg orally once a day for 5 days (< 10% of the bacteria in the community are resistant)
C. TMP/SMX 160/800 mg orally twice a day for 14 days. In some parts of the US, > 20% of E. coli are resistant to sulfa
If a UTI is SEVERE:
A. Intravenous antibiotics in a hospital may be needed
Prevention Options:
A. D-mannose (simple sugar contained in cranberries and some other berries)
B. Intravaginal estrogen
C. Low dose prophylactic antibiotics (usally Macrobid)
D. 36 mg pf PAC {proanthocyanidins} (the active part of cranberries)
E. Methanamine. It is similar to an antibiotic but not quite the same. In the body
it is converted to formaldehyde and keeps urinary bacteria from multiplying.
CAUTION:
1. If a person has both Cystitis symptoms and back pain (in the area of the kidneys or the ureters), that person may have a kidney infection and need antibiotics that treat a kidney infection as well as a bladder infection.
2. There are other organism (other than bacteria) that can cause a UTI. Urinary Tract Infections can also be caused by fungi, mycobacteria, viruses, and parasites. The only parasite that occurs in the United States is trichomoniasis, which is usually contracted through sex.
3. Most Nonbacterial pathogens (except trichomoniasis) only affect patients who are immunocompromised; have diabetes, obstruction, or structural urinary tract abnormalities; or have had recent urinary tract instrumentation.
4. If a person has more mucous drainage and burning sensation from their urethra than is typical for a UTI, they should be tested for a sexually transmitted disease: gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis.
5. Although antibiotic pills are usually used to treat a bladder infection, they are not always effective. If you are not feeling better in 24 hours, contact your provider and let them know. You may need a stronger or different antibiotic.1. All medication, including all oral antibiotics and all medications that come in lotions, ointment, and creams have a risk of side effects.
6. Possible Mild side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, and light to moderate skin rash.
7. Possible Severe side effects are a severe skin rash, an anaphylactic allergic reaction (leading to the inability to breathe and subsequent death if not treated rapidly), and Clostridioides difficile infection (C. Diff.) of the colon.
8. Medications such as creams, lotions, and gels should be tested in small dosages in areas of the body that are not easily seen.
Consult “Epocrates.com” for each Specific Medication’s possible “Adverse Reactions.” Side effects are also referred to as “Adverse Reactions.” Epocrates.com will tell you both “common reactions” and “serious reactions.” You will have to create an account, but it is simple, fast, and free.
What are the symptoms of a Bladder Infection (UTI)?
The symptom of a Urinary Tract Infection usually include mild lower abdominal discomfort, and frequent urination. Often women report a mild pain toward the end of urinating. Sometimes women report they can see blood in their urine and their urine smells bad.
WHAT CAUSES A Bladder Infection (UTI)?
Most causes of a Urinary Tract Infections or Bladder Infection are caused by bacteria that migrate up the urethra to the bladder.
The most common cause of a Bladder Infection (75-95%) is a bacteria called
1. * Escherichia Coli (E. Coli).
E-Coli is in every human colon. What normally happens is that E. Coli migrates from around the anus area up the urethra to the bladder, and hence a Bladder Infection occurs. The normal bladder does NOT have any bacteria. Other gram negative bacteria that could cause a Urinary Tract Infection are the following: Klebsiella, Proteus Mirabilis, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa.
The most common gram positive bacteria that can cause a UTI is
2.* Staphylococcus Saprophyticus, it is isolated in 5 to 10% of bacterial UTIs.
Two other gram positive bacteria that can cause a UTI are the following:
3.*Enterococcus Faecalis (group D streptococci)
4.*Streptococcus Agalactiae (group B streptococci).
A couple other bacteris that can cause a urinary tract infection are:
5.* Pseudomonas
6.* Proteus Mirabillis
7.* Klebsiella
8.* Other rare bacteria
HOW IS A Bladder Infection (UTI) DIAGNOSED?
A bladder infection is usually diagnosed by a careful history. A physical exam is helpful to check for lower abdominal discomfort and back pain in the area of the kidneys. Laboratory test are also helpful. The urine can be checked in the office for signs of white blood cells, red blood cells, and nitrites. The urine can be examined under a microscope as well. In addition, the urine can be sent to a lab for a culture that will look for the specific cause of the UTI, and the antibiotics that will help the best to treat the infection.
CLARIFICATION OF TERMS:
When most people use the words Urinary Tract Infection or UTI, they are commonly referring to a Bladder Infection. However, there is no specific term for Bladder Infection. There is a term called “Cystitis”—but this term literally means inflammation that occurs in the bladder—NOT an infection that occurs in the bladder. Therefore, the term Urinary Tract Infection is usually used. The problem with this term is that it does not specify which part of the Urinary Tract is infected. Is it a Kidney infection? A Ureter infection? A bladder Infection? Or is it an infection or inflammation of the Urethra?
But, since most of the time, if a person has an infection in their Urinary Tract, this infection will be in their Bladder, the words Urinary Tract Infection is usually used to refer to an infection that is occurring in their bladder.