URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
(UTI)
A urinary Tract Infection is an infection caused by microbes. They can not be seen by naked eye but with a microscope. Most commonly UTIs are caused by bacteria. But in some cases viruses and fungi are responsible for UTIs. However UTIs can be commonly found among humans.
Kidneys, bladder, uterus and urethra are the parts of the urinary tract. Any part of this urinary Tract can be infected by these microbes. In most cases UTIs can happen in the lower tract including the bladder and urethra. The possibility of causing infections in the upper tract is rarer than lower tract UTIs.
-Symptoms of UTIs:
Symptoms of UTIs are depending on the infected part of your urinary Tract.
Urethra and bladder are infected by lower tract UTIs. Symptoms of lower tract UTIs are :-
•Bloody urine
•Cloudy urine
•Feeling of burning during urination
•Increased frequency of urination without passing enough urine
•Appearance of urine just like tea
•Odour of urine is extremely strong
•Kidneys are affected by upper tract UTIs.
This can be deadly as bacteria are infected to the bloodstream. This is actually a life threatening condition and called urosepsis. This can lower your blood pressure dangerously.
-Symptoms of upper tract UTIs are :-
•Nausea
•Vomiting
•Fever
•Chills
•Pain in the upper back and sides
-UTI symptoms in men:
Symptoms of upper tract urinary tract infections are similar in both men and women.
Rectal pain can be identified in men if they have lower tract urinary tract infections. Other symptoms of lower tract urinary tract infections are common in both men and women.
-UTIs symptoms in women:
Symptoms of lower tract Urinary tract infections in women include pelvic pain. But other symptoms are common in both men and women.
Symptoms of upper tract urinary tract infections in women are similar to those in men.
-UTIs treatment:
Treatment of UTIs depends on the pointer. Your doctor determines which organism is infected by using the test result and the confirmation of diagnosis is occured.
Most commonly bacteria are identified as the cause. Then these types of UTIs are treated with antibiotics.
Rarely viruses or fungi can be caused. UTIs caused by viruses are treated with medications known as antivirals. Generally antiviral cidofovir is used to treat viral UTIs. UTIs caused by fungi are treated with medication called antifungals.
-Home remedies for UTIs:
You can not fully recover from UTIs by home remedies. But home remedies support your medications to work better.
Drinking much water can be introduced as a home remedy for UTIs. This supports your body to flush the infection easily.
According to many researches cranberry juice is a popular remedy. It contains a chemical which inhibits many types of bacteria that cause UTIs by bonding to the lining of the bladder.
-Untreated UTIs:
Early treatment for UTIs are better as you can prevent more severe conditions.
It is very easy to treat for lower tract UTIs. UTIs in the upper tract are very difficult to treat. Because it is more susceptible to spread into blood and causes a life threatening condition called sepsis.
It is very important to go for test, if you suspect that you have an urinary tract infection.
A urine or blood test and a simple examination will save you from many troubles.
-Risk factors and causes of a UTIs:
•There are many risk factors that put you at a risk of causing UTIs. They are,
•Kidney stones
•Age – adults are more likely to have UTIs
•Urinary tract blockage such as certain types of cancers, enlarged prostate.
•Diabetes – poorly maintained diabetes makes you more susceptible to cause UTIs.
•Prolong use of urinary catheters – this makes bacteria to enter into your body easily
•A weakened immune system
•Pregnancy – UTIs during pregnancy can increase your blood pressure and lead to premature delivery. UTIs during pregnancy are more susceptible to spread to the kidneys. It is a very dangerous condition.
-UTIs prevention:
•You can observe the following steps to lower your risk of UTIs.
•Do not hold urination for a long period of time
•Drink at least six glasses of water daily
•Talk to your doctor about anything that lowers your bladder emptying.
•However urinary tract infections are more common among women than men.
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