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Urinary Tract Infection

The Center for Primary Healthcare -  - Doctor of Medicine

The Center for Primary Healthcare

Doctors of Medicine & Adult Nurse Practitioners located in Orland Park, IL

If you’ve ever had a urinary tract infection (UTI), you’ll know that, if left untreated, the infection causes debilitating discomfort and can drag on for weeks. We don’t want you to have that experience. Call William Crevier, MD, at The Center for Primary Healthcare for an appointment for time-sensitive treatment at our office in Orland Park, Illinois.

Urinary Tract Infection Q & A

What is a urinary tract infection?

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A urinary tract infection is an infection in the lower urinary tract. More severe UTIs spread to the ureters, bladder, urethra, and kidneys.

What are the symptoms of a UTI?

It’s possible that your urinary tract infection doesn’t exhibit extreme symptoms. However, you might experience:

  • Pelvic pain
  • Strong-smelling urine
  • Red-colored urine
  • Burning sensation while urinating
  • Cloudy urine
  • Continual urge to urinate

These symptoms affect three areas of your urinary system: kidney, bladder, and urethra.

  • Kidney infections typically provoke upper back and side pain. You might also experience chills and a fever, as well as shaking and vomiting.
  • Bladder infections, called cystitis, cause abdominal pain and pelvic pressure. Cystitis can also change your urinating pattern and discolor your urine.
  • Urethra infections, also called urethritis, refer to inflammation of the urethra, which primarily causes pain.

The intensity of your symptoms can vary. It’s important to schedule an appointment as soon as you notice symptoms to avoid their exacerbation.

What are the risks of untreated UTIs?

Untreated UTIs can lead to any of the following:

  • Sepsis
  • Permanent kidney damage
  • Reduced urinary flow
  • Recurring infections
  • Narrowing of the urethra

Preventing urinary tract infections are your best bet to avoid these severe complications.

How do you prevent and treat UTIs?

To prevent the development of a urinary tract infection, you should drink plenty of fluid to dilute your urine and regularly flush out your bladder.

Women should thoroughly wipe from ‘front to back’ after bathroom use, empty their bladder after intercourse, and stay away from bubble baths to avoid bacteria.

Your doctor might recommend antibiotic treatment to get rid of your UTI. The medication dosage and length of the treatment greatly depends on whether your UTI is recurring or if it’s a single infection.

To find out more about urinary tract infection prevention and treatment plans, schedule an appointment with the team at The Center for Primary Healthcare today by phone or online.