Urinary tract infections or UTIs are infections occurring in any part of your urinary tract, including your urethra (urethritis), bladder (cystitis), or kidneys (kidney infection). UTIs may become dangerous if ascending bacteria reach the kidney and subsequently induce an inflammatory reaction.
What are Urinary Tract Infections?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common medical condition that affects the bladder, kidneys, and the tubes that connect them. UTIs are more common in females. Approximately half of all females have UTI at some point in their lives. However, UTIs can affect both men and children.
A UTI, also known as a bladder infection or cystitis, arises when bacteria enter the bladder, typically through the urethra (urine tube), and continue to flourish there.
Factors That Increase the Risk of UTIs
There are various factors that elevate the risk of bacteria reaching the bladder and leading to an infection, some of which include:
- Conditions like kidney stones that cause blockage in the urinary tract
- Dehydration
- Use of urinary catheters
- Sexual intercourse
- Pregnancy
- Conditions include enlarged prostate in men and constipation in children
- Improper hygiene in the genital area
- A weak immune system
How Can UTIs Become Serious?
While urine does contain waste products, fluids, and salts, it is sterile—that is, devoid of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. A UTI arises when bacteria from a different source, such as the anus, enters the urethra. Escherichia coli is the most prevalent bacterium discovered to cause UTIs. Although E. coli is responsible for UTIs around 90% of the time, other bacteria can also cause them.
While E. Coli often thrives in the human digestive system without harm, if it enters the urinary system, it can lead to severe infections. The passage from the anus to the urethra is small in the case of women. Hence, women are advised to wipe from front to back after using the restroom to prevent UTIs.
UTIs can be diagnosed through medical tests and treated with antibiotics or lifestyle modifications. However, an untreated UTI can spread to the kidneys and cause a more serious infection, therefore prompt detection along with treatment is essential. Women who are sexually active, pregnant, or elderly may be more likely to contract the infection.
What are the Various Symptoms of UTIs?
Infections of the urethra (tube that carries urine out of the body) or bladder (cystitis), are known as lower UTIs. These are the most common symptoms of a lower UTI:
- Pressure in the lower part of your pelvis
- Uncomfortable pressure above the pubic bone
- Excruciating pain or continuous pain in your flank, abdomen, lower back, or pelvic area
- Cloudy, dark-coloured, and foul-smelling urine
- Urinary incontinence or frequent urination episodes
- Urge incontinence and despite a strong urge to urinate, only a small amount of urine is passed
- Pain or burning sensation while urination (dysuria)
- Blood in the urine (haematuria)
On the other hand, infections of the kidneys or ureters (tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder) are known as upper UTIs. The symptoms associated with upper UTIs (along with similar symptoms as lower UTIs) are:
- Pain or irritation in the penis
- Pain in your sides or back
- Feeling extremely exhausted or fatigued
- Fever and chills (of 38ºC or above)
- Feeling of nausea and vomiting
- Mood swings or mental confusion
You can easily consult the best Urologist in Ahmedabad, via Apollo, if you are experiencing any of the symptoms and get your treatment started.
What is the Line of Treatment for UTIs?
Treatment methods for UTIs may include the following:
- Prescribed antibiotics and other medications, as per the medical professional
- Drinking a sufficient amount of water to maintain the balance of bacteria in the urinary tract
- Consuming unsweetened cranberry juice
- Using a heating pad to ease pain
- Quitting or avoiding smoking
- Avoiding caffeinated drinks like coffee, sugary drinks, alcohol, and spicy foods
- Wearing loose clothes and avoiding synthetic undergarments
- Keeping the genital area dry and clean
It is important to note that a 3-day to 7-day antibiotic regimen will give quick relief for an uncomplicated UTI. For recurring or severe infections, therapy may be extended to 10 to 14 days. Vaginal oestrogen cream may also help postmenopausal women avoid recurring UTIs. At Apollo, you can find the best Urologist in Ahmedabad, who can help with the treatment of serious urological conditions. Apart from that, one of the renowned hospitals, Apollo Hospital Ahmedabad, also offers services and amenities related to this condition.
