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A urinary tract infection is an infection of any part of the urinary system: kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Urinary tract infections are the most common infections, primarily among females but increasingly also among males. Although an uncomplicated UTI is relatively easy to treat with antibiotics, if left untreated, it can cause more serious health complications, such as a kidney infection or possibly even sepsis. To provide proper care for the urinary tract infection, it is essential to know how to identify, prevent, and manage UTIs.
UTIs can cause a variety of fairly uncomfortable symptoms, which can be different in each stage and according to the area of the urinary tract. Some of the common signs and symptoms are the following:
Urges to pee continuously: You may feel such persistent urges that even when very small amounts of urine are passed, you still feel that you need to pee.
Painful urination: This symptom is because of irritation or inflammation of the urinary tract, a pretty common and very uncomfortable symptom.
Urination: You may have to urinate quite often but pass very small amounts each time.
Discolored urine: Your urine may appear cloudy, or it may actually take on a pink, red or brown color, an indication that there's blood in there.
Malodorous urine: Most infections in the urinary tract cause bad or pungent odour of the urine.
Pain in the pelvis: Some patients may have pain or discomfort in the lower abdominal or pelvic area, which is often localized near the bladder.
Chills and fever: In severe cases, the infection could spread to the kidneys, causing fever, chills, and back pain.
If these symptoms continue for more than a day or become severe, medical consultation is also required. Otherwise, if the UTI is left untreated, it can progress to cause other serious complications such as pyelonephritis, which is an infection of the kidney. This condition must be treated immediately.
The invading bacteria cause Most UTIs through the urethra into the urinary tract. The most common cause is Escherichia coli, a bacterium in the gastrointestinal tract and is responsible for the most infections. Other occasional causes of illness are fungi or viruses, but are less common.
Gender: The woman is more prone to UTI than the male counterpart due to the smaller size of the male's urethra, thereby allowing bacteria to reach the bladder easily.
Sexual activity: Risks of being exposed to potential bacteria through sexual activities are higher in women.
Birth control methods: Subjects who used the diaphragm or spermicidal agents for birth control purposes were put at risk of UTI during the course of the studies.
Urinary retention: Passing urine over extended periods lets bacteria multiply and thus lead to infection.
Menopause: The hormonal changes caused due to menopause reduce the immunity of the body system for urinary tract infections.
Blockage in the urinary tract: Kidney stones and an enlarged prostate make the bladder not be fully drained.
Poor immune system: For instance, diabetes, HIV, or chemotherapy treatment reduces the body's ability to fight infection.
Urinary catheters: Individuals who are on a urinary catheter for an extended period risk contracting urinary tract infections as pathogens enter the urinary tract through catheters.
Fortunately, you can take some preventive measures to reduce your chances of acquiring a UTI. Good hygiene and little lifestyle changes can protect you from these infections.
Fluid intake: Drinking liquid considerably helps flush out bacteria that might be present in your urinary system. You can drink water throughout the day.
Urinate frequently: Wait to hold your urine longer. Be sure to always thoroughly flush out your bladder because usually, bacterial growth happens once the urination process is not complete.
Wipe from front to back: When you use the bathroom, make sure to wipe from the front to the back so bacteria from the rectal area will not enter the urethra.
Good sexual hygiene: Urination soon after sexual intercourse can eliminate harmful bacteria that may have entered through sexual intercourse.
Avoid irritating products: Douching, powders, and feminine hygiene sprays all irritate the urethra, so they should be avoided altogether.
Choose a form of birth control: If you are prone to UTIs, avoid using diaphragms or spermicides, as these promote the survival of bacteria.
Wear loose-fitting cotton underwear: Cotton allows for ventilation, keeps the area dry, and avoids irritation and possible bacterial growth.
Shower rather than bathe: Bath water may contain bacteria that can enter your urinary system. Showering instead of bathing reduces your risk of getting a UTI.
Therefore, if you feel that you are suffering from a UTI, you must visit your health provider for diagnosis. One simple urine test can confirm whether you indeed have a bacterial infection.
In treatment, the course of antibiotics usually involves eliminating the bacteria causing the infection. Depending on the severity of the infection, you would be prescribed antibiotics for a few days or a more extensive course of a few weeks for more complicated infections.
The course of antibiotics must be completed, stopping once someone feels better after a few days. Repeated UTIs require the doctor to prescribe preventive antibiotics or ask for further tests to diagnose any underlying abnormalities.
In addition to antibiotics, some over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can ease the pain of a UTI. Drinking a lot of fluid and avoiding substances like caffeine and alcohol, as well as spicy foods, can also ease such symptoms, thus not exacerbating their irritation.
While most UTIs are mild and may be treated with antibiotics, there are always times when you must seek immediate medical attention. If you have any of the following, contact your doctor immediately:
Symptoms worsen even after receiving antibiotic treatment.
High fever, chills, and nausea might spread to the kidneys.
Blood in the urine.
Its symptoms include:
Heavy pain in the lower back or side.
Recurring UTIs within short periods.
In some instances, infections may spread as high up as the kidneys or even to sepsis; thus, any exacerbation of the condition should not be dismissed.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common but controlled conditions. Awareness of symptoms, causes, and preventive measures can minimize the risks of developing a UTI. Early diagnosis and treatment can help avoid complications. If you are experiencing symptoms, you should seek medical attention without delay and follow your healthcare provider's recommendations for treatment and prevention.
Click to learn more about UTIs, including treatment and prevention, here: urinary tract infection.
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