Although it does not receive the attention it deserves, the urinary tract is one of the most important systems in the body. Many people learn about the intricate function of the urinary tract, only when something goes wrong. In most cases, that something takes the form of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), UTIs are among the most common microbial diseases, affecting 150 million people worldwide every year. Women are at a greater risk of UTIs with a lifetime risk of over 50 percent. People suffering from bladder problems, including urinary Incontinence are at a higher risk of UTIs, and it is important for them to get all the information they can about this condition.
Worrying UTIs Prevalence Numbers
Considering the importance of the kidney and other parts of the urinary tract, the prevalence of UTIs is worrying. UTIs account for more than 10 million visits to medical offices and hospitals each year in the U.S. While these infections affect adults mostly, about 1%-2% of children get urinary tract infections.
This is the second most common infection after respiratory infection. Here, you will learn more about urinary tract infections (UTIs), their symptoms, causes and possible treatments. This information is useful for everyone and especially useful to anyone with a problematic bladder.
What Is A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?
UTIs are common infections that can affect any part of the extensive urinary tract system. This includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and the urethra. A UTI is a bacterial inflammation that affects any part of the urinary tract. If left untreated, a UTI can lead to pain and permanent damage of the bladder and kidneys. Due to the important role the kidneys play in functioning of the body, it is important to look out for symptoms of infections and seek treatment as soon as the symptoms appear.
UTIs are classified according to the place infected.
- Cystitis: Refers to an infection that affects the bladder
- Urethritis: Refers to an infection that affects the urethra
- Pyelonephritis: Refers to an infection that affects the kidney
Causes of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
In ideal situations, urine is normally sterile and contains no germs such as bacteria, viruses or fungi. However, it is easy for such germs to find their way into the urinary tract for instance through poor toilet hygiene. This is when urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur.
The bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli), mainly found in the digestive system is responsible for the vast number of UTI cases. Other culprits include Chlamydia and mycoplasma bacteria that can affect the urethra but not the bladder.
Some of the factors that increase the risk of infection include:
i. Obstructions in your urinary tract such as kidney stones
ii. Problems with bladder control including failure to empty your bladder fully
iii. Diabetes
iv. An enlarged prostate gland in men
v. Poor personal hygiene
vi. Bowel incontinence
vii. Heavy use of antibiotics
viii. Having a urinary catheter
ix. Some forms of contraceptives including contraceptive diaphragm or condoms coated in spermicide
x. A weak immune system
xi. Pregnancy
xii. immobility leading to poor urination habits
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
In medicine, they say information is power, and while this sounds cliché, it can save your life. UTIs can cause irreparable damage. Thus, it is important to detect the problem early and to seek treatment at once. To do this, you must have an idea of the symptoms. These include:
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Pain in the abdomen or pelvic area
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Cloudy, smelly or bloody urine
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Frequent or constant urge to urinate
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Pain or discomfort while urinating
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Pains in your sides or back
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Shivering and chills
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Waking up from sleep to urinate
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Pain, pressure, or tenderness around the bladder area
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High temperature (fever)
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Feeling unwell, achy and tired
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Pain during sexual intercourse
Treatment for Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
It is advisable to get medical attention if you notice the above symptoms. Your doctor will carry out a thorough diagnostic test to arrive at a proper diagnosis, before recommending treatment options to use
The Test Procedure –
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Analyzing a urine sample
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Urine culture after a urine sample
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Assessment of your urinary tract by means of an ultrasound, a computerized tomography (CT) scan or a magnetic resonance image (MRI) scan, this is carried out in case if recurrent infections.
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Cystoscopy, using a cystoscope to analyze your bladder and urethra
At the main cause of UTIs is bacterial infection, the main course of treatment is through a short course of antibiotics such as Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra, others), Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Macrobid) and Ceftriaxone among others.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies –
You can prevent and manage UTIs by making simple lifestyle changes and by using home remedies. These include:
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Drinking lots of water
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Reducing the intake of fizzy drinks, alcohol, coffee, and tea
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Using medications such as paracetamol to treat pain or fever
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Avoiding perfumed bubble bath
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Always emptying your bladder fully
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Using adult diapers for women to prevent urethra infections
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wiping your bottom from front to back after using the toilet
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Urinating before and after intercourse
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Avoiding the use of contraceptive diaphragm or condoms with spermicidal lubricant
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Wearing proper underwear and avoiding synthetic material such as nylon and tight-fitting pants
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Taking vitamin C, beta-carotene, and zinc to help fight infection
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Urinating as soon as you feel the need to
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Keeping your genital area clean
It is important to keep learning more about Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) to protect yourself and your family. If you notice any bladder problems, make sure you consult your doctor for a diagnosis. This is the only way to receive proper treatment early enough and prevent permanent damage to the kidneys or the bladder. With the high costs associated with kidney treatment, the maxim of prevention is better than cure applies aptly here.
If you have adult incontinence, it is also advisable to talk to your doctor and seek advice on the best incontinence protection to use. The best urinary Incontinence products not only give you control of your life, but also helps you protect yourself against urinary tract infections.