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).
Alternative Names
Bladder infection; Cystitis; UTI
Causes
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.
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