Chronic Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Symptoms and Treatment

Max Lab

Aug 22, 2022

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are infections of the urinary system that are caused by bacteria, particularly, the bacteria from the bowels. A UTI can affect any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Anyone can develop a urinary tract infection, but they tend to be more common among women. Many people who get a UTI may develop another at some point in life, but there are also people who suffer from a chronic urinary tract infection, which can take quite a toll on their lives.

What Is a Chronic Urinary Tract Infections?

Infections of the urinary tract that keep recurring or do not respond to treatment are referred to as chronic urinary tract infections. While UTIs are quite common and can affect any part of the urinary system, a UTI in the bladder is relatively easier to deal with than having a UTI in the kidney, which is a condition that can have some severe consequences.

Why Do I Keep Getting Urinary Tract Infections?

This is a common question asked by people with recurring UTI. But they are not always because of what someone has done, their hygiene practices, etc. Some people are just more prone to developing recurring UTIs than others. The causes of recurrent UTI include bacteria entering the urinary tract and causing the infection to come back or it could be caused by bacteria that were left behind in the urinary tract after a previous infection. Other conditions or causes of a frequent urine infection, or the risk factors of chronic UTI include:

• Having a history of UTI
• Diabetes
• Having a catheter
• Being in a hospital or nursing home
• Bladder or kidney stones
• Having undergone a urinary tract surgery
• Certain birth control methods (using a diaphragm or spermicide)
• Having been born with a urinary tract abnormality
• Sexual activity
• Menopause
• Infected or enlarged prostate

Symptoms of Chronic UTI?

Chronic UTI symptoms and the symptoms of a UTI are similar. If a person gets the infection twice (or more) within 6 months or thrice (or more) in a year, it is referred to as a chronic or recurring UTI. The symptoms of chronic UTI, when it is affecting the bladder, include:

• Feeling the need to urinate frequently but passing only small amounts of urine
• Feeling pain or burning while urinating
• Difficulty urinating
• Aches in the back, belly or legs
• Dark-coloured urine
• Blood in the urine
• Smelly or cloudy urine
• Pain in the kidney (lower back) or bladder region

If untreated, the complications of the UTI can get quite severe, spreading to the kidneys as well, leading to kidney damage. The symptoms of having a UTI in the kidney include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Fever and chills
• Disorientation

Causes of Recurrent UTI?

Generally, women have a higher chance of developing a chronic urinary tract infection, as they have shorter urethras as compared to men, which makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder. Menopause is another one of the causes of a female getting a urine infection frequently, because of the hormonal changes they undergo. However, recurrent UTI in men is also a common occurrence. UTIs are bacterial infections and the E. coli bacteria, found in the intestines of a healthy individual, is one of the most common causes of recurrent UTI. When faeces get into the urinary tract, even in microscopic amounts, they bring the E. coli bacteria with them, leading to an infection. Toilet water backsplash, improper wiping, unhygienic sexual practices, etc. are some ways for the bacteria to reach the urinary system.

Diagnosing UTIs

Doctors may conduct a visual exam of the bladder and urethra to check for abnormalities or they may prescribe a urine routine and microscopy test, which includes a chemical, microscopic, and gross examination of a urine sample to diagnose a UTI. A CT scan of the urinary tract may also be ordered for a more detailed diagnosis.

How to Cure UTIs Permanently

If not treated in time, a UTI can spread to the kidneys, leading to permanent kidney damage. In rare cases, the complications of a UTI may also lead to sepsis, which is a life-threatening condition.

Several studies state that drinking cranberry juice helps stop UTIs from returning, which is something that one may try, as it has no downside. Drinking a lot of water is also helpful in treating the infection as it helps dilute the urine, making it easier to flush the bacteria out.

A one-week course of antibiotics is usually prescribed for the treatment of a UTI. However, if one has a chronic UTI, treatment is more likely to include a low-dose course of antibiotics for a longer duration, spanning several months. Treatment may also include antibiotics to be taken each time after sexual intercourse.

If the chronic UTI develops along with menopause, oestrogen therapy may also be considered.

Apart from the medication, it is also important to monitor the urinary system regularly to check for signs of the infection returning.

Some Tips for Avoiding UTIs

• Do not hold the urine. Urinate whenever needed, no matter how frequent it is.
• After urinating or defecating, always wipe from front to back.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Opt for cotton underwear.
• Do not wear tight jeans or underpants.
• If you are using spermicides or diaphragms, change your birth control method.
• Avoid foods that irritate the bladder.
• Keep the genital area clean.
• Urinate before and after sexual intercourse.

Recurring UTIs are quite common and can be treated properly with ease, however, time is of the essence. Consulting a doctor if one experiences the symptoms of chronic UTI is essential and must not be avoided.