UTI or urinary tract infections are broadly divided into upper tract and lower tract infections. The lower tract consists of the urethra, bladder and the prostate and seminal vesicles (in men). The upper tract consists of the ureters and the kidneys.
Lower tract UTI would usually result in lower abdominal pain and urinary symptoms such as:
- frequency,
- urgency and
- painful urination.
In men, the pain can also be transmitted to the testicles and the tip of the penis.
Upper tract UTI would commonly result in flank pain or lower back pain and may radiate to the abdomen.
The crux of the treatment of UTI is to treat the underlying infection with the use of antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. With regards to treating the pain associated with UTI, we commonly use :
- paracetamol,
- NSAIDs and
- in worse cases, even opioids.
Analgesia is symptomatic relief while awaiting the antibiotics to "kick in" and deal with the underlying infections, which is commonly bacterial in origin.
Do not simply just rely on analgesia to deal with the pain if you suspect you have a UTI. Always see a doctor for a proper assessment to rule out other life-threatening causes of abdominal pain and also for proper and adequate treatment of the UTI.
