A urinary tract infection (UTI), is an infection that can happen anywhere along the urinary tract. Urinary tract infections result from micro-organisms or germs, usually bacteria. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters which are tubes that take urine from kidneys to the bladder and the urethra which is the tube that allows urine to move from the bladder to urinate.
The different types of urinary tract infection can include:
- urethritis—infection of the urethra
- cystitis—infection of the urine, which affects the bladder
- pyelonephritis—infection of the kidneys.
Symptoms and characteristics:
The symptoms of urinary tract infections include:
- pressure in the lower pelvis
- pain or burning with urination
- frequent or urgent need to urinate often with minimal urine flow
- needing to urinate through the night
- cloudy urine
- blood in the urine
- strong urine odour.
Workplace adjustments and solutions:
In the workplace there are various factors that would assist people with urinary tract infections to better manage their symptoms. These include
- allowing more frequent bathroom breaks or the capacity to use the bathroom whenever required
- close proximity to toilet facilities
- time off from work for a day or two in severe cases, due to the urgent need to constantly urinate.
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References:
Better Health Channel 2011, Urinary tract infections, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 14 February 2012, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Urinary_tract_infections?open.
Better Health Channel 2011, Cystitis explained, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 14 February 2012, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Cystitis_explained?OpenDocument.
Healthline 2005-2011, Urinary tract infection, Heathline, San Francisco, viewed 14 February 2012, http://www.healthline.com/adamcontent/urinary-tract-infection.