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Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are concerning and can affect anyone at any age, whether neonates or geriatrics. Around 150 million people worldwide get diagnosed with UTIs every year. In this population, women are more prone to developing a UTI than men. In their lifetime, there is a 60% risk of UTI for women, while for men, it is 13%.
Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a common condition where bacteria enter the urinary tract and cause infection. The urinary system includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. UTIs can affect any part of the urinary tract, but they are most common in the lower urinary tract. It includes the bladder and urethra.
Women are more prone to developing a UTI because of:
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The short length of the urethra.
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Pregnancy.
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Easy contamination with faecal flora.
E. coli causes at least 90% of the UTI cases.
Symptoms of UTI
You must know its common warning signs to understand if you have developed UTI. Once you get that idea, you can consult an urology specialist to move forward with the bladder infection treatment.
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Pain or burning during urination: It is one of the most common symptoms of urinary bladder infection. You will feel an unbearable burning sensation or pain while urinating.
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Frequent urge to urinate: If you have a UTI, you will feel the need to urinate more frequently than usual. However, the amount of urine may not be as much as your urge.
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Cloudy or strong-smelling urine: UTI causes the appearance and odour of urine to change.
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Lower abdominal pain or discomfort: This especially bothers women. You may experience gut-wrenching pelvic pain. This discomfort mostly occurs in the centre or around the pubic bone area.
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Blood in the urine: This condition is called hematuria. It can be a sign of a UTI. Your urine may become cola-coloured, bright pink, or red.
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Fatigue and malaise: You may generally feel weak, fatigued, or just unwell.
These UTI symptoms usually vary depending on the region affected by UTI.
Kidney-affecting UTI
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Chills
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Shaking
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Back pain
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Side pain
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High fever
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Vomiting
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Nausea
Urethra-affecting UTI
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Burning sensation while urinating
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Discharge
Bladder-affecting UTI
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Pressure in the pelvic region
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Pain and frequent urination
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Discomfort in the lower abdomen
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Urinary blood
Checking and evaluating these urine infection symptoms are extremely important, especially in older adults.
What Are the Causes of UTIs?
The majority of UTIs are caused by bacteria, most commonly Escherichia coli (E. coli). It is commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract.
The bacteria enter the urinary tract via the urethra. It can travel up to the bladder and, in more severe cases, to the kidneys.
Factors that increase the risk of developing a UTI include:
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Female anatomy: Women have shorter urethra. As women’s urethra are close to their anus, the bacteria get an easier access to the bladder.
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Sexual activity: Sexual intercourse can bring bacteria into the urethra. Having multiple sexual partners and intercourse without protection makes you more susceptible. Sexually transmitted diseases, like gonorrhoea, herpes, etc., are a concerning contributing factor.
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Urinary tract abnormalities: Structural issues in the urinary tract can increase the risk of infections.
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Urinary tract obstructions: Conditions that obstruct the normal urine flow, such as kidney stones, can contribute to UTIs.
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Suppressed immune system: Some conditions, like diabetes, weaken our immunity. There are some medications as well that make it difficult for our body to defend against germs. Such factors increase infection susceptibility.
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Use of catheter: Your doctor may suggest using a catheter if you cannot urinate on your own. This also enhances your chances of getting a UTI.
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Birth control pills: Often ignored, birth control pills are a major contributing factor to UTIs.
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Menopause: Menopause declines the circulation of oestrogen. This, in turn, changes the urinary tract, causing UTI.
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Recent urinary procedure: Every surgery requires medical instruments. Urinary procedures are no exception as well. This use of medical tools may make you more susceptible.
Consult a urology hospital in Bangalore if you want to know more about what causes UTI.
Treatment of UTI
Nowadays, the treatment of UTIs is more empirical. Studies have shown that the antimicrobial susceptibility data of the microorganisms causing UTI varies from place to place and from time to time. This often leads to the misuse of antibiotics. So, consulting a professional urologist and going through proper tests are important to implement the right treatment plan.
Here, we will give you a brief overview of the most common methods. This may vary depending on every individual’s condition. So, do not go for self-treatments.
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Antibiotics: The primary treatment for UTIs involves following a course of antibiotics. This can eliminate the bacteria causing the infection.
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Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen, help alleviate discomfort and reduce inflammation.
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Increased fluid intake: Drink plenty of water. It helps flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
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Urinary analgesics: Medications that relieve urinary pain or discomfort may be recommended.
Visit Manipal Hospitals, Hebbal, Bangalore, for the most suitable treatment. Consult the top urologist there.
FAQ's
Yes, you can take some precautionary measures to reduce the risk of UTIs. For example,
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Staying hydrated, especially with water
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Wipe your intimate areas from front to back
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Right after having sex, empty your bladder
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Avoid products that may irritate your genital area, like powders, perfume, etc.
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Make sure your birth control method is safe.
UTIs may harm your body severely. For example,
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You may experience recurring infections
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There may be permanent kidney damage
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Premature delivery
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Your newborn may have a low birth weight
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Men may experience a narrowed urethra from repetitive infections
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Life-threatening conditions, like sepsis.
This is why timely treatment is very important.
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the most concerning reason for a UTI. They are typically found in the GI tract, which can easily travel from the anus to the urethra.
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