Ureteritis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes located in the ureter. The inflammation usually begins in the lower urinary tract, i.e. in the urethra and bladder. If the infection is not detected, the bacteria can ascend into the ureter and cause painful inflammation there. Ureteritis is therefore also known as an ascending infection.
Below you will find further information and selected specialists for the treatment of ureteritis.
The ureter should not be confused with the urethra. While the paired ureter carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder, the urethra carries urine out of the body.
The urinary tract. 1: Kidney. 2: Renal pelvis. 3: Ureter. 4: Bladder. 5: Urethra
Women have a higher risk of contracting a urinary tract infection than men. As the urethra is shorter in women, bacteria can ascend more quickly towards the renal pelvis. In addition, around one in three pregnant women is affected by a urinary tract infection at least once.
Ureteritis can have various causes.
In most cases, the infection results from an inflammation of the urethra or bladder, in which the bacteria ascend into the ureter. A urethral infection is often caused by bacteria such as chlamydia, gonococci (gonorrhea) or intestinal bacteria. Chlamydia and gonococci are usually transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse. Intestinal bacteria can enter the ureter as a result of smear infections, for example by incorrectly wiping the anal area after using the toilet.
Other possible causes:
The symptoms of ureteritis are very similar to those of a renal pelvis infection. Typical symptoms are
Ureteral infections are very common in older people over the age of 65. However, the symptoms are less pronounced so that the inflammation often goes unnoticed and a doctor is rarely consulted.
The first step in the diagnosis of ureteritis is a detailed consultation with the doctor. The doctor will ask the patient about their medical history and symptoms. During the consultation, the doctor should also ask about the patient's sexual behavior (frequently changing sexual partners, unprotected sexual intercourse, use of contraceptives and lubricants).
As urethritis is usually accompanied by an infection of the urethra or bladder, the doctor will examine the urinary tract for bacteria. Urine tests are carried out for this purpose. Using urine test strips, a rapid test for germs can confirm the suspicion of a urinary tract infection. A swab from the urethra also provides information on the triggers of the infection. For a reliable diagnosis and to determine the type of pathogen, urine cultures are taken in the laboratory and bacteria are cultivated. If chlamydia is suspected, a smear from the cervix can also be taken in women.
The specific location of the inflammation (urinary bladder, ureter, renal pelvis) can only be identified using complex methods such as ureteroscopy or cystoscopy; however, this is not usually necessary. As a rule, only the identification of the pathogen is decisive for the success of treatment.
The treatment of ureteritis depends on the pathogen causing the disease and should be initiated as early as possible. If bacteria are the cause of the infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics. If fungi or herpes viruses are involved in the urinary tract infection, antifungals (antimycotics) and antiviral medication are used. If an allergy to contraceptives is suspected, these must be discontinued and alternatives sought.
In addition to drug therapy, there are measures that can support and accelerate the healing process. For example, it is important that the patient drinks plenty of fluids and goes to the toilet as often as possible, even if urination causes pain. This helps to flush out the pathogens. The abdomen and feet should be kept warm, as heat stimulates blood circulation and strengthens the immune system. If the inflammation is sexually transmitted, you should refrain from sexual intercourse during treatment.
The prognosis for ureteritis is generally very good. With timely treatment, the symptoms often disappear after a week at the latest. However, if the infection has already progressed to the renal pelvis, treatment will take longer. In very rare cases, ureteritis can result in life-threatening complications and lead to an acute infection with blood poisoning (urosepsis). It is therefore very important to consult a doctor at the first sign of a urinary tract infection.
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