Urinary tract infection (UTI) refers to any bacterial infection of the urinary tract. Congenital abnormalities of the genito-urinary tract predispose children to UTI.
These infections are much more common in girls and women than in boys and men younger than 50 years of age.
The reason for this is not well understood, but anatomic differences between the genders (a shorter urethra in women) might be partially responsible. About 40% of women and 12% of men have a urinary tract infection at some time in their life.
CAUSES OF UTI
• Ascending infection by organisms of the gut flora following bacteremia or septicemia
• Urinary obstruction e.g. enlarged prostate in adult males, posterior urethral valves in infants/children
SYMPTOMS OF UTI
• Frequent painful urination
• Haematuria
• Cloudy/foul-smelling urine
• Vomiting
• Suprapubic pain
• Fever
• In children,
• Fever may be persistent and unexplained
• There may be feeding problems, diarrhea, and failure to thrive as well.
TREATMENT OF UTI
Non-pharmacological treatment/Prevention
• Liberal oral fluids to encourage good urinary output
• Personal hygiene and proper cleaning after defecation. Women and girls should wipe from front to back (not back to front) after bowel movements. This helps prevent bacteria from the anus entering the urethra.
Empty the bladder regularly and completely, especially after sexual intercourse.
Drink plenty of fluids. Cranberry juice, especially, has been shown to help prevent urinary tract infections.
There is evidence that cranberries reduce the risk of the bacteria’s adhesion to bladder cells.