What is this?
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common infections that affect the bladder, kidneys, and the connecting tubes. While anyone can develop a UTI, they are especially common in women, with some experiencing them frequently (known as recurrent UTIs). Although UTIs can be painful and uncomfortable, they typically resolve within a few days and can be treated with antibiotics.
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection
(UTI) may include:
●
Pain or a burning
sensation during urination (dysuria)
●
Increased frequency of
urination
●
Increased frequency of
urination at night (nocturia)
●
Sudden or urgent need to
urinate
●
Cloudy urine
●
Blood in the urine
●
Lower abdominal pain or
back pain just under the ribs
●
A high temperature or
feeling hot and shivery
●
A very low temperature
below 36°C
● Dark or foul-smelling urine
Causes:
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are
typically caused by bacteria from feces entering the urinary tract. These
bacteria enter through the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the
body.
Women are more prone to UTIs because they
have a shorter urethra than men, making it easier for bacteria to reach the
bladder or kidneys and cause an infection.
Factors that increase the risk of
bacteria entering the bladder include:
●
Sexual activity
●
Pregnancy
●
Conditions that block
the urinary tract, such as kidney stones
●
Conditions that make it
difficult to fully empty the bladder, such as an enlarged prostate in men and
constipation in children
●
Use of urinary catheters
(a tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine)
●
Weakened immune system,
as seen in individuals with diabetes or those undergoing chemotherapy
●
Insufficient fluid
intake
●
Poor hygiene, such as
not keeping the genital area clean and dry
Treatment:
Treatment of a urinary tract infection
(UTI) typically involves:
For recurrent UTIs, additional preventive
measures may include:
●
Low-Dose Antibiotics: Taking a low dose of
antibiotics for an extended period to prevent recurrence.
●
Postcoital Antibiotics: Taking a single dose
of antibiotics after sexual intercourse if UTIs are related to sexual activity.
●
Vaginal Estrogen Therapy: For postmenopausal
women, using vaginal estrogen therapy to reduce the risk of UTIs.
How
to avoid it?
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be
uncomfortable and potentially serious if not managed properly. Here are several
strategies to help avoid UTIs: