The urinary tract is composed of
the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The kidneys filter the blood,
and the waste products from the blood become urine. The ureters carry urine
from the kidneys to the bladder. The bladder holds the urine until the urine
is expelled through the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder
to the outside of the body).
Urinary tract infections (UTIs),
including bladder infections
(cystitis) and kidney infections (pyelonephritis), are generally caused by
bacteria that are normally present in the digestive system. Females get UTIs
more often than males do.
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| Infections can occur in any of the structures
of the urinary tract. |
Early symptoms of a UTI may include
burning or pain during
urination and itching or pain in the urethra. There may also be discomfort
in the lower abdomen or back and a frequent urge to urinate without being
able to pass much urine. The urine may be cloudy or reddish in colour and
may have an unusual odour.
Chills and fever may also be present
if the infection is severe, especially if it has spread to the kidneys. Men
with symptoms similar to those caused by a UTI may have an infection of the
prostate gland or the epididymis (the tube that transports sperm from the
testicle). See Prostatitis on See
Prostate Infection (Prostatitis) and Testicular Problems on See
Testicular Problems.
Men who have enlarged prostates,
women who have had multiple pregnancies, people with kidney stones or diabetes,
and those who are paralyzed from the waist down may be at higher risk for
chronic
urinary tract infections.
Other causes of irritation to the
genital area that may be associated with UTIs include having sexual intercourse,
using a diaphragm for birth control, wearing tight pants, riding
a bike, using perfumed soaps and powders, or even eating spicy foods.
If urinary pain or vaginal burning
and redness occur in a young girl, consider the possibility of an allergy
to bubble bath or soap. Urinary pain or vaginal burning may also be a
symptom of a sexually transmitted
disease (STD) or sexual abuse. If you are concerned about sexual abuse of
a child, call your doctor.
Drink plenty of fluids; water is best. Aim for at least
2 L (2
qt)
per day.
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Females should wipe from front to back after going to
the toilet. This will reduce the spread of bacteria from the anus to
the urethra. Teach young girls this habit during toilet training.
Avoid douching, and don't use vaginal deodorants or perfumed
feminine hygiene products.
Wash the genital area once a day with plain water or
mild soap and water. Rinse well and dry the area thoroughly.
Drink extra water before sexual intercourse and urinate
promptly afterwards. This is especially important if you tend to get
UTIs.
Wear cotton underwear, cotton-lined pantyhose, and loose
clothing.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated beverages, which
can irritate the bladder.
Drinking cranberry and blueberry juice may protect against
UTIs, especially in females.
Start Home Treatment at the first
sign of genital irritation or painful urination. A day or so of self-care
may eliminate minor symptoms. However, if your symptoms last longer than
1 day or worsen despite Home Treatment, call your doctor. Because the organs
of the urinary tract are connected, untreated UTIs can spread, which may
lead to kidney infections and other serious problems.
Drink extra fluids (think in terms of litres) as soon
as you notice symptoms and for the next 24 hours. This will help dilute
the urine, flush bacteria out of the bladder, and decrease irritation.
Urinate frequently and follow the other tips outlined
in Prevention.
Check your temperature twice daily. Fever may indicate
a more serious infection.
A hot bath may help relieve pain. Avoid using bubble
bath and harsh soaps. Apply a heating pad over your genital area to
help relieve the pain. Never go to sleep with a heating pad in place.
Avoid sexual intercourse until symptoms improve. Do not
use a diaphragm. It may put pressure on your urethra and slow down or
prevent complete emptying of the bladder.
Drink cranberry juice and/or blueberry juice.
If painful urination occurs with any of the following
symptoms:
Fever of 38.3°C (101°F) or higher and chills.
Inability to urinate when you feel the urge.
Pain in the back, side, groin, or genital area.
Blood or pus in the urine.
Unusual vaginal discharge.
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If symptoms get worse despite Home Treatment.
If symptoms do not improve after 24 hours of Home Treatment.
If you are pregnant or have diabetes and you have symptoms
of a urinary tract infection.
If you suspect that your child has a urinary tract infection
or has been sexually abused.
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Blood in the Urine
A blow to the kidneys,
kidney stones, excessive running, or a
urinary tract infection can cause blood in the urine. Blood in
the urine can be a sign of a serious
illness and should always be discussed with a health professional.
Eating foods such as
beets, blackberries, and foods containing
red artificial food colourings can temporarily colour the urine
pink or red.
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Hepatitis
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Hepatitis means "liver
inflammation." Viruses cause hepatitis A, B, and C, the most
common types of hepatitis.
Most people in North
America get hepatitis A after having intimate contact with someone
who is infected with the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Large groups
of people can become infected with HAV if someone who has hepatitis
A prepares food for them. HAV infection goes away without medical
treatment, causing no long-term problems.
The hepatitis B virus
(HBV) lives in blood and other body fluids. It is commonly spread
during sexual contact and when people share
needles to inject drugs. A pregnant woman who is infected with
HBV can pass the virus to her baby. Young people who become infected
with HBV are more likely to develop chronic HBV infection and
long-term liver problems than are people who become infected later
in life.
The hepatitis C virus
(HCV) is spread when HCV-infected blood enters a person's body.
Blood transfusions were once a common means of spreading HCV.
The virus is also spread among people who share
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needles to inject drugs.
Many people develop chronic HCV infection, which can lead to severe
liver damage after many years.
Hepatitis symptoms
are similar to flu symptoms. They include nausea, headache, sore
muscles, and fatigue. Some people have pain in the upper right
side of the abdomen. Jaundice may develop, causing the skin and
whites of the eyes to turn yellow and making the urine dark. Call
a health professional if you develop hepatitis symptoms or if
you have had intimate contact or shared needles or other "drug
works" with someone who has hepatitis. Because all 3 types
of viral hepatitis have similar symptoms, blood tests are needed
to determine which hepatitis virus is causing the infection.
Vaccines can prevent hepatitis A and B, but there is
no vaccine for hepatitis C. If you are exposed to HAV or HBV
before you have been vaccinated, getting a shot of immune globulin
is likely to keep you from becoming infected. Drug treatment
is available for people with chronic HBV or HCV infection who
are likely to develop liver problems.
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