UTIs Flashcards
What is the name for a lower UTI? Where does it infect?
cystitis
infection/ inflammation involving the bladder
What is the name for an upper UTI? Where does it infect?
pyelonephritis
inflammation of kidney - kidney tissue and renal pelvis
Why are UTIs more common in women?
shorter urethra so easier to get to the bladder
What can cause a UTI?
faeces
normal intestinal bacteria can travel up the urethra
sexual activity
incontinence
poor hygiene
What symptoms does cystitis cause?
dysuria
suprapubic pain or discomfort
frequency
urgency
incontinence
Haematuria
cloudy/ foul smelling urine
confusion
What are the symptoms of pyelonephritis?
those of cystitis + fever, loin or back pain, nausea and vomiting
systemic illness, loss of appetite, renal angle tenderness
What would a urine dipstick show in a patient with a UTI?
nitrites - gram negative bacteria (E. coli) break down nitrates (normal urine waste product) to nitrites
leukocytes
red blood cells
Who is a dipstick test less reliable in?
catheterised patients
women >65
In what situations of UTIs would you send a midstream sample for microscopy?
pregnant
atypical symptoms
recurrent UTIs
don’t improve with antibiotics
What is the most common cause of UTIs? What type of bacteria is this?
E. coli
gram negative, anaerobic, rob shaped
What treatment is used for lower UTIs?
nitrofurantoin - used in first 2 trimesters of pregnancy, not in patients with eGFR <45
trimethoprim
How many days of antibiotics are people given for a UTI?
in simple lower UTIs in women - 3 days
5-7 days in immunosuppressed women or impaired kidney function
7 days of antibiotics for men, pregnant women, catheter related
in pyelonephritis - 7-10 days
What antibiotics are given for pyelonephritis?
cefalexin and co-amociclav or trimethoprim if culture results are available
