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.
Continue reading the blog to understand what urinary tract infection is, its symptoms, causes, and possible treatment options.
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.
What Is 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.
If left untreated, a UTI can lead to pain and permanent damage to the bladder and kidneys. Due to the important role, the kidneys play in the 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:
- Obstructions in your urinary tract, such as kidney stones
- Problems with bladder control, including failure to empty your bladder fully
- Diabetes
- An enlarged prostate gland in men
- Poor personal hygiene
- Bowel incontinence
- Heavy use of antibiotics
- Having a urinary catheter
- Some forms of contraceptives, including contraceptive diaphragm or condoms coated in spermicide
- A weak immune system
- Pregnancy
- Immobility leads 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:
- Pain in the abdomen or pelvic area
- Cloudy, smelly, or bloody urine
- Frequent or constant urge to urinate
- Pain or discomfort while urinating
- Pains in your sides or back
- Shivering and chills
- Waking up from sleep to urinate
- Pain, pressure, or tenderness around the bladder area
- High temperature (fever)
- Feeling unwell, achy and tired
- 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 –
- Analyzing a urine sample
- Doing a urine culture after a urine sample
- Assessment of your urinary tract by means of an ultrasound, a computerized tomography (CT) scan, or a magnetic resonance image (MRI) scan is carried out in case of recurrent infections.
- Cystoscopy, using a cystoscope to analyze your bladder and urethra
The main cause of UTIs is bacterial infection, and 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:
- Drinking lots of water
- Reducing the intake of fizzy drinks, alcohol, coffee, and tea
- Using medications such as paracetamol to treat pain or fever
- Avoiding perfumed bubble bath
- Always empty your bladder fully
- Using adult diapers for women to prevent urethra infections
- Wiping your bottom from front to back after using the toilet
- Urinating before and after intercourse
- Avoiding the use of contraceptive diaphragm or condoms with spermicidal lubricant
- Wearing urine absorbent pads for adults and avoiding synthetic materials such as nylon and tight-fitting pants
- Taking vitamin C, beta-carotene, and zinc to help fight infection
- Urinating as soon as you feel the need to
- Keeping your genital area clean
Additional Natural Remedies
Although medical care is necessary to manage UTIs, natural remedies can ease symptoms and promote healing. These techniques are especially helpful when used in addition to recommended therapies.
1. Cranberry Products
Cranberry juice and supplements are popular these days mainly due to their capability to prevent UTIs.
They are known to contain chemicals known as proanthocyanidins that could have the ability to inhibit bacteria from attaching themselves to the lining of the urinary tract.
However, it should be consumed unsweetened in order to reduce the level of sugar consumption.
2. Heat Therapy
Place a warm heating pad on the lower abdomen to ease discomfort and pressure caused by UTI. Do not heat too much and use for a short period of time, a maximum of 15 – 20 minutes, to prevent burning.
3. Herbal Teas and Supplements
- Dandelion Root Tea: Acts as a diuretic and removes bacteria from the system.
- Uva Ursi: An herb that allegedly eradicates or slows down microorganisms regarded as pathogenic. Do not take it without consulting a doctor.
- Garlic Extract: Includes allicin, which is a potent antibiotic and may help heal tissues in the body.
Complications of Untreated UTIs
Despite the fact that UTIs are frequently readily treated, neglecting symptoms might have detrimental effects:
- Kidney Infections (Pyelonephritis): Chronic infections may cause impairments of kidney tissues and hence lead to reduced functionality.
- Recurrent UTIs: Recurrent infections may be painful and develop chronic consequences.
- Sepsis: An emergent condition in which the infection has dispersed into the bloodstream.
- Pregnancy Complications: Urinary tract infections during pregnancy may lead to preterm labor and delivery of low birth weight babies.
UTIs in Special Populations
Some groups of people are at a higher risk for the development of UTIs, and they need specific management during such times. Here's a closer look at how UTIs affect these groups:
- Pregnant Women
Women are especially at risk as pregnant ladies due to hormonal changes and body weight putting pressure on the bladder. Treatments should be done urgently so that the condition does not worsen.
- Elderly Individuals
In elderly persons, symptoms may be less common and frequently manifest as behavioral abnormalities or perplexity. They are more susceptible to issues.
- Children
UTIs in children need careful examination since they may be a sign of structural problems in the urinary system.
When to See a Doctor?
Get medical help if you suffer from:
- Symptoms that are persistent or getting worse
- Nausea, vomiting, or a high temperature
- Symptoms that don't go away after 48 hours of medication
Protect Your Well-Being: Early Action and Prevention for UTI Management
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 incontinence products, such as bed pads, disposable briefs, and adult diaper, not only give you control of your life but also help you protect yourself against urinary tract infections.
FAQs
1. What causes UTIs?
E. Coli bacteria entering the urinary system is the primary cause of most UTIs.
2. Are UTIs contagious?
No, although germs that are introduced during sexual intercourse might cause UTIs, they are not communicable.
3. Can UTIs go away on their own?
A mild UTI may go away, but to prevent complications, medical treatment is advised.
4. Can men get UTIs?
Yes, while they are less prevalent in males than in women, UTIs can occur in men, particularly when there are problems or obstructions with the prostate.
