ICD-10 · N39.0
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
A urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection of the bladder, urethra or kidneys. It is far more common in women, and rising antibiotic resistance in India makes urine culture before treatment increasingly important.
Symptoms
Burning during urination, frequent and urgent need to pass urine, passing small amounts, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, blood in urine, and lower abdominal discomfort. Kidney involvement adds fever, chills and back or flank pain.
Causes & risk factors
Escherichia coli from the bowel is responsible for most cases. Risk factors include inadequate fluid intake, holding urine, sexual activity, pregnancy, menopause, diabetes, kidney stones, and urinary catheters.
Diagnosis
Urine routine and microscopy showing pus cells and nitrites, confirmed with urine culture and sensitivity — essential in India because resistance to common antibiotics is high. Recurrent infections warrant an ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder.
Treatment options
Treatment is a culture-guided antibiotic course, commonly nitrofurantoin, fosfomycin, or a cephalosporin; ciprofloxacin and co-trimoxazole are used less now because of resistance. Simple bladder infections need 3–5 days of treatment, kidney infections 10–14 days. Drinking 2–3 litres of water daily, not delaying urination, and urinating after intercourse help prevent recurrence.
When to see a doctor
Fever with back pain, vomiting, blood in urine, symptoms in a man, a UTI during pregnancy, or three or more infections in a year.