Diagnosing An Urinary Tract Infection
A small quantity of urine is tested for bacteria or pus by the health care professional, but the treatment can start before the results came. In case of inefficiency of a medication, more tests are taken to detect anything that is not normal inside the urinary tract.
Is it possible to completely cure a UTI?
The urinary tract infections are very frequent in women and in 20% to 30% of the cases; the first infection is followed by another. Of five women, four develop at least two infections in one year and a half and others - even more often. To get treatment for recurrent infections, a doctor should be consulted.
To avoid UTI, a good hydration is very helpful. Cranberry juice inhibits the development of some bacteria. Vitamin C has a similarly effect. And, even more important, urinate when you need to. Showers should be preferred to baths. An accurate cleaning and the avoiding of some cosmetic product that can produce irritation are also very effective.
How the examination takes place
A patient will be asked about how many fluids she/he uses or, in case of women - on the birth control method they use. A sample of urine will then be taken for testing. Sometimes, a x-ray or ultrasound of the kidneys will be taken and a cytoscope will verify the interior of the urinary bladder. There are 3 types of exams:
1) Images of the bladder and kidney that reveal possible stones, blockage or inflammation, by means of x-ray, ultrasound or CT.
2) Urine tests, including urinalysis and the urine culture to see whether the urine contains bacteria and to decide the most appropriate treatment
3) Cytoscope that sees the inside of the urethra and the bladder
After confirming the diagnose, treatment is prescribed. Antibiotic treatment is taken in case of small infections for 3 days or, in more severe cases for longer than a week. The doctor should be aware of your possible allergies, so he may prescribe the antibiotic that suits you.
What elements of the urinary tract are most to risk?
All the four elements of the urinary tract: the urethra, the bladder, the urethras and the kidneys are exposed to infections that spread often.
People that don't have a normal structure of the urinary system are more at risk than other. Even a catheter can frequently produce infections and inflammations. People with lower immunity, such as diabetics are also often predisposed to UTI.
Another very predisposed category is represented by women, whose urethra is shorter then that of men and is closer to the anus and vagina. 20% of the women have at least one urinary infection in their lifetime. Sexual relationships increase the risks of UTI, and the diaphragm is also considered a source of infection. A condom can increase the risk by the growth of e coli.