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What is a urinary tract infection and who gets them?Ìý

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-Referred to as a bladder infection or cystitisÌý

-Bacteria gets up into bladder causing the infectionÌý

-Sometimes if untreated can go up into the kidneys – more serious infection is called pyelonephritisÌý

-More common in women – most women will get one at some pointÌý

-Less common in men – often related to an enlarged prostate as get olderÌý

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How do you recognise them?Ìý

-Burning passing urineÌý

-Increased frequency of urination Ìý

-Sudden urgency to pass urineÌý

-Abdominal painÌý

-Smelly or cloudy urineÌý

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-Children can also get urine infections: temperatures, or suddenly bed wetting at nightÌý

-Elderly: can be very difficult to diagnose.Ìý May present with confusion or a fall.Ìý

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-Often the GP or nurse will do urine test or send-off sample to the Lab.Ìý

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How do we treat them?Ìý

-Antibiotics from doctor or nurseÌý

-If its straightforward your pharmacist may be able to give you antibioticsÌý

-Drink plenty of fluidsÌý

-You need to see a doctor if you haven’t improved in three days, develop shakes, have a spiking temperature, or increasing painÌý

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Can you Prevent them?Ìý

-Stay well hydrated, cranberry juice may help preventÌýthemÌý

-Post-sex voiding urine sometimes advisedÌý

-Avoid wearing tight-fitting underwearÌý

-Make sure to wipe after bowel movements, going front to backÌý

-Treating constipation if present, as it puts pressure on the bladderÌý

-They can be recurrent and may need ‘preventive antibiotics.Ìý

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