A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection causes by microbes. Microbes can be bacteria, fungi and viruses. Urinary tract infection shows some symptoms and has particular treatments.
A UTI can occur in any part of urinary tract. Urinary tract consists of a pair of kidneys, ureters, a bladder and a urethra. Most UTIs only involve the urethra and bladder, in the lower tract.
Urinary tract infection Symptoms
Symptoms of a lower tract UTI include:
- Burning sensation during urination
- Increased frequency of urination without passing much urine
- Bloody urine or cloudy urine
- Urine color looks like cola or tea and has strong odor
- One of the important symptoms of urinary tract infection is the pelvic pain.
- Urinary tract infection symptoms of an upper tract:
- Pain and tenderness in the upper back and sides
- Chills and fever are the urinary tract infection symptom.
- Nausea and vomiting
Treatment
- Urinary tract infection treatment depends on the type of organism causing the infection.
- Urinary tract infection treated with antibiotics which are caused by bacteria. Antibiotics can be given oral and intravenous for lower and upper part respectively. Antiviral and antifungal for viral and fungal UTI.
- Cranberry juice to prevent certain types of bacterial UTI.
Urinary tract information diagnosis
Urine test: To test your urine for microbes. A large number of white blood cells in urine indicates an infection.
Complete blood count (CBC) and blood cultures for upper tract UTIs.
For recurrent UTIs, some tests are performed like
- An ultrasound
- X-ray image.
- Cystoscopy
- Computerized tomography(CT) scan
Causes and risks for urinary tract infections
Here are some factors that increase the risk of getting a UTI are
- Age — older adults are more likely to get UTIs
- Reduced mobility after surgery or prolonged bed rest
- Kidney stones and a previous UTI
- Urinary tract obstructions or blockages
- Prolonged use of urinary catheters
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy and abnormally developed urinary structures from birth.
- Weak immune system
Risk for women’s UTI
Shorter urethra: The length and location of the urethra in women increases the chances of UTIs. The urethra in women is very close to both the vagina and the anus. Bacteria that may naturally occur around both the vagina and anus can lead to infection in the urethra and the rest of the urinary tract.
Sexual intercourse: Pressure on the female urinary tract during sexual intercourse can move bacteria from around the anus into the bladder and increases the risk of getting urinary tract infection.
Spermicides may increase UTI risk. This increases the risk of bacteria entering the bladder.
Condom use during sex: Non-lubricated latex condoms may increase friction and irritate the skin of women during sexual intercourse. This may increase the risk of a urinary tract infection.
The decrease in estrogen levels: After menopause, risk of a UTI increases due to decreasing in your estrogen level.
Prevention
- Drink six to eight glasses of water daily.
- Don’t hold urine for long periods of time.
- Consult to the doctor if you have any urinary incontinence or difficulties fully emptying your bladder.
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