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Urinary tract infection - chronic or recurrent

Alternative Names:

UTI - chronic or recurrent

Treatment:

Mild cases of acute cystitis may disappear on their own without treatment. However, because of the risk of the infection spreading to the kidneys ( complicated UTI ), treatment is usually recommended. Also, due to the high death rate in the elderly, prompt treatment is recommended.

MEDICATIONS

Antibiotics may be used to control the bacterial infection. You MUST finish the entire course of prescribed antibiotics. Commonly used antibiotics include:

Chronic or recurrent urinary tract infection should be treated thoroughly because of the chance of kidney infection (pyelonephritis). Antibiotics control the bacterial infection. They may need to be given for long periods of time (as long as 6 months to 2 years), or stronger antibiotics may be needed. As an additional precaution, low-dose antibiotics may be recommended after acute symptoms have subsided.

Phenazopyridine hydrochloride (pyridium) may be used to reduce the burning and urgency associated with cystitis. In addition, ascorbic acid may be recommended to decrease the concentration of bacteria in the urine.

SURGERY

Surgery is generally not needed to treat urinary tract infections.

OTHER THERAPY

Preventive measures may reduce symptoms and prevent recurrence of infection. If you keep the genital area clean and wipe from front to back, you may prevent dragging bacteria from the rectal area to the urethra.

Urinating immediately after sexual intercourse may help eliminate any bacteria that may have been introduced during intercourse. Not urinating for a long period of time may allow bacteria time to multiply. Frequent urination may reduce the risk of cystitis in those who are prone to urinary tract infections.

DIET

Increasing the intake of fluids (2000 - 4000 cc per day) encourages frequent urination that flushes the bacteria from the bladder. Avoid fluids that irritate the bladder, such as alcohol, citrus juices, and drinks containing caffeine.

MONITORING

Follow-up urine cultures may be needed to make sure that bacteria are no longer present in the bladder.

Expectations (prognosis):

Most cases are cured without complication after adequate treatment. The treatment may be prolonged.

Complications:

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of cystitis persist after treatment, or recur more than 2 times in 6 months.

Call your health care provider if symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop, especially persistent fever, back pain or flank pain , and vomiting.

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Female urinary tract

Male urinary tract

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