Final answer:
The statement that most UTIs begin in the kidney is false; they often start in the lower urinary tract, such as the urethra or bladder. Neglected UTIs can ascend to the kidneys, potentially causing serious complications. Treatment is important to prevent the spread and worsening of the infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement, 'Most UTIs start in the kidney and work their way downward toward the urethra,' is false. Urinary tract infections typically begin in the lower urinary tract, which includes the urethra and the bladder. When bacteria, often from the gastrointestinal tract, enter the urethra, they can cause a UTI. The most common type of UTI is cystitis, an infection of the bladder. Kidney infections, such as pyelonephritis, occur less frequently and are usually a result of bacteria traveling upwards from the bladder or spreading from the bloodstream.
Urinary tract infections can vary in their severity. While most UTIs, particularly those involving the bladder and urethra, can be treated easily with antibiotics and are not serious, infections that reach the kidneys can cause more significant issues. Prolonged or repeated kidney infections may lead to complications like permanent kidney damage, scarring, and even potentially fatal conditions like septicemia if the bacteria enter the bloodstream.
It's important to treat UTIs promptly to prevent the infection from traveling up the urinary system and causing more severe health issues. Common symptoms of a UTI include a burning sensation during urination, frequent urges to urinate, pain in the back or side below the ribs, and abnormal urine characteristics like cloudiness or the presence of blood.