Urinary Tract Infection Germantown, TN
A urinary tract infection (UTI) can be incredibly painful and hard to manage. It is important to seek the proper care to prevent the infection from spreading to the kidneys. While prevention is the best way to deal with urinary tract infections, they can still occur regardless of preventive measures.
With proper treatment, a primary care doctor can help patients manage UTI symptoms and treat the infection promptly. Urinary tract infection treatment is available at People First Urgent & Primary Care Germantown in Germantown and the surrounding area. Call us today at (901) 257-3077 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Understanding Urinary Tract Infections
A urinary tract infection, also known as a bladder infection, is an infection that occurs anywhere in the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, and urethra. UTIs commonly occur in the lower urinary tract, where the bladder and urethra are located. While minor UTIs are often treatable at home with antibiotics and proper cleansing, severe UTIs can result in a kidney infection. People experiencing persistent or painful symptoms should seek professional care to relieve symptoms faster and ensure proper treatment.
There are various causes for a urinary tract infection. It occurs due to bacteria or fungi that enter the urinary tract and multiply rapidly. Anything that can irritate the urinary tract can lead to an infection. Also, sexual activity and the presence of a sexually transmitted disease puts patients at an increased risk. Urinary tract infections occur mainly in women, especially while pregnant.
“A urinary tract infection, also known as a bladder infection, is an infection that occurs anywhere in the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, and urethra.”
Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection
Symptoms of lower UTIs are typically far less severe than ones that occur in the upper tract. Other factors that can impact symptom severity include the gender of the individual and the cause of the infection. A urinary infection that takes place in the lower tract affects the urethra and the bladder. The most common symptoms include:
- Burning while urinating
- Cloudy, pink, or even bloody urine
- Increased sensation to urinate
- Mild to severe pain
- Strong odor in urine
In most cases, a lower urinary tract infection can be treated with medical assistance and does not take long to recover. An upper UTI, which affects the kidneys, typically has a longer recovery period and can be life-threatening if not properly dealt with. The most common symptoms of an upper urinary tract infection include pain in and around the urinary tract, fever and chills, nausea, and vomiting. While UTI symptoms are about the same in men and women, there are some slight differences.
For example, UTI infections in men can cause pain in the rectal region, while women often feel pain in the pelvic region. Pain can also be present in the back, where the kidneys are located. Seeing a primary care doctor for a UTI can minimize discomfort and help prevent the infection from worsening.
“The most common symptoms of an upper urinary tract infection include pain in and around the urinary tract, fever and chills, nausea, and vomiting.”
Urinary Tract Infection Diagnosis and Treatment
A primary care doctor can provide people that are experiencing UTI symptoms with an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment. Diagnosis often includes analyzing a urine sample and documenting the patient's symptoms. In some cases, a laboratory test may be necessary to determine the exact type of bacteria causing the infection. This type of test ultimately helps us provide the proper treatment for recovery. In some instances, imaging of the urinary tract is also helpful for diagnosis.
Antibiotics can treat UTIs caused by bacteria. Lower tract infections usually only require oral antibiotics, while an upper tract infection may require intravenous antibiotics. For bacterial urinary tract infections, antibiotics are usually the only form of treatment that can help relieve the symptoms. In some cases, our primary care doctor can prescribe a painkiller to minimize discomfort.
“Lower tract infections usually only require oral antibiotics, while an upper tract infection may require intravenous antibiotics.”
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The Recovery Process
The earlier people receive treatment for a urinary tract infection, the better. Without treatment, UTI symptoms can worsen, especially if the infection occurs in the upper tract. While treatment is important, people can also take certain actions to help keep the symptoms tolerable and help the recovery process.
Drinking plenty of water with a urinary tract infection can significantly reduce pain and symptoms. It may seem counterproductive as urination becomes more frequent and can be painful, but it is important for recovery. Also, the process of urinating helps with the infection. Resisting the urge to urinate can aggravate the infection and make it worse.
