Final answer:
UTIs that lead to soft tissue infections (pyelonephritis) usually require a longer treatment duration of 10-14 days, while UTIs that lead to mucosal infections (cystitis) can often be treated with a shorter course of 3-7 days.
Step-by-step explanation:
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can lead to different types of infections depending on the affected area. If a UTI leads to a soft tissue infection, such as pyelonephritis (kidney infection), it typically requires a longer treatment duration compared to UTIs that lead to mucosal infections, such as cystitis (bladder infection).
Pyelonephritis usually requires a course of antibiotics for 10-14 days to ensure complete eradication of the infection. Mucosal infections like cystitis can often be treated with a shorter course of antibiotics, typically 3-7 days, as they usually don't involve the kidney tissue.
It's important to note that the duration of treatment may vary based on individual factors, severity of the infection, and the specific antibiotic used, so it is essential to follow the doctor's advice and complete the full course of treatment.