Urinary Tract Infection Care Guide
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is when germs (bacteria) get inside your urinary tract. Your urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Urine is made in the kidneys, and flows from the ureters to the bladder. Urine exits your body from the bladder through the urethra. A urinary tract infection in your lower urinary tract includes his bladder and urethra. A UTI that travels up into your kidneys is called pyelonephritis.
What causes a urinary tract infection? A UTI is caused by germs that enter your urethra and travel up to the bladder. The germ that commonly causes a UTI is Escherichia coli (E coli). Your urethra is close to the anus, the opening where bowel movements (BMs) leave your body. This makes it easier for germs to enter your urinary tract. UTIs are more common in girls because the urethra is shorter allowing bacteria to enter the urinary tract more easily. Most germs that enter your urinary tract are washed out when you urinates. If the germs stay in your urinary tract, you may get an infection.
How is a urinary tract infection treated? Treatment for your UTI depends on how serious (bad) the infection and symptoms are. With treatment, the child's symptoms, such as a fever and the need to urinate often, may go away. Treatment may prevent the infection from moving into the kidneys causing a serious health problem. Treatment may cure the UTI. You may need the following: • Antibiotics: You may be given antibiotics to kill the germs causing the UTI.
*Increase your fluid intake. * Wear loose clothing. * Avoid fragrant hygenic products. * Avoid bubble baths, which may cause painful urinations.
Come into the office immediately if you: * Develop a fever. chills * Develop flank (side pain) * Develop nausea and vomiting * Develop severe abdominal pain.
Followup with the primary care doctor and or our clinic as directed.