UTIs

Question 1

What are the main signs and symptoms of an uncomplicated UTI?

Answer 1

• dysuria
• urinary frequency
• urinary urgency
• suprapubic pain

Question 2

What are the differential diagnoses for UTIs?

Answer 2

• pyelonephritis (if associated with fever/loin pain)
• STI
• cystitis
• bladder cancer

Question 3

What are some common urinary tract pathogens?

Answer 3

• Escherichia coli
• Klebsiella pneumoniae
• Proteus mirabilis
• Enteococcus faecalis
• Staphylococcus saprophyticus

Question 4

What are the predisposing conditions for UTIs?

Answer 4

• incomplete bladder emptying (due to pregnancy or bladder/uterine/pelvic prolapse)
• immunosuppression due to medicines
• diabetes
• menopause
• abnormalities with urinary tract like kidney/renal stones

Question 5

What is the management of UTIs?

Answer 5

• patients advised to drink plenty of fluids and use self-care to prevent recurrence
• uncomplicated can sometimes resolve themselves
• if lower urinary tract infection: trimethoprim or nitrofurantoin
• if upper urinary tract infection: ciprofloxacin or co-amoxiclav