Urinary tract infection (UTI)

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system- kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra from the microorganism. The microorganism most frequently by bacteria, some are caused by fungi and in rare cases by viruses & more causes by Escherichia coli. When it affects the lower part of urinary tract it called as urethra(urethritis) or bladder infection (cystitis) and when it affects the upper part of urinary tract it is called as kidney infection(pyelonephritis). Upper tract UTIs are rarer than lower tract UTIs. Women are at greater risk of developing a UTI than are men.

Urinary tract infection(UTI) Risk Factor:

Female anatomy

Sexual intercourse

Poor Hygiene

Family history

Diabetes

Obesity

Menopause

Kidney stones

Enlarged prostate

Pregnancy

Weakened immune system

Symptoms of Urinary tract infection(UTI): UTI symptoms depend on what part of the urinary tract is infected. These symptoms may vary from mild to severe.

The lower part of the urinary tract common Symptoms:

increased frequency of urination without passing much urine & painful

burning with urination

bloody or cloudy urine, urine that looks like cola or tea

urine that has a strong odour

Pressure, cramping, pelvic pain in women

Pressure, cramping, rectal pain in men

Urethra infection- Discharge

Common Symptoms, the lower part of urinary tract Kidneys (acute pyelonephritis):

High fever & chills

pain and tenderness in the upper back and sides

nausea & vomiting

Prevention of Urinary tract infection (UTI):

Drink lots of water, an average of 2-4 litter in a day

Try to avoid using a public toilet or a dirty toilet.

Don’t hold urine for long periods of time.

Maintain proper hygiene

Wipe urinary area from front to back to prevent bacteria

Choose showers over baths.

Empty your bladder soon after intercourse

Drink cranberry juice

Diagnosis of Urinary tract infection (UTI): If you think that you have a UTI based on your symptoms, visit your doctor. Your doctor will review your symptoms and perform a physical examination. To confirm a diagnosis of a UTI, your doctor will need to test your urine for microbes, Growing urinary tract bacteria in a lab. Creating images of your urinary tract- CT scan, Ultrasound, blood test & Using a scope to see inside your bladder etc.

Treatment:

A prescribed proper antibiotic is the best course of action for Urinary tract infection(UTI). These should start clearing up the infection after a few days. Visit a doctor for proper treatment. Untreated UTIs become more and more severe the further they spread. The lower urinary tract infection (UTI) is usually easiest to treat. An infection that spreads to the upper urinary tract is much more difficult to treat and is more likely to spread into your blood, causing sepsis. This is a life-threatening event.