Hello and welcome to the Zero to Finals podcast. My name is Tom and in this episode I'm going to be

talking to you about Lower Urinary Tract Infections. And you can find written notes on this topic

at zero definals.com slash lower UTI or in the urology section of the zero definals surgery book. So let's get

straight into it. Lower urinary tract infections or UTIs involve infection in the bladder, causing cystitis,

which is inflammation of the bladder. They can spread up to the kidneys and cause pylinephritis,

which is inflammation and infection in the kidney. Urinary tract infections are far more common in

women, where the urethra is much shorter, making it easier for bacteria to get into the bladder.

The primary source of bacteria for urinary tract infections is from

feces. Normal intestinal bacteria such as E. coli can easily make the short journey to the

urethal opening from the anus. Sexual activity is a crucial method for spreading bacteria around

the perineum. Incontinence and poor

hygiene can also contribute to the development of UTIs. Urinary catheters are also a key source

of infection and catheter-associated urinary tract infections tend to be more significant and challenging

to treat. Let's talk about the presentation.

A typical lower urinary tract infection presents with dysphoria, which is pain stinging or

burning when passing urine, superpubic pain or discomfort, urinary frequency, urinary urgency, incontinence of urine, hematuria, which is blood in the urine,

cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and confusion, which is commonly the only symptom in older or frail

patients.

A tom tip for you, it's important to distinguish between patients who have a lower urinary tract

infection and those with pylenephritis.

Pylenephritis is generally a more serious condition with significant complications,

including sepsis and kidney scarring.

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