Bladder infection
Key points
- A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection that can happen anywhere along the urinary tract - the kidneys, the ureters (the tubes that take urine from each kidney to the bladder), the bladder, or the urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder to the outside).
- Cystitis, a common condition, is usually caused by a bacteria from the anus entering the urethra and then the bladder.
- Young children with UTIs may only have a fever, or even no symptoms at all.
- These studies usually include both an ultrasound of the kidneys and an x-ray taken during urination (called a voiding cystourethrogram or VCUG).
Alternative names
Urinary tract infection; Cystitis; UTI
Definition
A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection that can happen anywhere along the urinary tract - the kidneys, the ureters (the tubes that take urine from each kidney to the bladder), the bladder, or the urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder to the outside).
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Cystitis, a common condition, is usually caused by a bacteria from the anus entering the urethra and then the bladder. This leads to inflammation and infection in the lower urinary tract.
Certain people are more likely to get UTIs. Women tend to get them more often because their urethra is shorter and closer to the anus. Elderly people (especially those in nursing homes) and people with diabetes also get more UTIs.
In addition, the following risk factors increase the chances of getting a UTI:
- Pregnancy and menopause
- Kidney Stones
- Sexual intercourse, especially if you have multiple partners or use a diaphragm for birth control
- Prostate inflammation or enlargement
- Narrowed urethra
- Immobility (for example, during recovery from a hip fracture)
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Bowel incontinence
- Catheterization
Some children develop UTIs. In boys, they are most common before the first birthday. UTIs are more common among uncircumcised boys. In young girls, UTIs are most common around age 3, overlapping with the toilet training period.
Cystitis in children can be promoted by abnormalities in the urinary tract. Therefore, children with cystitis, especially those under age 5, deserve special follow-up to prevent later kidney damage.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a UTI include:
- Pressure in the lower pelvis
- Pain or burning with urination
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Need to urinate at night
- Cloudy urine
- Blood in the urine
- Foul or strong urine odor
Young children with UTIs may only have a fever, or even no symptoms at all.
Additional symptoms may include:
Frequently asked questions
What is bladder infection?
A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection that can happen anywhere along the urinary tract - the kidneys, the ureters (the tubes that take urine from each kidney to the bladder), the bladder, or the urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder to the outside).
What are the risk factors for bladder infection?
Cystitis, a common condition, is usually caused by a bacteria from the anus entering the urethra and then the bladder. This leads to inflammation and infection in the lower urinary tract. Certain people are more likely to get UTIs. Women tend to get them more often because their urethra is shorter and closer to the anus. Elderly people (especially those in nursing homes) and people with diabetes also get more UTIs.
What are the symptoms of bladder infection?
The symptoms of a UTI include:
- Pressure in the lower pelvis
- Pain or burning with urination
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Need to urinate at night
- Cloudy urine
- Blood in the urine
- Foul or strong urine odor Young children with UTIs may only have a fever, or even no symptoms at all.
How is bladder infection treated?
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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