Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection typically begins when bacteria from the faeces are introduced into the urethra, most often because of improper toilet habits. This is a particular risk for women because the female urethra is short and its external opening lies close to the anus. Because the urethral lining is continuous with the rest of the urinary tract, an initial inflammation of the urethra (urethritis) can spread upward to inflame the bladder (cystitis) or, in more serious cases, the kidney itself (pyelitis or pyelonephritis). Typical symptoms include dysuria (painful urination), urinary urgency, fever, and sometimes cloudy or blood-tinged urine; when the kidneys themselves become inflamed, back pain and severe headache are common as well. Most urinary tract infections respond well to antibiotic tre …