At The Urgent Care at Vermont, we treat Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). A UTI affects the urinary tract, including the urethra (urethritis), bladder (cystitis), and sometimes reaches the kidneys (kidney infection). UTIs can be treated with antibiotics but that isn’t always necessary.
What Causes a UTI?
In most cases, UTIs are caused by the urinary tract becoming contaminated with fecal matter. This is much more common for women than men. Factors that increase the risk of a UTI include:
- Sex
- Pregnancy
- Conditions that block the urinary tract, like kidney stones
- Conditions that make it difficult to fully empty the bladder, like an enlarged prostate in men and constipation in children
- Urinary catheters
- A weakened immune system (such as in someone with diabetes or undergoing chemotherapy)
- Dehydration
- Poor hygiene in the genital area
Symptoms of UTIs
A UTI often comes with symptoms such as:
- A painful or burning sensation when peeing (dysuria)
- A frequent need to pee during the night (nocturia)
- Dark, cloudy, or strong-smelling pee
- An unusually sudden or strong need to pee
- Needing to pee more frequently
When children have UTIs, they may also exhibit the following symptoms:
- Bedwetting or wetting themselves while awake
- A high temperature
- General unwellness (babies and toddlers may become irritable and not eat properly)
- Vomiting
UTIs can also affect the elderly or people with a urinary catheter. Their symptoms may include:
- Changes in behavior, such as agitation or confusion
- Worsened incompetence
- New shivering or shaking
When Should I See a Doctor With a UTI?
We recommend that you schedule an appointment if any of the following applies to you:
- This is your first time experiencing UTI symptoms.
- Your child is exhibiting UTI symptoms.
- You’re having UTI symptoms and are a man.
- You’re having UTI symptoms and are pregnant.
- You’re caring for an elderly or frail person with UTI symptoms.
- You’ve recently had surgery and are experiencing UTI symptoms.
- Your symptoms have been worsening or haven’t improved within two days.
- Your symptoms have come back after receiving treatment.
When Is a UTI Worth an Urgent Care Visit?
While UTIs usually aren’t dangerous, some symptoms are worth urgent medical attention.
- A very high temperature
- A very low temperature
- Confusion or drowsiness
- Pain in the lower tummy or back, beneath the ribs
- Blood in urine
All of these symptoms could mean you have a kidney infection, which could lead to sepsis if not treated quickly.
Treatment for UTIs
If we suspect that you have a UTI, we may do a urine test, though it isn’t always necessary. We may also offer advice on self-care and recommend a painkiller and prescribe a short course of antibiotics. If you are dealing with recurring UTIs, we may:
- Prescribe a different antibiotic or a low-dose antibiotic to be taken for up to 6 months
- Prescribe a vaginal cream containing estrogen for patients who have gone through menopause
- Refer you to a specialist for further tests and treatments
Long-term UTIs are linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer in people over age 60.
Home Care for UTIs
There are several things you can do at home to ease the symptoms of a UTI:
- Take acetaminophen up to the recommended amount to reduce pain and fever. Acetaminophen is usually the better option over ibuprofen or aspirin in for a UTI.
- Children can take liquid acetaminophen.
- Get plenty of rest and drink enough fluids to keep your urine more clear.
- Avoid having sex.
Some people drink cranberry juice to prevent UTIs, but there is no evidence that they ease symptoms or treat the UTI if it’s already happening.
Preventing UTIs
There are several important DOs and DON’Ts when it comes to UTI prevention.
- DO wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
- DO keep the genital area clean and dry.
- DO stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water. You should drink enough that you pee regularly and don’t feel thirsty.
- DO wash the skin around the vagina with water before and after sex.
- DO pee after sex.
- DO limit sugar intake (bacteria thrives on sugar)
- DO limit alcohol intake (it can irritate the bladder)
- DO change soiled diapers or incontinence pads quickly.
- DON’T use scented soap.
- DON’T hold your pee for an extended period if you need to go.
- DON’T rush when peeing to the point that you don’t finish emptying your bladder.
- DON’T wear tight synthetic underwear.