Where Is Your UTI? The Symptoms Will Tell You

I began my third semester of nursing school with a review of the renal system and various renal/kidney disorders. The first disorder we covered was urinary tract infections or UTIs. When the instructor asked what are the signs and symptoms of a lower UTI, I thought I knew the answer since I had a UTI once. But I was quickly corrected by my instructor. Upon further reading, I realized I never had a lower UTI.

What is a urinary tract infection?

A urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection that occurs in the urinary tract. The urinary tract includes the urethra, urinary bladder, ureters, and kidneys.

What causes a UTI?

UTIs are caused by a bacteria that enters the urinary tract. The most common bacteria in UTIs is Escherichia coli or E. coli, which is normally found in our gastrointestinal tract. How the bacteria gets into the urethra can occur with a number of conditions including improper perineal care and not fully emptying the bladder. Yes some bacteria is normally found in the bladder, but frequent bladder emptying helps stop the bacteria from growing. Although both men and women can develop UTIs, women are more prone because we have a shorter urethra that is close to our vagina and anus.

What is the difference between upper and lower UTIs?

A lower UTI occurs in the urinary structures closer to the urethra opening: the urethra and the urinary bladder. A UTI in the urethra is called urethritis while a UTI in the bladder is called cystitis. An upper UTI in the kidneys is known as acute pyelonephritis. Well, if I had connected the signs and symptoms that first day of class, I would have known that what I had was an upper urinary tract infection.

How can your symptoms tell you where your UTI is?

I remembered the UTI I had way back in 1990 had caused a fever, nausea, vomiting, and back pain. But these are signs of an upper UTI. The lower UTI rarely causes these symptoms. The more common signs of a lower UTI are urinary urgency and frequency, burning with urination, abdominal pain, and pelvic pressure. Sometimes blood is found in the urine with a lower UTI as well. As you can see, the symptoms will tell you where your UTI is.

Treatment for upper and lower UTIs

Urinary tract infections in general are treated with antibiotics and hydration especially with acidic liquids like cranberry juice. But if you have the upper UTI like I did, you also need to keep a bland diet (gelatin, toast, white rice) for a few days due to nausea and vomiting.

Sources:

Mayo Clinic website, Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), June 26, 2010

Lecture and powerpoint Janet Czermak, APN-C, Essex County College, NJ, January 2011

Personal experience