Listed below are answers to commonly asked questions regarding urinary track infections.

	What is the urinary tract?
	What are the signs of a urinary tract infection?
	How do you find out whether you have a urinary tract infection?
	How are these infections treated?
	What are the facts about urinary tract infections?
	Will you need further tests after the infection is gone?
	What steps can you take to help prevent these infections?

WHAT IS THE URINARY TRACT?

The urinary tract makes and stores urine, one of your body's liquid waste products.  The urine travels from the kidneys down two narrow tubes, the ureters.  It is then stored in a balloon-like container called the bladder.

In an adult, the bladder can hold 10 to 20 ounces of urine.  When the bladder is about half full, you may begin to feel the need to empty it by urinating. 

Normal urine contains no bacteria (sometimes referred to as "germs").  Bacteria may, at times, get into the urinary tract (and the urine).

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF A URINARY TRACT INFECTION?

Your need to urinate may seem urgent; but when you try to do so, you may produce only a few drops of urine.  In addition, you may feel a burning sensation as the urine comes out.  It may even be hard to control; in fact, some urine may leak onto your clothing.  You may notice that the urine has an unpleasant odor or a cloudy look.  At times, bladder infections may also cause low back pain, fever, or chills.

HOW DO YOU FIND OUT WHETHER YOU HAVE A URINARY TRACT INFECTION?

Only by consulting a doctor can you find out for certain whether you have a urinary tract infection.  If you think that such an infection might be present, check with your doctor.

HOW ARE THESE INFECTIONS TREATED?

Urinary tract infections are treated with antibiotics (infection-fighting drugs), which are generally taken by mouth.  Your doctor will choose a drug that treats the bacteria most likely to be causing your infection. Once the test results are in, however, the physician may switch you to another antibiotic, one that is more effective against the particular bacteria found in your urine. When you have a urinary tract infection, you should drink fluids whenever you are thirsty. 

WHAT ARE THE FACTS ABOUT URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

• Every year, 8 to 10 million visits to doctors occur because of urinary tract infections.
• The bacteria that cause urinary tract infections are treated with bacteria - fighting drugs called antibiotics.
• Women are usually more prone to urinary tract infections than men or children are.
• 1 to 2 percent of children develop urinary tract infections.
• Certain people who get one or more urinary tract infections may need further testing to make sure that they do not have other health problems.

WILL YOU NEED FURTHER TESTS AFTER THE INFECTION IS GONE?

Once your infection has cleared, your doctor may recommend that you have additional tests.  The tests are performed to assure that there are no abnormalities in the urinary tract.

WHAT STEPS CAN YOU TAKE TO HELP PREVENT THESE INFECTIONS?

The following are steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting a urinary tract infection:

• Don't postpone -- urinate when you feel the urge.
• Don't rush -- take the time when you urinate to empty your bladder completely.
• Respond to your body's signals of thirst by drinking enough water or other liquids  every day.

Consult your doctor at the first sign of a problem.  Urinary tract infections are very common, and they are easiest to treat if caught before they become severe.