Urinary Tract Infections

Question 1

What are the signs and symptoms of urinary tract infections?

Answer 1

Dysuria, Nocturia, haematuria, frequency, change in colour/clarity, lower abdominal/back pain, fever or hypothermia

Question 2

What are some common urinary tract pathogens

Answer 2

Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, proteus mirabilis and enterococcus faecalis

Question 3

What are some predisposing conditions for UTIs?

Answer 3

Frequent intercourse, immunosuppression, vulvovaginal atrophy, change of the local bacterial flora, history of UTIs during premenopause or in childhood and family history

Question 4

Describe the management of urinary tract infections

Answer 4

• Advice to drink plenty of fluids and other self-care strategies
• Antibiotic therapy

Question 5

Describe the prognosis of UTIs

Answer 5

Most bladder symptoms often go away 24 or 48 hours after treatment begins

Question 6

What are the major complications of untreated UTIs

Answer 6

• Recurrent infections,
• Permanent kidney damage due to acute/chronic kidney infection
• Urethral narrowing (stricture)
• Sepsis

Question 7

What are some common antibiotics used for the treatment of UTIs?

Answer 7

Trimethoprim or Nitrofuratoin (lower) and Ciprofloxacin (upper)