UTI

You may have a urinary tract infection (UTI) if you experience pain or pressure during urination. At Refresh Wellness in Garland, Texas, board-certified nurse practitioner and house call specialist Bincy Varughese, APRN, FNP-C, diagnoses and treats UTIs in people of all ages. After a physical exam and urinalysis, she can make treatment recommendations. Call the office to receive treatment for a UTI, or book online today.

What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria (germs) enter your urethra –– the tube that carries urine out of your body. As the germs multiply, the infection may extend to your bladder, kidneys, or ureters (the tubes that carry urine from your kidneys to your bladder).

Anyone can have a UTI, but they’re most common in women. That’s because the female anatomy makes it easier for harmful bacteria to enter the urinary system.

What are the symptoms of a UTI?

Symptoms of a UTI include:

• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• Pressure in the lower pelvis
• Incontinence (urine leakage)
• Painful urination
• The need to urinate at night
• Abnormal urine color
• Blood in the urine

Depending on the severity of the infection, you may develop a fever or experience pain during sex.

Should I see a primary care specialist for a UTI?

Make an appointment at Refresh Wellness, if you have symptoms of an upper UTI (kidney infection), such as pain in your sides or back, chills, or a high fever. That’s especially true if they last for more than a day or don’t improve with taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine.

How is a UTI diagnosed?

Your Refresh Wellness provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes a physical exam. They then order several tests, including a urinalysis and urine culture.

Urinalysis analyzes your urine for red blood cells, white blood cells, and bacteria. In comparison, a urine culture assesses the bacteria in your urine to determine the best type of treatment.

If lab tests don’t provide enough information to develop a complete treatment plan, your provider may order diagnostic imaging of your urinary tract with an ultrasound or a CT scan. These procedures can identify diseases or injuries and provide a clearer picture of your urinary health.

How is a UTI treated?

Refresh Wellness treats UTIs with prescription antibiotics. Depending on the type of bacteria causing the infection, your provider may prescribe:

• Nitrofurantoin
• Sulfonamides (sulfa drugs)
• Amoxicillin
• Cephalosporins
• Bactrim®
• Doxycycline
• Quinolones (Cipro®)

When taking prescription antibiotics, make sure to follow your provider’s instructions. It’s important to complete the entire course of medicine, even if your symptoms go away. If you stop taking antibiotics early, the infection will return.

Call Refresh Wellness to receive treatment for a UTI today, or book online.