Urinary Tract Infection Flashcards
What is a UTI?
Common infections that can occur anywhere along the urinary tract, which includes kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra
What are the two type of Upper Urinary Tract Infections? Where is this affected?
Pyelonephritis
Ureteritis
Kidneys and Ureters
What is Pyelonephritis?
An infection of the kidney characterised by symptoms such as flank pain, fever, chills and nausea.
What is Ureteritis?
Infection of the ureters, which may present similary to pyelonephritis, often accompanying kidney functions
What are the two type of lower UTIs? Where is affected?
Cystitis
Urethritis
Bladder and Urethra
What is Cystitis?
Typically causes symptoms such as frequent and painful urination, urgency and suprapubic pain.
Considered less severe than upper UTIs but can lead to complications if not treated.
What is Urethritis?
Inflammation oft he urethra, often associated with symptoms such as burning sensation during urination and discharge
This can result from infections or irritants
What is the bladder structure?
The bladder is lined with a mucous membrane and coated with protective protein layer that helps resist infection and irritation.
This protective layer is crucial for maintaining bladder health
What happens during the compromise of the Mucous Membrane in relation to Cystitis?
Cystitis occurs when the protective barrier is compromised, allowing bacteria to infect the mucous membrane.
This can lead to:
Inflammation and Bleeding = inflamed tissues may bleed, and in severe cases, ulcers can develop within the bladder
Bacterial Involvement = Presence of bacteria leads to infection, triggering the symptoms associated with cystitis
What are some symptoms common experienced by patients with Cystitis?
Dysuria = burning sensation during urination
Increased Urgency
Low-grade fever = mild fever
Lower Back Pain = discomfort or pain in the lower back area may occur due to bladder inflammation
What is Pyelonephritis?
Acute bacterial infection affecting the renal pelvis and calyces, often leading to significant clinical complications including sepsis.
Ascending infection in relation to Pyelonephritis?
- Most common route, where bacteria from the bladder ascend to the kidneys, typically due to untreated or poorly managed lower UTIs
Prolonged presence of bacterial can lead to significant inflammation and tissue damage
What is Blood-borne infection?
The kidney’s extensive blood supply makes them susceptible to infections from systemic sources
Bacteria can enter the kidney tissue from the bloodstream, leading to pyelonephritis
What is the pathophysiology of Pyelonephritis?
- Infected kidneys develop pus in and around the nephrons , which can result in nephrons death
- This necrotic tissue is replaced by fibrous tissue, reducing functional nephron mass
- The remaining nephrons may undergo hypertrophy to compensate for the loss of function, although their ability to maintain renal function decreases as more nephrons are affected
What is prognosis in regards to Pyelonephritis?
Largely dependent on the number of healthy nephrons remaining following treatment.
Early diagnosis and management are crucial for preventing permanent kidney damage
What are some signs and symptoms of Pyelonephritis?
High-grade fever
Severe flank pain
Dysuria
Rigors (chills)
What are some risk factors of Pyelonephritis?
Female anatomy - short urethra
Urinary stasis
Recent instrumentation
What are some UTI risk factors?
Female - Shorter urethra - facilitates a quicker pathway for bacteria to ender the bladder
Sexual Activity - sexual intercourse can introduce bacteria from the vaginal or perianal area into the urethra, increasing risk of infection
Pregnancy - hormonal fluctuations and physical pressure on the bladder, can lead to urinary stasis and a higher risk of bacterial growth
Age - older adults are at greater risk due to various factors, including diminished immune responses and potential urinary retention issues
Poor Hygiene - Inadequate personal hygiene, particularly in women, can lead to the colonisation of pathogenic bacteria, which can ascend into the urinary tract
What is the treatment for UTI?
Antibiotics - 3,7 and 14 day courses
Pyelonephritis - may require IV antibiotics
Urosepsis - requires admission, IV antibiotics, IV fluids
Hydration
Analgesia
