Infection, urinary tract (UTI) definition - medical term
An infection in the urin ary system that
begins when microorganisms cling to the opening of the urethra (the canal from the
bladder) and begin to multiply. Most UTIs are due to one type of bacteria, E. (Escherichia)
coli, a normal denizen of the colon. An infection in the urethra leads to inflammation
called urethritis. From there bacteria may move up, causing a bladder infection
(cystitis) and if the infection is not treated promptly, bacteria may go up the
ureters to infect the kidneys (pyelonephritis). Factors leading to UTI include any
abnormality of the urinary tract (such as a urinary tract malformation or a kidney
stone) that obstructs the flow of urine, an enlarged prostate gland that slows the
flow of urine, catheters (tubes) in the bladder, diabetes (due to changes of the
immune system), and any disorder that suppresses the immune system. Women have more
UTI than men, probably because a woman's urethra is shorter (allowing bacteria quick
access to the bladder) and nearer sources of bacteria from the anus and vagina.
For many women, sexual intercourse seems to trigger an infection, as may the use
of a diaphragm. Not everyone with a UTI has symptoms but symptoms commonly include
a frequent urge to urinate and a painful, burning when urinating (dysuria). The
urine may look milky or cloudy, even reddish if blood is present. Kidney infection
can cause pain in the back or side below the ribs. In children, symptoms may be
easily missed or misunderstood. A child with a UTI may be irritable, not eat normally,
have an unexplained fever, have incontinence or loose bowels, or just not thrive.
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