Urinary Tract Infection
Written by: Marcos Otero, Retired Physician Associate
Our Patient:
- Patient: Ximena
- Location: Uruguay
- Diagnosis: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Background:
Ximena, a 28-year-old graphic designer, lives an active life in Montevideo. She often ignores minor aches, prioritizing her busy work schedule. Recently, she noticed mild discomfort while urinating but did not seek immediate care.
Presentation of Symptoms:
One morning, Ximena woke up with sharp pain in her lower abdomen and a constant urge to urinate. She just got married last week and developed her symptoms two days ago. She does not have a fever nor does her back hurt. She admits she has some blood in her urine. She has no nausea or vomiting.
Key Symptoms:
- Pain during urination
- Frequent need to urinate
- Lower abdominal pain
- A strong, persistent urge to urinate
- A burning sensation when urinating
- Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
- Urine that appears cloudy
- Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-colored — a sign of blood in the urine
- Strong-smelling urine
- Pelvic pain, in women — especially in the center of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone
- Fever
- Flank pain
- Nausea or vomiting
Diagnosis & Treatment:
Her doctor diagnosed a urinary tract infection and prescribed antibiotics along with hydration recommendations.
Treatment Plan:
- Complete the course of antibiotics
- Drink at least 2 liters of water daily
- Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks
- Drink plenty of liquids, especially water. Drinking water helps dilute your urine and ensures that you will urinate more frequently — allowing bacteria to be flushed from your urinary tract before an infection can begin.
- Drink cranberry juice. Although studies are not conclusive that cranberry juice prevents UTIs, it is likely not harmful.
- Wipe from front to back. Doing so after urinating and after a bowel movement helps prevent bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the vagina and urethra.
- Empty your bladder soon after intercourse. Also, drink a full glass of water to help flush bacteria.
- Avoid potentially irritating feminine products. Using deodorant sprays or other feminine products, such as douches and powders, in the genital area can irritate the urethra.
- Change your birth control method. Diaphragms, or unlubricated or spermicide-treated condoms, can all contribute to bacterial growth.
Complications:
Delay in treatment could have led to a more severe infection, such as a kidney infection.
Cultural and Family Support: Her mother prepared natural infusions, following Uruguayan family traditions.
Life Today: Possible Outcomes
- Improved: Ximena completed the treatment and learned to prioritize her health.
- Complicated: The infection spread to her kidneys due to negligence.
