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Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I have a urinary tract infection (UTI). I started getting mild symptoms three to four days back. Leukocytes on dipstick tests were very high. I have been getting UTIs since menopause. The last presentation was about six months back. I got my ultrasound and cystoscopy performed ten years before when I had my first UTI. Everything was normal. I had severe anxiety regarding my stomach problems and thus had got my computed tomography (CT) abdomen and pelvis performed last month, which showed no abnormality. I am currently taking Omeprazole 20 mg and Mirtazapine 3.25 mg. In the past, I have been under antibiotic medications, including Macrobid. However, I fear taking antibiotics as I fear clostridium difficile infection. Can you please advise? I am 59 years old, postmenopausal, and have had a history of UTIs since menopause. As a result, I have severe health anxiety and am afraid of medications and illness.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Yes, the excessive use of broad-spectrum antibiotics can kill the normal flora and cause diarrhea. Urine analysis is not enough to diagnose urinary tract infection (UTI). It would help if you do a urine culture test. Targeting bacteria with a sensitive antibiotic for a short course of five days will reduce the chances of getting clostridium difficile infection. Another thing, since you are getting reoccurring infections, you have to take measures after treatment, like, cleaning from front to back and avoiding public toilets. Take yogurt daily and take tablet Cranberry (Cranberry extract), one tablet per day. You will also need to see your gynecologist prescribe you medications to replace your hormones to prevent atrophic vaginitis and strengthen your bones for post-menopause effects. Please share your urine culture report, and I will suggest antibiotics for you.
If you have any more queries, please let me know.
Regards.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I have not got the urine analysis done yet. I am dropping a sample tomorrow. I have usually been given Macrobid or Trimethoprim in the past. Is it safe to wait until I get the results? How much risk is there of acquiring Clostridium difficile infection with these types of antibiotics? I am so fearful of the disease.
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
No need to get worried. As soon as we get the urine culture results, I would suggest antibiotics based on your urine report that is safe to avoid clostridium difficile infection. If the antibiotics are suggested now, and in case you develop resistance, we have to change the antibiotics again after the culture results, increasing the chances of clostridium infection. Therefore, I suggest you do the culture first and then start the treatment for your safety. Please remember urine analysis will not show the type of bacteria and what is the antibiotic sensitivity. A urine culture only will show.
If you have any more queries, please let me know.
Regards.
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