Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is also known as acute cystitis or bladder infection. Infection of the lower urinary tract (bladder infection) should be distinguished from the upper urinary tract which is known as pyelonephritis (kidney infection).

Symptoms from a lower UTI include pain on passing urine, frequent urination/urge to urinate. Symptoms of pyelonephritis include fever and flank pain. UTI’s are more often seen in women than men and recurrences are common. Pyelonephritis often follows a bladder infection.

Investigations will often involve taking a sample of urine so that a culture can be obtained. In uncomplicated cases, a short course of antibiotics will usually eradicate the infection. If the symptoms do not respond to antibiotics within 2-3 days, further investigations may be required including X-ray or Cystoscopy to look inside the bladder.

There is a consensus among general medical practitioners that repeat UTI’s within a short period of time,  mandate investigation and/or referral to a Urologist. Guidance to GP’s includes advice to investigate after 3 UTI’s during a period of no less than 12 months. In such circumstances, investigations include ultrasound, abdominal X-ray and blood tests.