subject: Urinary Tract Infection: Got That Tingling Feeling [print this page] Burning with urinationBurning with urination. Cramping stomach. Continual urge to pee. These are the symptoms of the most searched condition on iTriageHealth.com this week Urinary Tract Infection or more commonly known as a UTI.
A urinary tract infection can happen anywhere along the urinary tract. Because of this a UTI may be called different names depending on what part of the urinary tract is under attack.
Bladder infection also called cystitis is an infection in the bladder.
Kidney infections also called pyelonephritis are an infection of one or both kidneys.
Ureter infection is an infection of the tubes that take urine from the kidney to the bladder.
Urethra infection is an infection of the tube that empties urine from the bladder to outside the body.
Why Do UTI's Impact Women More Than Men?
Germs. Bacteria enter the urethra and then enter the bladder or kidneys. Usually your body can process the bacteria and prevent infection, but sometimes the little germs get through and make you miserable.
Women have a shorter urethra that is closer to the anus than men. Women are also more likely to get a UTI from sexual activity, due to diaphragm use or upon entering menopause.
Symptoms of Infection include:
Cloudy urine
Blood in urine (hematuria)
Foul smelling urine
Frequent or urgent need to urinate
Need to urinate at night (nocturia)
Pain or burning with urination (dysuria)
Pressure below the umbilicus of the abdomen.
Symptoms of more serious Kidney infection include:
Fever over 101
Vomiting
Severe pain during urination
Flank, back or groin pain
Confusion or mental changes
Treatment
Diagnosis of the condition is generally confirmed with a urinalysis (UA) or Urine culture. Treatment depends on the severity of infection and may include antibiotic medications to decrease the burning and/or pain medications to relieve pain symptoms.
Where you seek treatment is a matter of choice and convenience. Appropriate treatment can be found at your physician's office or from a variety of healthcare access points. According to the Healthcare Blue Book the cost of diagnosis and treatment for a UTI has a wide range based on where you seek care. Below is a breakdown of costs and fees associated with a UTI*:
Emergency Department:
Physician fee $211
Hospital fee $386
Laboratory Studies Urine Analysis $27 and Urine Culture $37
Total = $661
Urgent Care Center:
Healthcare Provider and Facility Fee $150
Laboratory Studies Urine Analysis $27 and Urine Culture $37
Total = $214
Retail Clinic:
Healthcare Provider and Facility Fee $62
Laboratory Studies Urine Analysis $27 and Urine Culture $37
Total = $126
*All cost information is estimated based on average nationwide pricing data and may not reflect exact pricing in your area or based on your insurance.
Do you need help finding a hospital, urgent care center, retail clinic or physician near you? Download the free iTriage mobile healthcare app from the app stores, or visit www.iTriageHealth.com .
Urinary Tract Infection: Got That Tingling Feeling