“Drinking plenty of water with a urinary tract infection can significantly reduce pain and symptoms.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is a urinary tract infection?
Q. What are the symptoms of a urinary tract infection?
Q. How are UTIs diagnosed and treated?
Q. What can people do to help their UTI recovery?
Q. When should people see a primary care doctor for a UTI?
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When To Seek Treatment for a UTI
It is important to visit a primary care doctor for UTI treatment during its early stages to ensure proper treatment and recovery. It is crucial to seek treatment from a primary care doctor since misdiagnosing the cause of the urinary tract infection can lead to the wrong treatment. People who experience chronic UTIs that last for an extended amount of time despite treatment may be referred to a specialist to determine the right diagnosis and treatment.
Pregnant women experiencing a urinary tract infection should receive treatment right away since it can increase the chance of the infection spreading to the kidneys. This can cause high blood pressure or premature delivery. If symptoms begin to worsen and become severe, seek medical assistance right away. Severe symptoms may mean that the infection is in the kidneys, which can be life-threatening if left untreated for too long
“It is important to visit a primary care doctor for UTI treatment during its early stages to ensure proper treatment and recovery.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. If left untreated, can a urinary tract infection spread to other parts of the body?
A. Yes, a urinary tract infection can spread to other parts of the urinary tract and the body. In fact, the fear of the infection spreading is why it is such a serious matter, especially upper tract infections. The biggest concern of an infection left untreated is that it will reach the kidneys. If a urinary tract infection reaches the kidneys, then the condition may be considered life-threatening.
Q. What factors put individuals at an increased risk of developing a urinary tract infection?
A. Women are far more at risk of developing a urinary tract infection than men, especially while pregnant. The existence of a sexually transmitted disease can place you at an increased risk as well. Additionally, anything that irritates the urinary system could lead to an infection, such as holding in urine, not drinking enough water, or not receiving the proper dosage of vitamins. Also, the risk of developing urinary tract infections increases with age.
Q. I know urinary tract infections are fairly common in women but are they common in men as well?
A. Women have a much higher risk of developing a urinary tract infection than men. However, urinary tract infections are very common, so men should also take precautions. In most cases, the symptoms in both men and women are almost the same.
Q. Does drinking more water provide relief from a urinary tract infection?
A. Drinking more water may not provide relief to the symptoms of a urinary tract infection — which typically include pain while urinating and discoloration of the urine — but it often helps the recovery process. While suffering from a urinary tract infection, the first reaction is often not to drink water as it causes urination, which can be painful. However, drinking water and urinating often are both important factors in recovering from a urinary tract infection.
Q. Peeing is very painful when I have a urinary tract infection. Should I try and limit the amount I pee to avoid complicating the urinary tract infection?
A. In most cases, there is likely not to be much that comes out when urinating with a UTI. However, it is important to try anyway. Doing so can help the urinary system flush out the infection and fully recover.
Q. My child has a urinary tract infection. What should I do now?
A. While it is far less common, children can also get a urinary tract infection. If your child starts to show signs of a urinary tract infection, be sure to seek professional medical treatment promptly, as they may not be able to fight off the infection as well as an adult. However, most urinary tract infections in children are not serious and usually subside within a week with antibiotic treatment.
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Definition of Medical Terminology
Call Us Today
Seeing a primary care doctor for UTI treatment can ensure a quick and full recovery. Our team at People First Urgent & Primary Care Germantown can help. Call us today at 901-257-3077 to learn more about our services to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 2022
- American Journal of Medicine. American Journal of Medicine. 2022
- American Medical Association (AMA). American Medical Association (AMA). 2022
- Health Resources & Services Administration Poison Center Resources. Health Resources & Services Administration Poison Center Resources. 2022
- Medline Plus Birth Control. Medline Plus Birth Control. 2022
- Planned Parenthood Birth Control Methods. Planned Parenthood Birth Control Methods. 2022
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