URINARY TRACT INFECTION (UTI)
PROBLEM
You have a bladder infection. The symptoms include painful, frequent urination and pain over your bladder. Your symptoms may be mild, moderate, or painful.
CAUSE
Bacteria caused the infection of the bladder. A bladder infection is more common in women and in men who have prostate problems.
PREVENTION
A.Empty your bladder often:
1.As soon as you feel the urge to go, empty your bladder at that time.
2.Do not hold your urine.
3.You may need to urinate on a schedule during the day, at least every 2 to 3 hours.
B.Wash your hands after going to the bathroom (both urine and bowel movements).
C.Good hygiene for females:
1.Wipe front to back every time you empty your bladder and especially after bowel movements.
2.Take showers instead of baths; do not take bubble baths.
3.Empty your bladder before and after sex.
4.Avoid feminine hygiene sprays and douches.
D.Wear cotton underwear. Do not wear tight underwear and clothes. Take off your underwear at night while sleeping.
TREATMENT PLAN
Treatment depends on how bad (severity) the infection is. Antibiotics are used to kill bacteria that cause infections. The most important thing is to finish all of your medications even if you feel better.
Activity: Rest; avoid strenuous activity. Avoid sexual activity until you finish the antibiotics.
Diet:
A.Increase fluids; drink at least one large glass of liquid every hour.
B.Avoid foods that irritate the bladder: Caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods.
C.Drink cranberry juice to help fight bladder infections. If you do not like plain cranberry juice, mix it with another juice, such as orange juice.
Medications:
A.Antibiotics kill bacteria that cause infection. Make sure you take all of your medications, not just until you feel better.
B.Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for fever.
C.You may be prescribed a medication to prevent bladder spasms and pain while urinating. This changes the color of your urine to orange or blue.
You Have Been Prescribed the Following Antibiotic: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________
Take all of your antibiotics, even if you feel better.
You Have Been Prescribed the Following for Discomfort: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Notify the Office If You Have:
A.Worsening symptoms or symptoms not improving during treatment.
B.Fever higher than 100.4°F.
C.Blood in your urine.
D.Symptoms that come back after you finish all of your medications: painful urination, back pain, fever, chills, or nausea.
E.Other: ___________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________
PATIENT TEACHING GUIDE