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Ask the doctor BY Dr. Shamanique Bodie
Dear Dr. Bodie I have been having burning when I urinate and going to the bathroom more often than usual for the last two days. I also find that when I finish urinating, I still feel as if there is something left in my bladder. I do not have any fever or chills or back pain. What is the problem and what should I do about it?
Answer You should contact or see your primary care physician or gynaecologist as soon as possible. A lower urinary tract infection is a possible diagnosis. Lower urinary tract infections (UTI) are common bacterial infections and as many as one in two females will have an infection at some point in their lifetime. If the bladder is involved, it is called cystitis or in the case of the urethra, a urethritis. Conditions that put you at risk for a urinary tract infection and complications from a UTI include pregnancy, diabetes, spinal cord injury, an abnormality with the urinary system, an immune system that is not working well, post menopausal status, being immobile, the elderly, self-catheterization or having long term use of a urinary catheter. Common symptoms include, but are not limited to: * Dysuria — burning with urination. * Frequency — using the bathroom often. * Urgency — an urge to go to the bathroom often. * Hematuria — blood in the urine. * Pelvic pain — pain in the lower abdomen. A urinary tract infection can be diagnosed in your doctor's office based on your history, physical examination, a dipstick urinalysis and a urine culture if indicated. Common treatment options include: * Antibiotics. * Increase in fluid intake. * Cranberry (or lingonberry) juice or cranberry-concentrate tablets. * Pain medication as needed. Most urinary tract infections will resolve quickly with the appropriate treatment, however, it is extremely important to pay attention to your physician's instructions for follow-up and to complete your entire course of antibiotics, even if you feel better after the first few doses. You also should seek medical attention if the symptoms do not resolve within three days of completing your antibiotic regimen.
Dr. Shamanique Bodie Obstetrician/Gynecologist
Do you have a medical question that needs answering? We would love to hear from you. Send us your question and look out for the next "Ask the Doctor" column. You can send your question via email to askthedoctor@doctorshosp.com, or to Doctors Hospital P.O. Box N 3018, Nassau, Bahamas or The Nassau Guardian.
This informative column is intended to educate the community about important issues regarding their health and is not intended as a substitute for consultation with a primary physician. For more information or for a physician referral, please call 302-4707.
Monday January 18, 2010 |
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