Persistent Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Written by: Marcos Otero, Retired Physician Associate
Our Patient:
- Patient: Marisol González, a 35-year-old teacher
- Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Diagnosis: Recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) with antibiotic resistance
Background:
Marisol González is a dedicated teacher who juggles her career and caring for her elderly parents. She leads a busy life and often delays addressing her health issues. Recently, she has experienced frequent episodes of urinary discomfort but attributed them to stress and inadequate hydration. Marisol has a history of mild UTIs, usually resolved with antibiotics.
Presentation of Symptoms:
Marisol visited her primary care clinic after experiencing painful urination (dysuria), urgency, and lower abdominal discomfort for over a week. This time, her symptoms were more intense, and she also noticed cloudy urine with a strong odor. These episodes were now affecting her ability to concentrate at work.
Key Symptoms:
- Painful urination (dysuria)
- Frequent and urgent need to urinate
- Lower abdominal discomfort
- Cloudy urine with a strong odor
Diagnosis & Treatment:
Marisol’s urinalysis showed significant levels of bacteria and white blood cells, indicating a UTI. A urine culture revealed an antibiotic-resistant strain of E. coli as the cause.
Treatment Plan:
- Prescribed a targeted antibiotic based on the culture results.
- Advised increased fluid intake and proper hygiene practices.
- Scheduled a follow-up in two weeks to ensure the infection resolves.
Complications:
Despite initial treatment, Marisol’s symptoms persisted, leading to further testing. An ultrasound revealed mild kidney inflammation (pyelonephritis) caused by the resistant infection. She required hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics and careful monitoring. The prolonged infection also exacerbated her fatigue and stress, impacting her teaching and home life.
Preventative Measures:
- Encouraging early medical attention for urinary symptoms.
- Promoting hydration and routine urination to flush bacteria from the urinary tract.
- Educating about proper hygiene, especially post-restroom use.
Possible Outcomes:
- Good Outcome: With adherence to the treatment plan, Marisol’s infection resolved, and she learned to recognize symptoms early, preventing future complications. She implemented lifestyle changes, including regular hydration, that reduced her UTI risk.
- Poor Outcome: If untreated or ignored, Marisol’s condition could have led to chronic kidney damage or recurrent infections, affecting her overall quality of life.
Tags: #UrinaryTractInfection #RecurrentUTI #KidneyHealth #HispanicHealth
