What Are Urinary Tract Infections?
Struggling with the discomfort of a urinary tract infection (UTI) can be overwhelming, but at UMG Urgent Care in Columbia, MD, you'll find compassionate care and effective solutions to help you feel better quickly. A urinary tract infection is an infection in any part of your urinary system, which can include the bladder, urethra, ureters, or kidneys. Most often, UTIs affect the lower urinary tract — the bladder and urethra. UTIs usually involve bacteria entering the urinary system and starting to multiply. These bacteria generally come from outside the body and can travel into the urinary tract, causing an infection. UTIs, like bladder infections, are most common among women. However, men can also experience urinary tract infections, especially as they age. While some urinary tract infections can sometimes go away on their own, it's always a good idea to seek treatment to avoid complications or worsening symptoms. Untreated, complicated UTIs can potentially become life-threatening, especially if the infection spreads to the kidneys or bloodstream. Contact our Columbia, MD team today so we can help you feel better quickly and prevent future urine infections.
How Are Urinary Tract Infections Treated?
Effective treatment for a urinary tract infection starts with a proper diagnosis, often involving a urine sample to conduct a urine culture, which helps identify the type of bacteria causing the infection. At UMG Urgent Care, we provide accurate testing and personalized urinary tract infection treatments. In most cases, antibiotics for UTIs are prescribed, and the specific antibiotic treatment will depend on whether it is a complicated UTI or uncomplicated UTI and on your medical history. It's crucial to complete the entire course of antibiotics to cure a UTI effectively and avoid resistance. Additional recommendations to help treat a UTI include drinking plenty of water to flush out bacteria and strengthen the immune system, as well as over-the-counter options for symptom relief. Without antibiotics, how long urinary tract infections last can vary, potentially leading to more severe issues, like kidney infections. Certain risk factors, such as frequent sexual activity or a weakened immune system, can lead to recurrent UTIs, but our team can guide you on what to take for urinary tract infection relief and prevention.
What Are the Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections?
Recognizing urinary tract infection symptoms can help you seek treatment earlier at UMG Urgent Care in Columbia, MD, which means faster relief and a lower chance of complications. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- A strong, persistent urge to urinate
- A burning feeling during urination
- Passing small amounts of urine frequently
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Pink, red, or brown urine, indicating possible blood in the urine
- Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen or back
In some cases, urinary tract infections can cause general feelings of fatigue or fever. If a urinary tract infection spreads to the kidneys, it can cause more severe symptoms, like high fever, chills, nausea, and pain in the side or back. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to get medical help right away.
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I can't say enough about how wonderful Stephanie is. She has made both me and my children feel completely at ease during our past appointments. She took the time to listen to all of our concerns and made sure to address every need. Her compassionate and attentive approach truly sets her apart. Her bedside manner is exceptional?she's not just knowledgeable but genuinely cares about her patients. I am so grateful for the care she provided in the past and highly recommend her to anyone looking for a doctor who truly listens and gives their full attention.
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Free Yourself from Discomfort
Our team at UMG Urgent Care provides effective, compassionate care for urinary tract infections. Our experienced providers will make sure you receive the treatment you need, from proper testing with a urine test to the right antibiotics. Don't wait and suffer through the pain — come see us today at our Columbia, MD practice and start feeling better. We're here to help you get back to living your life, free from the discomfort of a urinary tract infection.