Summary
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a disease in whichever section of the urinary structure includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most of the contagions occur in the lower parts, the bladder and the urethra. Research across the world indicates that the probability of women contracting the illness is higher than in men (Beahm et al., 2017). Severe and persistent untreated cases of UTI can spread to kidneys causing more damage and leading to kidney failure. There are four types of UTI: urethritis infects the urethra, cystitis affects the bladder, pyelonephritis infection of the kidneys, and vaginitis inflammation of the vagina. Approximately one out of five women contracts UTI in their lifespan (Beahm et al., 2017). Moreover, the infection in expectant women is nearly the same as that in the non-pregnant group (Hooton & Gupta, 2019). Thus, females are in great danger of the disease due to the petite urethra.
The Typical Physical Assessment Findings
Physical examination of a UTI patient can show various signs and symptoms. Toxic fever, chills, nausea, pain, or discomfort in the lower back, abdomen, or the area above the pelvic bone are some of the common indications of the infection (Abou Heidar et al., 2019). Further bodily evaluation can expose dehydration shown by dry mucous membranes and tachycardia. A patient may also have clammy extremities, symptomatic orthostasis, and suprapubic tenderness.
Pathology of UTI
Urinary tract infection is mainly a result of microorganisms’ invasion, particularly bacteria, into the urethra and bladder. The bacterial contamination of the urinary area leads to slight or severe sickness (Abou Heidar et al., 2019). For instance, a cystitis condition might result in minor ache and itchiness, while inflammation that extends to the upper urinary regions can cause serious illnesses such as the obstruction of the ureter and kidney failure or long-lasting problems, for example, uncontrollable urination (Oyaert et al., 2020). Serious and persistent UTIs can lead to permanent uneasiness and a decline in lifetime value. Some women can have UTIs for some time without experiencing any signs. Various symptoms indicate one has the illness: the resilient, tenacious need for short calls, a scorching feeling while urinating, releasing recurrent, fewer quantities of urine, cloudy, red, or bloody urine, and pelvic pains.
Pharmacotherapeutics
UTI is majorly treated with antibiotics which are medications that kill bacteria and fight the infection. Various kinds of bacteria cause UTIs and therefore, the doctor prescribes drugs that deal with the particular microorganism affecting the patient. Some of the popularly used antibiotics include nitrofurantoin, sulfonamides, amoxicillin, cephalosporins, trimethoprim, doxycycline, and quinolones like the ciprofloxacin (Beahm et al., 2017). Intravenous treatment is used in severe cases, where the UTI is resistant to antibiotics or the infection has spread to the kidneys.
Intervention and Patient Education
UTIs can be managed even without drugs, especially in minor cases of infection. Even with medication, personal intervention mechanisms play a vital role in the healing process. Nurses or practitioners have to provide patients with the needed information to manage the illness (Beahm et al., 2017). The nurse education can focus on observing hygiene such as bathing regularly, wiping from front to back after a bowel movement, changing pads and tampons often, and avoiding strong deodorants. Furthermore, drinking plenty of fluids, particularly water (not less than six glasses a day) helps in removing extra bacteria from the urinary tract; and one should also avoid taking acidic drinks (Abou Heidar et al., 2019). Consequently, to flush out any bacteria that may be introduced in the course of having sex, it is advisable to adopt healthy habits of urinating both frequently and immediately before and after intercourse.
Contraceptives are also known to expose females to UTIs, diaphragm is associated with an increased risk of infection. Women should therefore consult with their gynecologists on safe family planning methods. Lastly, women should avoid tight-fitting clothes to enhance dryness and prevent bacteria from budding in the urinary pathway (Abou Heidar et al., 2019). Additionally, using cotton underwear helps by preventing extra moisture around the urethra. With the above information, patients can take measures and reduce levels and incidences of UTIs.
References
Abou Heidar, N. F., Degheili, J. A., Yacoubian, A. A., & Khauli, R. B. (2019). Management of urinary tract infection in women: A practical approach for everyday practice. Urology Annals, 11(4), 339.
Beahm, N. P., Nicolle, L. E., Bursey, A., Smyth, D. J., & Tsuyuki, R. T. (2017). The assessment and management of urinary tract infections in adults: Guidelines for pharmacists. Canadian Pharmacists Journal/Revue des Pharmaciens du Canada, 150(5), 298-305.
Hooton, T. & Gupta, K. (2019). Urinary tract infections and asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy. Uptodate.com. Web.
Oyaert, M., Speeckaert, M., Boelens, J., & Delanghe, J. R. (2020). Renal tubular epithelial cells add value to the diagnosis of upper urinary tract pathology. Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM), 58(4), 597-604.