health

If a doctor suspects that a patient has a UTI, he or she will ask about the
person’s symptoms to rule out other conditions. For example, an allergic
reaction to a soap may cause irritation of the urethra that could lead to stinging
when a person urinates, mimicking a UTI. The doctor may take a urine
sample and then dip a special strip of paper into it, testing for infectionfighting
white blood cells, protein, nitrates*, and blood, which can all be
signs that a UTI might be present. The urine sample may be examined under
a microscope for bacteria and types of white blood cells that might point to
infection. To confirm the presence of a UTI, the urine sample may be cultured*.
Any bacteria that grow are tested to see which antibiotics will kill
them, which helps the doctor choose a medication for treating the UTI.
If an infant has a UTI or if an adult or child has repeated UTIs, the doctor
may want to see if there are any problems in the urinary tract that may be
causing or contributing to the infections. The doctor may order tests (such
as special x-rays or ultrasound* images of the urinary tract) to take a better
look at the shape and function of the kidneys, bladder, and ureters. If there
are any problems, the patient may be referred to a urologist, a doctor who
specializes in diagnosing and treating problems of the urinary tract. The
urologist can examine the urethra and bladder with a cystoscope (SIS-tuhskope),
a special lighted tube with lenses that is inserted into the urethra.