Urinary tract infections need treatment: Know all about UTI's
Do you have burning sensation too often while peeing(passing urine)?
Do you see any significant color, appearance and odor(smell) changes in your urine?
Do you have trouble peeing or have frequent urge to pee even when you just emptied your bladder?
Do you have pain while you pee?
It can be due to urinary tract infections. Urinary tract comprises of two kidneys, two ureters or urine collecting tubes, a urinary bladder and a urethra. It is also known as the urinary system. The infection in any of the above parts of the urinary tract can be called a urinary tract infections and it may be caused due to bacteria, fungi or rarely viruses.
Infection of the urethra and bladder is seen comonly and it is called lower urinary tract infections. Infection involving the ureters or kidneys are seen rarely and this is called an upper urinary tract infection.
Urinary tract infections can occur in both males and females. Females are however more seen to have urinary tract infections as compared to males. If you notice any changes in your urination pattern or appearance of the urine alongwith the pain and discomfort, you may need to seek some medical help.
Urinary tract infections when not treated at the earliest can risk you for further serious infections. The infection may travel upwards towards the kidneys and infect them. It is always better to get yourself tested for any UTI symptoms then to face the potential complications that can come if you just ignored them.
- What is the role of the urinary system or urinary tract?
Kidneys are the major organs of this system. They are bean shaped, fist-sized pair of organs that lie inside in our back. Kidneys filter the blood that flows in our body by extracting the waste from it and thus urine, which is a waste is produced. Kidneys also maintain the necessary minerals and electrolytes needed for our body. Some hormones are also produced by kidneys such as erythropoeitin which helps in the formation of the blood cells.
The urine produced by the kidneys is carried by the connecting tubes located one on each side, emerging out from the kidneys. The ureters enter into the urinary bladder, where the urine is stored and released on urge to pee. The urinary bladder then opens up into the urethra which lets the urine out of the body. In females the urethra opens above the vaginal opening whereas in the males, the urethra ends at the tip of the penis.
In females the UTIs may be caused due to the adjacent infections of the intestines or rectum. In males the infection of the prostate gland may spread the germs to the urethra and bladder causing UTIs.
What are the symptoms of urinary tract infections?
Sometimes people just do not pay heed to any symptoms as they may so mild to be noticed. In most cases persons having UTIs may not have any symptoms unless the infection gets more severe.
The signs and symptoms of urinary tract infections can be:
- Frequent urge to pee despite having recent bladder emptying
- Release of only scant or few drops of urine even on strong urge
- Painful urination
- Burning sensation at the urethra while you pee
- Feeling discomfort and irritability
- Changes in the appearance of urine(may look like clouded or having mucus in it)
- Changes in the odor of the urine( may smell foul)
When the infection spreads up to the kidneys and ureters, it can cause symptoms such as:
- Fever with chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- back pain
- Pain in the lower back/pelvis
What are the causes and risk factors of Urinary tract infections?
Urinary tract infections may be caused by fungi, bacteria and very rarely by viruses. The microbes are too small to be seen naked and urinalysis and microscopic examination may be needed to see them.
Most of the infection occurs due to the bacteria. E.coli is a bacterium that resides in a human intestines and it can also cause UTI.
What are the risk factors for urinary tract infections?
Urinary tract infections may be caused due to some underlying risk factors. Our urethra and bladder lining can be get irritated by some factors and increase the risk for urinary tract infections. These are:
- Age: In elderly people the UTIs are more common as the bladder loses the elasticity and incontinence of urine and dribbling becomes a major problem. It may pose them to UTIs due to the constant wetness of the perineal area.
- Sex: Females have small urethra than males and this may aid the bacteria to travel speedily to the bladder in females. Females who have reached their menopause age may also be at risk due to the changes in the vaginal and bladder lining. Females may also acquire the infection post gynec and pelvic surgeries.
- Children born with anatomical abnormalities of urinary or digestive tract may be at increased risk of having UTIs.
- Diseases: people who have diabetes or kidney diseases or kidney stones, urinary flow obstruction or blockages may be at increased risk for UTI.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant women may get UTI during child birth or medical check-ups when sterile technique is not followed.
- Prolonged use of the indwelling catheters may also contribute to UTI.
- Use of vaginal diaphragms and tampons may also make you susceptible to UTI.
- Person who have weakened immune systems are more likely to catch the Urinary tract infections.
