Dr. Wojo. Healthy Living. Simplified.

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the nation’s most common minor medical problems — and one that is frequently seen in the Urgent Care or Emergency Department. In order to clarify treatment, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reissued guidelines for treating UTIs in nonpregnant women this past year.

What is a UTI? Urine typically contains fluids, salts and waste products but does not typically contain bacteria. When bacteria enter the kidneys or bladder, they can enter the urine and cause a UTI. When the urinary tract becomes infected, a person may have to urinate more frequently, be unable to completely empty the bladder, or experience a burning sensation. As the condition progresses, a person may develop a fever, back pain, abdominal pain, and vomiting. Early intervention is important because if left untreated, the infection can progress to the kidneys and the blood stream.

UTIs are more common in women because of the short length and anatomical location of the urethra. Over 10 percent of all women experience one UTI per year and over 60 percent of all women will have at least one UTI in a lifetime.

What is the treatment? When the above symptoms are present, seek medical evaluation. Typically a practitioner will request urinalysis. Treatment will include a three-day course of Bactrim or Cipro antiobiotics. Both are highly effective in almost 95 percent of all simple, uncomplicated, lower UTIs.

Symptomatic treatment should include fluids such as cranberry juice, as this changes the chemistry of the urine. Your health care provider may prescribe a urinary tract anesthetic in order to relieve the burning sensation. This medication turns the urine orange, but relieves the discomfort caused by burning.

Even though UTIs are a common condition that may require simple treatment, if left untreated the condition can progress to a more serious illness. Therefore, prompt evaluation and treatment is important.