Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Guide on Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Guide on Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are infections that are caused when bacteria enters the urethra (the medium through which pee is passed out ) and subsequently reproduce or multiply. These bacteria are microscopic in nature and enter the urinary tract from outside the body. The most common specie of this bacteria which is the causative agent of about 90 per cent of UTIs is Escherichia Coli (E coli). Typically, a UTI is characterised by an infection in at least one or more places in the urinary tract, such as the bladder, ureter, urethra and/or kidneys. Often, the terms bladder infections and UTIs are used interchangeably. However, there is a difference between the two.

A bladder infection occurs only in the bladder and is the most predominant while Urinary Tract Infection can take place in the ureter, urethra, bladder or even kidney. Every bladder infection is a UTI but not every UTI is a bladder infection. Bladder infection is the commonest form of UTI and is relatively the simplest to treat. The symptoms of all UTIs are largely the same and are treated in the same way.

What are the symptoms of a bIadder/UTI infection?

Bladder and UTI infection symptoms are often accompanied by great discomfort; therefore, getting treatment is a matter of urgency. If you experience any of the following symptoms, reach out to your doctor to ascertain if you are suffering from a UTI and discuss plans for treatment. A urine test is the easiest way to know if you have a UTI or not.

Symptoms of a bladder/UTI infection include one or more of the following:

  1. A constant feeling of urgency to pee with very little urine being passed out.
  2. Needing to pee more than usual, especially at night.
  3. Pee that looks dark or cloudy in color and with a strong smell.
  4. Pain or discomfort in the lower back or pelvic region.
  5. Occasionally blood is in the urine.
  6. A burning sensation when peeing.

If left untreated, a UTI or bladder infection, specifically, can cause severe health issues, including spreading to your kidney. Therefore, if you think you have a UTI, reach out to your doctor immediately.

How can you prevent a UTI/bladder infection?

UTIs are fairly common and can happen to anyone at any age. However, the following measures can help you prevent getting infected with UTIs:

Understand your anatomy. Owing to their anatomy, women have a higher risk of developing UTIs. They have shorter urethras, which makes it easier for bacteria to travel to their bladder. Women should be more careful in avoiding getting infected.

Pay attention to your hygiene habits. Cleanliness protects us from a lot of diseases. Also avoid putting on tight-fitting underwea huhrs that makes it difficult for your genitals to breathe. In addition, bubble baths and scented vaginal products tend to cause irritation that further results to UTIs, so women should avoid these products. Adherence to normal hygiene practices such as showering at least twice daily is also equally important.

Have good urinary hygiene. Pee often and, when you can avoid it but it is not advisable to hold in your pee for long periods of time, that might damage the kidney. For women, make sure you wipe from front to back so you do not carry any bacteria from your bottom to your vagina. In addition, washing your genitals after sex is helps to ensure bacteria do not have the chance to enter your body.

For women, take note of your hormonal changes. Pregnancy, menopause and having your period can increase your risk of having a UTI. Ensure you take extra care to follow preventative measures for a UTI if you are experiencing any of these hormonal changes.

Make an extra effort if you have a chronic illness that affects your immune system. Illnesses, such as diabetes and HIV, which lowers your immunity can render you prone to contracting UTIs. Be extra careful to follow the remaining tips to help you avoid contracting an infection.

Drink plenty of fluids and eat fruits. Regular water intake, fruits consumption and taking the popularly recommended cranberry juice will aid in ensuring your bladder and urinary tract are constantly being flushed and increase your immunity to diseases in general. Doing this also limits the number of bacteria present and helps to flight against future UTIs.

Pee after having intercourse. Peeing after sex enables you to flush the bacteria from your urethra and is an important hygiene practice after having sex.

How do you treat a UTI/bladder infection?

UTIs and bladder infections are common health situations and can easily be treated. Since UTIs are bacterial infections, their required treatment is simply antibiotics. Typically your physician will prescribe you a short course of antibiotics as long as your infection is considered to be simple and non-complicated. If it is considered to be more complicated, you may be required to take antibiotics for a longer period. In addition, you may have to have your urine sample tested to confirm it is, in fact, the strain of bacteria that causes UTIs and bladder infections causing your symptoms.

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