Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital

1. What is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?

A Urinary Tract Infection is an infection caused by bacteria in the urinary tract. It may 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 one of the body’s natural external openings, bacteria and microorganisms can easily enter and infect the urinary system. Since the anus is located close to the urethral opening, ascending infection by Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the most common cause of UTIs.

Depending on the site of infection, UTIs can be classified as:

• Urethritis
• Cystitis
• Pyelonephritis

2. Common Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection

1. Frequent urination (feeling the need to urinate constantly, even if little urine is passed), urinary urgency, and nocturia.
2. Difficulty urinating, pain, or a burning sensation during urination.
3. Blood in the urine or cloudy urine.
4. Redness or swelling around the urethral opening.
5. Lower back pain or abdominal pain.
6. Fever and chills.

3. Treatment of Urinary Tract Infection

1. Seek medical treatment promptly. The physician will select appropriate antibiotics based on your symptoms and urine test results.
2. During treatment, take medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking the medication on your own to avoid recurrence.
3. Unless fluid intake is restricted, drink plenty of water to help flush bacteria out of the urinary system.
4. Avoid sexual activity during the infection period.
5. A follow-up urine test should be performed one week after completing the medication.

4. Prevention of Urinary Tract Infection

1. Drink plenty of water. Unless contraindicated, adults should drink approximately 2000–3000 c.c. of water daily. Patients with heart failure or kidney failure should avoid excessive fluid intake.
2. Urinate every 2–3 hours. If you feel the urge to urinate, do so promptly and avoid holding urine.
3. Consume acidic foods and foods rich in vitamin C, such as cranberry juice, blueberry juice, grape juice, and citrus fruits, which may help acidify the urine. Patients with Diabetes Mellitus should avoid excessive sugar intake.
4. Wear breathable cotton underwear and avoid tight pantyhose or restrictive garments.
5. Women should pay special attention to personal hygiene during menstruation by keeping the perineal area clean and dry and changing sanitary pads frequently.
6. Urinate immediately after sexual activity and drink plenty of water afterward.
7. After using the toilet, wipe from front to back with toilet paper. Avoid wiping back and forth to reduce the risk of infection.
8. Showering is recommended instead of taking baths or using saunas/hot tubs to reduce the risk of infection.
9. Warm sitz baths may help relieve pain and discomfort. During this period, ensure that the sitz bath basin is cleaned thoroughly.
10. Take antibiotics according to the physician’s instructions and do not discontinue them without medical advice.
11. Individuals using long-term urinary catheters should perform daily cleaning and disinfection. Catheters should be replaced regularly under the guidance of healthcare professionals. Ensure that the urine bag is positioned below bladder level to prevent urine backflow.