Highbrook Blog

A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) or Pokenga puaha is undoubtedly painful and distressing for anyone. However, left untreated, it can spread upwards, causing a kidney infection, making you feel very unwell and harming your kidneys. So, don’t ignore the signs if you suspect a UTI is brewing. Getting treatment fast will save you a world of discomfort! Colleen Bowring, Director of Nursing, shares some knowledge.

What is a UTI, and who is likely to get them?

UTIs happen when bacteria from the back passage get into the urethra, the tube where urine leaves the body. When the bacteria reach the bladder, they multiply and cause infection. As adults, the telltale signs start with a need to pop to the loo more often or twinges of pain when urinating. And those of us who have had a bladder infection quickly become wary of those symptoms.

• Children & infants: Unfortunately, bladder infections can also affect babies and children. It is harder for a parent to know if their child has a UTI, as sometimes a temperature may be the only sign that they are unwell. However, older children may complain of a sore tummy, pain, or burning when they pass water or will not want to have a wee. Yet another sign of a UTI to look out for is when a toilet-trained child suddenly starts wetting their pants. Likewise, some babies are unsettled, off their food and generally unwell or vomiting.
• Men: Interestingly, it’s unusual for men under 50 to get a bladder infection. Men with prostate health issues may have trouble emptying their bladder and become more prone to UTIs.
• Women: On the other hand, women experience the most significant number of urinary tract infections. These infections can also be called Cystitis or inflammation of the bladder. We’ll discuss later why menopausal women may experience more UTIs.
• Pregnant Women: Moreover, pregnant women are even more prone to UTIs.
• Older People: Finally, in older people, the sudden onset of poor balance and confusion can be a sign of UTIs.

Symptoms of a bladder infection or Cystitis

As a rule of thumb, if you or a family member suspect a bladder infection, always get advice from your GP or midwife. They will give good advice and care. Telltale symptoms include:

• Pain or burning when you wee
• Needing to pee more often or more urgently than usual
• Urine may be cloudy or smelly
• Pain low down in the tummy
• Feeling unwell

If a kidney infection develops, symptoms may also include

• Back pain
• Fever and chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blood in urine

Factors which increase the chances of getting a bladder infection

Some health conditions or personal circumstances can make people more prone to bladder infections. So, be aware that the following might increase the chances of whānau showing symptoms:

• Diabetes
• Pregnancy
• Being sexually active
• Poor personal hygiene
• Using a diaphragm or spermicidal jelly
• Conditions which stop the free flow of urine, such as kidney stones, enlarged prostate or a defect in the structure of the urinary organs
• Constipation
• Having a catheter inserted
• Menopausal women can be extra prone to Cystitis due to changes in the tissues of the vagina and urethra, which can become more susceptible to infection.

The best treatment for Cystitis

Most importantly, if you suspect you have a UTI, it is best to get treatment early. Cystitis or inflammation of the bladder is easy to treat with antibiotics.

Call us to make an appointment here at Highbrook Medical. You can also use the Patient Portal.

Our friendly, experienced nurses can help by:

• checking your symptoms
• taking your temperature
• measuring heart rate 
• doing a dipstick test on your urine. This chemical strip can show if you have a urine infection.
• The nurse may then send the sample to the lab for testing.
• Depending on the result, you may need to take antibiotics.

Simple things you can do at home to help with the initial UTI symptoms.

1. Take paracetamol for discomfort and fever. 
2. Drink plenty of water, but avoid tea, coffee, alcohol and citrus drinks which may irritate your bladder
3. Try using Ural Effervecesnt Powder to reduce the burning sensation. It’s an over-the-counter powder drink which makes urine less acidic. In addition, it helps kids mix into a little apple or pineapple juice to make it tastier.
4. Please make an appointment to see us ASAP for treatment.

You should feel better two to three days after starting the antibiotics but finishing the whole course of pills clears the infection completely. However, if you still feel unwell or your symptoms worsen, don’t hesitate to contact the clinic for further advice and assistance.

Tips for preventing Urinary Tract Infections

• Prevent constipation by drinking plenty of water and eating a diet high in fibre
• Don’t “hold on” when you need to pee
• Pass urine soon after sex
• Shower instead of bathing
• Always wipe from the front to the back after passing urine
• Don’t use scented soaps. Try a gentle product like Cetaphil that is free from irritants
• Avoid using sprays, talcum powder and douches
• Make sure you give your bladder a chance to empty fully by peeing twice. This means pausing after you think you have finished and trying again to empty.
• Breathable cotton underwear is best. So, avoid wearing tight synthetic underwear.
• If you’re a smoker, stopping can also help you get fewer UTIs because smoking increases the risk of developing bacterial vaginosis.

Hopefully, these self-help tips will prevent further urinary tract infections. We can give you the correct treatment as soon as possible, so you make a rapid recovery. Naturally, we will arrange for any further tests or investigations. If you get symptoms, see our team at Highbrook Medical without delay.