Urinary Tract Infection (UTIs): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment- Medplusmart

Overview of Urinary Tract Infection (UTIs)rnA urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that can affect any part of the urinary tract including includes kidneys, bladders, ureter, and urethra. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria, some of them may be caused by fungus and in rare cases virus may be one of the reasons for UTIs. If the lower urinary tract is infected, it is called a bladder infection (cystitis). If the upper urinary tract is infected it is called a kidney infection (pyelonephritis). Women have more chances of acquiring the infection and when it comes to men - about 1 in 10 men may get a UTI in their lifetime. rnSymptoms of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs):rnFollowing are the symptoms of lower urinary tract infections (bladder infection):rnBurning micturition Urge to urinate without passing urinernIncreased urgency to peernCloudy urinernBloody urinernUrine that resembles cola or tearnUrine with a strong odor Pelvic pain observed in womenrnRectal pain observed in men Upper Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms Include:rnPain and tenderness in the upper back and sidesrnChillsrnFeverrnNausearnVomitingrnNote: Upper urinary tract infection mainly affects the kidneys (http://bit.ly/2qh02KI). These can be potentially fatal if the bacteria enter from kidneys to the bloodstream. This condition is termed as urosepsis and can cause low blood pressure, shock, and death. Causes and Factors that Influence Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Many factors can lead to UTIs:rnAge is one of the major factors that makes you more likely to get the infection Reduced flexibility after surgery or prolonged bed restrnKidney stonesrnHistory of UTIrnEnlarged prostate, kidney stones and certain forms of cancerrnProlonged use of urinary catheters, which may make it easier to get into the bladderrnDiabetesrnPregnancyrnAbnormal urinary structures developed during birth Poor immune systemrnDiagnosis:
If you suspect any of these symptoms, directly see your doctor. He/she would see your condition, check for medical history and do the required physical examinations. It is finally diagnosed by testing urine for any microbes.rnFor this, you need to collect your urine sample in the middle of the urinary stream rather than at the beginning because if you collect in the beginning you may end up by collecting the bacteria or yeast from your skin. The test sample will be checked for a large number of white blood cells in your urine - this indicates an infection. Also, the sample will go for a urine culture to test the bacteria or fungi. Therefore, this test can help to identify the type of bacteria (cause). Based on this, your doctor will facilitate the right treatment.rnTreatment:rnMost of the Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by bacteria and this type of condition can be treated by antibiotics. At times, if the infection is caused due to the virus or fungi, viral UTIs are treated by antiviral drugs and fungal infections are treated by antifungal drugs.rnWhat I Can Do From Home:rnThe only option that we can do from home is cranberries or cranberry juice - which help in preventing future UTIs. Note: This juice can not treat urinary tract infection (UTI) if it has already started.rnBonus Tip: UTIs are due to many reasons that can not be under control. However, there are chances of getting the infection from the anus. Therefore, it is recommended that women wipe after peeing. Do not wipe from anus to the vagina, do vise versa because the anus is full of bacteria and that can contribute to Urinary tract infections.