Urinary Tract Infections
in Denver, CO
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections are common, occurring in about 20% of women sometime during their lives. Each year, 8 to 10 million visits to doctors are for urinary tract infections. UTIs should be treated promptly or the infection may spread to the kidneys and cause permanent damage. While both women and men are susceptible, women are more likely to develop a UTI since they have a shorter urethra than men.
Daily Apple Clinic
At Daily Apple Clinic in Congress Park of Denver, Colorado, Paul Reynolds, FNP, Monica Schonteich, FNP, and the providers here can quickly and accurately diagnose urinary tract infections using a brief in-office test. Once you are diagnosed, they can then prescribe medication that should provide effective symptom relief. To book an appointment for a possible UTI, call Daily Apple Clinic or book online today.
What is a urinary tract infection?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the urinary system. The urinary tract makes and stores urine and includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Your urine typically doesn't contain bacteria, however bacteria can enter the urinary system from outside the body and cause infection and inflammation. If the infection spreads from the urethra all the way to the kidneys, the infection can become more serious.
What are the symptoms of a urinary tract infection?
The inflammation caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI) may cause any of the following symptoms:
Burning sensation when urinating
Trouble forcing urination
Strong, persistent urge to urinate
Overactive bladder
Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Blood in your urine (red/pink)
Urinary incontinence
Cloudy urine
Unusually foul smell from your urine
If the infection becomes severe and progresses to the kidneys, it may cause systemic symptoms to include: fever, chills, vomiting, and pain in your back or side. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should seek medical help right away.
How are urinary tract infections diagnosed?
Daily Apple Clinic offers on-site testing for urinary tract infections with immediate, accurate results. You will provide a urine sample in the clinic, and results are available as soon as the clinician has completed the test. The test will examine the urine for red blood cells, white blood cells, bacteria, and enzymes associated with specific bacteria. If these components are found in large enough quantities they may indicate an infection.
If your infection does not respond to treatment your provider may recommend ultrasound, cystoscopy or a CT scan in order to create images of your urinary tract and examine it in more detail.
How are urinary tract infections treated?
If a urinalysis confirms the presence of an infection, your provider will prescribe antibiotics to treat your UTI. Your symptoms should clear within a few days. As always, antibiotics should be taken until the prescription is finished. Some commonly prescribed antibiotics include:
Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Augmentin)
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
Levofloxacin (Levaquin)
Nitrofurantoin (Furadantin, Macrodantin)
Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra)
How are allergies and asthma treated?
Your provider will also usually prescribe a medication for a few days that will reduce the pain associated with the inflammation from the infection. If you are susceptible to urinary tract infections, be careful to practice good personal hygiene, especially for women. Drink plenty of fluids every day and urinate immediately after sex. Use water-based lubricants to avoid vaginal dryness and avoid tight fitting clothing, preferring cotton over other fabrics.
If you have symptoms indicating you may have a urinary tract infection, please book an appointment. Call Daily Apple Clinic or schedule one online to get relief as soon as possible.