12 Feb, 2024 6:41 PM

A URINARY TRACT INFECTION (UTI) is an infection that involves the structures that urine passes through before being eliminated from the body (i.e. the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra).

Infection in the upper urinary tract, comprising the kidneys and ureters generally affects the kidneys (pyelonephritis), which causes fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and other severe symptoms.

Equally, infections in the lower urinary tract, comprising the bladder and the urethra, can affect the urethra (iurethritis) or the bladder (cystitis).

While Urinary Tract Infections are much more common in adults than in children, urinary tract infections in children are more likely to be serious than those in adults. Besides bedwetting, urinary tract infection is the most common urinary tract problem in children.

The symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection may include:
• Cloudy, dark, bloody, or strange-smelling pee
• A burning feeling when urinating
• Pain or pressure in the back or lower abdomen
• A frequent and/or intense urge to urinate,
• Feeling tired or shaky
• Fever or chills (which is a sign that the infection may have reached the kidneys)

TYPES OF URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
Each type of UTI may result in more-specific signs and symptoms, depending on which part of the urinary tract is infected.
• Kidneys (Acute Pyelonephritis)
• Urethra (Urethritis)
• Bladder (Cystitis)

TREATMENT
A person may be admitted to hospital if they have symptoms of pyelonephritis and;
• Has kidney stones
• Has a device such as a urinary catheter
• Appear very ill
• Is pregnant
• Has not gotten better with outpatient antibiotic treatment
• Has underlying diseases that compromise the immune system (e.g. diabetes)
• Is unable to keep anything in the stomach because of nausea or vomiting
• Has previous kidney disease, especially pyelonephritis
Because the symptoms of a urinary tract infection mimic those of other conditions, people should see their health care professionals if a urinary tract infection are suspected. A urine test will be needed to confirm an infection. Avoid self-care.

Request an Appointment with Dr Onyango Oluoch - Urologist

Our Contacts
Personal Number: 0721 850826
Office Number: 0741 254745
5th Avenue Medical & Day Surgery Centre
5th Ngong Avenue Suites, 7th Floor, Room 1, Nairobi
Email: [email protected]

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Treatment Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Symptoms a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Causes of a Urinary tract infection (UTI) Potential complications of a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Prevention of a Urinary tract infection (UTI) Dr Onyango Oluoch - Urologist Nairobi Kenya