Bacteria

• Urinary tract infections occur when a bacterial organism enters the urinary tract. Although urine resists many types of bacteria, especially those living in or around the vagina area, gram negative rods (a specific type of bacteria) can grow rapidly in urine. Most urinary tract infections are caused by gram negative rods that normally inhabit the gastrointestinal tract, which consists of the stomach and intestines. The most common strain found in urinary tract infections is E. Coli.
  
  

Symptoms

• Many people who have a urinary tract infection will not exhibit any signs or symptoms. However, for those who do have symptoms they can be quite painful and bothersome. These symptoms include a burning sensation while urinating, frequent urge to urinate, frequent urination with little volume, cloudy urine and blood in the urine.
  
  

Treatments

• Urinary tract infections must be treated to avoid complications. The standard treatment is antibiotics. There are several types of antibiotics, such as Amoxicillin, Ciprofloxacin, or Levofloxacin, that are commonly prescribed to eradicate the infection. Symptoms will usually dissipate within a few days of beginning the antibiotics; however, it is extremely important to complete the full amount of medication prescribed. Although symptoms may be gone, all the bacteria may not be gone, and ceasing the medication will allow the bacteria to continue to grow and move along the urinary tract.
  
  

Complications

• Normal urinary tract infections affecting the urethra or bladder do not pose any additional health risks. However, if the infection moves along the urinary tract and infects the kidneys, additional complications and symptoms can occur. A kidney infection may cause lower back pain, high fever, chills, nausea and vomiting. If left untreated, the infection can become chronic and cause permanent damage to the kidneys.
  
  

Prevention

• There are several steps you can take to prevent urinary tract infections. First, drink plenty of water. Water keeps your body hydrated and your kidneys working. The more urine flowing through the urinary tract the less likely bacteria can take hold and multiply. Cranberry juice has infection-fighting properties, so if you are prone to urinary tract infections, it may help ward them off.
  For women, always wipe from front to back to reduce the risk of cross-infection. Also, urinate immediately after having sexual intercourse to help flush out any bacteria that may try to enter the urethra. Limit the use of feminine products like deodorant sprays, as these can irritate the urethra, increasing the risk of infection.