- Post operative status: UTI can occur as a post-operative complications of surgery.
- Infection of prostate(prostatitis) can also cause risk for UTI.
How can be the urinary tract infections diagnosed?
How is urinary tract infection or UTI treated?
The best approach to treatment of UTI is antibiotics. Antibiotics are helpful in treating the infection by killing the microbes. In some cases too much or frequent use of the same antibiotic can cause resistance. Your doctor may understand this and explain you other alternative ways to get rid of the infections as early as possible.
Such alternative measures may include:
Drinking plenty of water: Water helps in flushing out the toxins and germs from the body. When we drink water in large amounts, it naturally aids in getting rid of the bacteria or fungi by excreting those in urine.
Coconut water: Coconut water is the most effective remedy of urinary tract infections. It helps flush out the toxins and waste as well as the germs out of the urinary tract. Coconut water must be consumed one glass daily to get the best results. It really helps in treating the burning micturition problem.
Cranberry juice: some experts believe cranberry is a natural remedy to combat lower urinary tract infections. However it is not sure as to how it helps. Some people can benefit from this natural juice.
Maintaining perineal hygiene: Cleaning private parts with water after passing urine/pee helps in removing the bacteria. Wear clean cotton underpants to stay clean and dry all the times. Moisture aids in the growth of microbes and resultant infection. Use of antiseptic vaginal wash recommended by your doctor or urologist may help to get rid of the infection rapidly.
Antibiotic treatment: Oral and Intravenous. Depending upon the type and severity of the infection, your doctor may order either oral antibiotics or start administration of the intravenous antibiotic medications to treat the infection and prevent it from reaching the upper urinary tract.
How can we prevent ourselves from getting urinary tract infections or UTI?
We can prevent ourselves from UTI if we follow certain precautions and incorporate some healthy habits in our daily life.
- Personal hygiene. It is always good to be safer than to get treatment. Prevent yourself from UTI by maintaining good personal hygiene. Ensure you clean your genitals after using the toilet or loo. Females need to clean their anus from front to back after passing motion. This can prevent the E.coli in the anus to enter the urethra. Females have a shorter urethra and this increases the risk of UTIs due to infection from gastrointestinal tract.
- If you are a male you must need to clean the tip of your penis daily to avoid any infection.
- Before and after having intercourse it is recommended to clean the genitals with mild warm water. Do not use soap as it can destroy healthy microbes. Never douche as it is not a recommended practice and may further spread the infection upward.
- Using birth control wisely: When using vaginal diaphragms, make sure you first consult your doctor. Use only the recommended diaphragms. IF your doctor feels the diaphragms are the source of your infection, switch to some other alternative birth control method such as pills or condoms.
- Taking care of menses: When on periods, it is always recommended to change the pads periodically. The dirty pads and ongoing moisture due to the heavy flow may actually help the bacteria or fungus to thrive in and cause infection. to the urethra.
- If you are having some prior history of UTIs it is always recommended to see your doctor periodically for check-up and follow-up tests. Take your medications as ordered by your physician. Have plenty of fluids and juices.
- Initate ambulating as per doctor's advice post-surgery to avoid any infection. Removing the catheter once you start ambulating helps in reducing the risk of infection. Perineal care while having indwelling catheter may help prevent the risk of urinary tract infections.
- Avoid wearing undies at night. It may help your parts to air and remain dry whole night.
- Avoid using the fancy fragrant soaps or deodorants for genitals. Experts believe cleaning the genitals with plain water or warm water is the best thing you can do to prevent any risk of infection.
- Eat healthy diet. Diet does not have any direct role in treating or preventing the urinary tract infections but it helps in maintaining the body's immunity and thus help in staying healthy and infection-free. If you have weak immune system, microbes can attack you fast. So it is good to have fresh fruits and healthy balanced diet.
- Prefer having one coconut water daily to prevent the UTIs. Coconut water is loaded with vitamins and minerals and almost 90-95%water content. It has good amount of potassium also.
- Talk to your partner if you have pain during sex or feel any symptoms of urinary tract infections. Get yourself and your partner checked for UTIs. If any infection is ruled out, it may help prevent any further progression of the infection upwards in the urinary tract..
- It is good to urinate after having sex or intercourse.
Urinary tract infections are preventable and treatable. Self care and drinking plenty water helps in preventing the risk of getting UTIs. Antibiotics help in getting rid of the urinary tract infections.
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