Eielson clinic streamlines care for urinary tract infections

  • Published
  • By Capt. Greg Johnson
  • Flight Medicine Clinic
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The 354th Medical Group now offers urinary tract infection treatment to women without an appointment when certain criteria are met.

Adult females with these symptoms can now call the appointment line where a Registered Nurse will confirm if the symptoms meet the criteria and instruct for treatment. This process can save a provider appointment, or a visit to the urgent care center or Bassett Army Community Hospital emergency room.

UTI is a common infection, causing symptoms of burning and pain during urination as well as an increase in frequency. Approximately 50 to 60 percent of adult women report that they have had a UTI during some point in their life. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, the bladder and urethra. Bacteria do not normally live in these areas, so when bacteria enter the urinary tract and begin to multiply, they can cause a UTI.

Most of the time a UTI occurs in the bladder and is called cystitis. Cystitis is an uncomplicated bladder infection that is easily treated with a short course of antibiotics. However, fever symptoms of over 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit, lower back or kidney area pain, nausea or vomiting are indicators of a kidney infection, which may require a visit to a physician.

A Registered Nurse will be able to provide further counsel based on specific symptoms. In healthy adolescents and adults with simple bladder infections, the usual treatment includes a three to seven day course of antibiotics. Symptoms generally resolve one to three days after starting treatment.

It is important to take the full course of antibiotics to completely eliminate the infection. A prescription pain medication that numbs the bladder and urethra may also be prescribed to reduce burning and pain on urination. These prescribed pain medications do not eliminate the infection. Drinking large amounts of fluids can help clear the infection. If urinary symptoms persist for more than two or three days, talk to your healthcare team.

The appointment desk can be reached at 377-1847.