Guide To The Most Common Bacterial Infections

Urinary Tract Infections

A urinary tract infection is a condition involving the pathogenic invasion of an individual's urinary tract or urethra, bladder, ureters, or kidneys. The most common causes of bacterial introduction to the lower urinary tract include the prolonged use of urinary catheters, abnormal urinary structure, weakened immune system, kidney stones, incomplete emptying of the bladder, enlarged prostate, spermicide use, sexual intercourse, and diaphragm use. The most prevalent types of bacteria to cause urinary tract infections are Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus species, and Enterococcus species. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include cloudy urine, bloody urine, strong-smelling urine, pain during urination, burning during urination, frequent urge to urinate, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and muscle aches. Urinary tract infections are diagnosed with the use of urine tests, urine culture, and in some recurrent cases, ultrasound, CT scan, X-rays, MRI scans, radiation tracking, urodynamics, and cystoscopy. Urinary tract infections are treated with antibiotics to eliminate the causative bacteria, the consumption of extra fluids, and pain medication.