An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of urinary tract infections.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Symptoms of urinary tract infections may include:

• Strong urge to urinate frequently, even immediately after the bladder is emptied
• Painful burning sensation
• Discomfort, pressure, or bloating in the lower abdomen
• Cramping in the pelvic area or back
• Cloudy or bloody urine, which may have a strong smell

A urine test can determine if these symptoms are caused by a bacterial infection. Antibiotics are used to treat UTIs.

Screening for Asymptomatic Bacteriuria

• Asymptomatic bacteriuria is a condition in which large numbers of bacteria are present in the urine, but the patient has no symptoms associated with a urinary tract infection.
• Not all people with asymptomatic bacteriuria need to be tested and treated. In many people with asymptomatic bacteriuria, the condition resolves on its own, and prescribing antibiotics would expose the patient to unnecessary side effects. However, UTIs in pregnant women can cause risks for both the mother and the fetus.
• In 2008, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) updated its recommendations for screening for asymptomatic bacteriuria in adults. The USPSTF now recommends against general screening for asymptompatic bacteriuria except for pregnant women. Pregnant women should get a urine culture at 12 - 16 weeks in their pregnancy or at their first prenatal visit (whichever occurs later).

Preventive Antibiotics Unnecessary for Recurrent UTIs in Children

Prophylatic (preventive) antibiotics do not decrease the risk of recurrent UTIs in children, and may increase the risk for antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, according to a study of over 74,000 children published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.