Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common affliction, affecting both women and men—although they are more prevalent in women. Unfortunately, many people feel uncomfortable broaching concerns surrounding their urinary health with their primary care providers. Dr. Brenna Harris, Board Certified Family Medicine Physician at Pullman Regional Hospital's Family Medicine Residency Center, hopes to change that. Dr. Harris provides important information about UTIs, including why they develop and how they are typically treated.
Per Dr. Harris, two types of UTIs exist:
- A lower urinary tract infection, or cystitis, is a bacterial infection of the bladder muscle.
- An upper urinary tract infection is an infection of the kidney, also called pyelonephritis. “This infection occurs when bacteria ascend via the urethra into the bladder and sometimes can continue to climb from the bladder via the ureters up to the kidneys,” she explains. A form of pyelonephritis can also occur when a person is sick with bacteria in the bloodstream, which then seeds in the kidneys. However, this type is not as common.
What are Urinary Tract Infection symptoms?
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections include dysuria, which is pain with urination, urinary frequency or urgency, and suprapubic pain (pain in the lower abdomen). In some cases, individuals may experience hematuria, or blood in the urine. Symptoms that suggest the infection has extended beyond the bladder or the person has developed pyelonephritis include fever, nausea or vomiting, and flank pain.
How are Urinary Tract Infections treated?
An old wives’ tale is that drinking cranberry juice will help cure a UTI. Dr. Harris wants to bust that myth. There is evidence that people with recurrent urinary tract infections who take cranberry supplements or drink the juice will hinder the bacteria from attaching to the tissue, thus decreasing the risk of developing a UTI. But it won’t cure it. A UTI may resolve on its own, but if treatment is necessary, the go-to option is a round of antibiotics.
Dr. Harris also offers strategies to reduce risk of developing a UTI. “First, I would encourage you to drink lots of water to help flush out bacteria. You should also avoid holding your urine and urinate after intercourse to prevent bacteria from staying in your bladder,” she cautions. “An over-the-counter treatment called phenazopyridine can help with the discomfort and pain from an infection, especially for the first one to two days while letting the antibiotics do their jobs.”
Dr. Harris also urges avoiding bladder irritating foods such as caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods when a UTI is present, as they can make symptoms worse. Lastly, she says to make sure to clean from front to back and avoid scented products that can cause irritation and an increased risk of developing a UTI.
Who is most prone to Urinary Tract Infections?
As mentioned, females are more prone to developing urinary tract infections due to their anatomy—with the urethra being close to the vagina and rectum, where bacteria naturally exists. Some individuals who are immunocompromised may also be at increased risk, as the body has a harder time fighting off any bacteria that is present. “Individuals with neurologic or urinary disorders who have to use instrumentation or even those who undergo a procedure in which a catheter is inserted, which can introduce bacteria into the bladder, are also at heightened risk,” notes Dr. Harris.
I think I have a Urinary Tract Infection- now what?
No matter the cause, it’s important to consult with a medical professional before a UTI gets out of control. If a UTI becomes too advanced, individuals may require hospitalization. “Please never be afraid to seek help. If you are experiencing symptoms you're concerned with, we are always here to try to help,” assures Dr. Harris.
If you don't currently have a primary care provider, it's time to establish care! Dr. Brenna Harris and the other family medicine physicians at the Family Medicine Residency Center are accepting new patients. Learn more: pullmanregional.org/residency-center or call the Center at (509) 336-7720.
