A urinary tract infection occurs when a microorganism enters the body through the urethra (the tubes that carry urine from the bladder out of the body). In 90 percent of cases, it's caused by the bacterium, Escherichia coli (E. coli). This bacteria normally lives in the colon. Researchers hypothesize the germs are carried from the perianal area to the opening of the urethra.

Normally, the flow of urine flushes bacteria from the end of the urethra. But sometimes the bacteria are able to multiply and survive. An infection that affects just the urethra is called urethritis. The bacteria can travel up to the bladder and cause a bladder infection (cystitis). In serious cases, the infection can spread further up the urinary tract to the kidneys (a kidney infection, or pyelonephritis).

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include: pain during urination, a frequent need to urinate, and a feeling of not being able to completely empty the bladder. Some people also have cloudy or bloody urine, pain or pressure in the lower abdomen or pelvic area, mild fever or aches, chills, nausea or vomiting.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, in 1997, Americans made 8.3 million doctors' visits for treatment of urinary tract infections. The condition is much more common in women and affects one in five females in her lifetime. About 20 percent of women with a urinary tract infection have one or more recurrent infections.

Treating Urinary Tract Infections Urinary tract infections are usually treated with antibiotics. With proper treatment, most women can get relief from symptoms within one to two days. Patients may also be advised to use a heating pad for pain, drink plenty of water (to help cleanse bacteria from the urinary tract), and avoid alcohol, coffee and spicy foods. There is some evidence that drinking cranberry juice may reduce the risk of urinary tract infection by increasing acidity of urine and preventing bacteria from adhering to the walls of the bladder.

Some doctors are using the antibiotic Cipro® XR to treat women with urinary tract infections. Cipro came to be associated with the anthrax scare sometime ago. The XR (extended release) version of the drug is designed to be taken once a day. Cipro XR appears to work very quickly. One nationwide study found one-third of women given Cipro XR for urinary tract infection began to experience relief of symptoms within three hours of taking the drug. Half the women started to feel better within six hours. After one day of treatment, 90 percent of women had symptom relief.

There are some potential side effects of Cipro XR. A small number of patients may experience nausea, headache, stomach upset, diarrhea, vaginal yeast infection, dizziness and sensitivity to sunlight or ultraviolet light.

If you have any personal questions or concerns about treatment for urinary tract infections, speak with your family health care provider.

For information on Cipro® XR: http://www.ciproxr.com

For general information on urinary tract infections:
American Foundation for Urologic Disease, http://www.afud.org
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov