Guidelines for Urinary Tract Infections
Date：2024-12-03Pingtung Branch of Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital
Guidelines for Urinary Tract Infections
1、What is Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in the urinary system caused by bacteria. It can occur in the urethra, bladder, ureters, or kidneys. Normally, urine produced by the kidneys and stored in the bladder is sterile. However, because the urethral opening is an external opening of the body, it is susceptible to bacterial invasion. The proximity of the anus to the urethral opening often leads to Escherichia coli (E. coli) ascending and causing UTIs. According to different infection sites, UTIs can be classified as urethritis, cystitis, or pyelonephritis.
2、Common Symptoms of a UTI
(1)Frequent urination (feeling the need to urinate constantly, but not necessarily producing much urine), urgency, or nighttime urination.
(2)Difficulty with urinating, with pain or a burning sensation.
(3)Hematuria (blood in urine) or cloudy urine.
(4)Redness or swelling of the urethral opening.
(5)Lower abdominal or back pain.
(6)Fever and chills.
3、Treatment for UTIs
(1)Seek medical attention promptly. The doctor will prescribe appropriate antibiotics based on your symptoms and urine test results.
(2)Follow the doctor’s instructions for medication and avoid stopping treatment prematurely to prevent recurrence.
(3)If there are no fluid restrictions, drink plenty of water to help flush bacteria from the urinary tract.
(4)Avoid sexual activity during the infection.
(5)Follow up with a urine test one week after completing treatment.
4、Preventing UTIs
(1)Drink plenty of water: If there are no contraindications, consume 2000-3000 c.c. of water daily. Patients with heart or kidney failure should avoid excessive fluid intake.
(2)Urinate frequently: Empty the bladder every 2-3 hours and avoid holding urine when the urge arises.
(3)Consume acidic foods and vitamin C-rich items: Cranberry juice, blueberry juice, grape juice, citrus fruits, and similar items can help acidify urine. Diabetic patients should avoid excessive sugar intake.
(4)Wear breathable cotton underwear: Avoid tight stockings or restrictive clothing.
(5)Maintain hygiene during menstruation: Women should keep the perineal area clean and dry, and change sanitary pads regularly.
(6)Urinate after sexual activity: Drink plenty of water afterwards as well.
(7)Personal hygiene: When wiping after using the toilet, always wipe from front to back to prevent bacterial spread.
(8)Shower instead of bathing: Avoid soaking baths or saunas to reduce infection risk.
(9)Use warm sitz baths: This can alleviate pain and discomfort, but ensure the bath area is clean.
(10)Follow antibiotic instructions carefully: Do not stop medication without consulting a doctor.
(11)Care for long-term catheter use: Ensure daily cleaning and disinfection, follow the guidance of medical staff and replace catheters regularly, and keep the urine bag below bladder level to avoid backflow.
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