Urinary tract infection - chronic
Definition
Chronic urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection of the bladder or lower urinary tract (urethra) that lasts for a long time.
There are many different forms of UTIs. This article focuses on chronic infections.
See also:
Alternative Names
UTI - chronic; Cystitis - chronic
Causes
Most urinary tract infections occur in the lower urinary tract, which includes the bladder and urethra. The condition occurs when the normally clean lower urinary tract is infected by bacteria and becomes inflamed. Urinary tract infections are very common.
Most of the time, symptoms of a urinary tract infection disappear within 24 - 48 hours after treatment begins. However, if the condition occurs more than twice in 6 months, lasts longer than 2 weeks, or does not respond to usual treatment, it is considered chronic.
The elderly are at increased risk for such infections because the bladder doesn't empty fully due to such conditions as benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, and urethral strictures.
The following increase your risk for chronic UTIs:
- Being in a nursing home
- Bowel incontinence
- Foley catheter
- Lack of fluids
- Limited or no movement
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