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A urinalysis (UA) is a group of physical and chemical tests done on a sample of urine to check for various disorders, including those of the kidneys and urinary tract.
Urine is normally sterile (free of bacteria). A urinary tract infection (UTI) happens when bacteria invade the urine, causing inflammation of the urinary tract and movement of white blood cells into the urine.
Facts about UTIs:
Every year, 8-10 million visits to healthcare providers occur because of UTIs.
Women are usually more prone to UTIs than men or children.
1 to 2 percent of children develop UTIs.
The most common symptoms of a UTI include:
Pain or burning while urinating.
Frequent urge to urinate.
Feeling the need to urinate but passing only a small amount of urine.
Pain in the lower abdomen.
Blood in the urine.
Urine may have a milky or cloudy appearance and a foul smell.
If you have symptoms of a UTI, see your healthcare provider immediately. Treatment for UTIs include antibiotics, which kill the bacteria. In addition, drinking plenty of water (at least 8-9 cups a day) may help flush the bacteria out of your urinary tract.
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