Customer question:
Many bacteria in urine - what do they indicate? Anonymous customer's question
Pharmacist's answer:
Many bacteria in the urine usually indicate a urinary tract infection. This means that the bacteria have found their way into the urinary system, which includes the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. Urinary tract infections can be limited to the lower urinary tract (as in cystitis) or affect the upper urinary tract, leading to more severe conditions such as kidney infection (pyelonephritis).
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection may include pain or burning during urination, increased frequency of urination, urgency to urinate, pain in the lower abdomen, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine. If the infection affects the kidneys, symptoms such as back pain, fever, chills, and nausea may also occur.
It is important to note that the presence of bacteria in the urine that does not cause symptoms can indicate a condition known as asymptomatic bacteriuria. This condition does not always require treatment, except in some instances, such as pregnancy or before specific surgical procedures.
A urinalysis and often also a bacteriological culture are required to accurately diagnose and appropriately treat a urinary tract infection. These tests determine the type of bacteria and their sensitivity to antibiotics.
Interesting reading: Bacteria in urine
Interesting reading: Uroinfekt
