ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT URINARY TRACT INFECTION
The body system is made up of different organs that ensure we live well. The Urinary tract acts as the body’s drainage system, ensuring that urine is properly removed from the body.
The kidneys, Ureters, Bladder, Urethra, and the renal pelvis which make up the Urinary tract all work together to ensure normal urination occurs. The urinary system filters wastes and extra fluid from the blood system, creating urine as the waste by-product.
Daily, the kidney filters about 120-150 quarts of blood, producing about 1-2 quarts of urine. The urine is then carried to the bladder, via the thin tubes of muscle, known as the Ureters, on either side of the bladder. The bladder, the balloon-shaped organ, acts as a reservoir, storing about 1.5-2 cups of urine until it is emptied, in a process known as Urination.
While all these happen, each of these organs must be in their best conditions. However, just like other parts of the body, the Urinary Tract is susceptible to infections. When this happens, the process of forming urine and urination becomes uncomfortable and needs treatment.
What are Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)?
Urinary Tract Infections are simply infections in the Urinary Tract. They are caused by microbes such as bacteria and sometimes fungi. The infection occurs when bacteria enter the bladder through the urethra.
They are so common and can easily affect anyone. This is because different body parts contain bacteria and can easily migrate to the urethra. Usually, UTIs attack the lower urinary tract (the urethra and bladder) more. Only in severe cases are the upper tract (kidneys and ureters) affected.
Each infection is named according to the part of the Urinary Tract they attack. The Bladder infection is called Cystitis. That of the urethra is called urethritis while kidney infection is called pyelonephritis. The ureter, unlike others, rarely get infected.
Causes of Urinary Tract Infections
The bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli), found in the digestive system, has been noted to cause most UTIs. Infection occurs when the bacteria migrate up into the urinary tract.
Some other reasons can lead to UTIs. Simple things such as not emptying the bladder fully after urination or dehydration can also lead to urinary tract infection. When you don’t drink enough water, the urine in the bladder will be more concentrated. So, when trying to pass out the urine, the urethra will be irritated.
Sex is another means of getting infection into the urinary tract. Although, unlike STDs that can be transmitted from person to person, UTIs don’t spread via sex. But while having sex, bacteria can migrate into your body through fingering, use of sex toys, your partner’s genitals or anus. That is why it is advised to pass urine immediately after having sex. This can help wash out any bacteria that might have entered the body at that moment.
Hormonal changes, especially in females can also lead to UTI. Menopause or pregnancy plays a part in the development of UTI. The hormones produced during this period release bacteria that can infect the lower urinary tract.
It is quite a simple infection but can become severe if left untreated. The fact that there are many bacteria active in the body makes getting a Urinary Tract Infection common. This accounts for why millions of people are infected yearly.
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection
UTIs affect males and females. Also, it depends on the kind of Urinary Tract Infection – whether lower or upper Urinary Tract infection. This means people suffering from any of Cystitis, Urethritis or Pyelonephritis will have specific symptoms of UTI.
Common symptoms of UTI, in the Lower Urinary Tract, include;
- Burning sensation from urination
- A strong odor emanating from urine
- Pressure in the lower abdomen
- Frequent urge to urinate, without eventually releasing a significant amount of urine
- Cloudy or bloody urine
- Pain in your back
- Persistent fatigue
- Pelvic pain (women)
- Rectal pain (men)
For cases of severe infections, symptoms of UTI might be flu-like. To detect that the infection has migrated to the kidney, common signs and symptoms of UTI to watch out for include;
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Chills
- Pain in your back or sides close to your ribs
Who is at risk of contracting UTIs?
Generally, UTIs can affect anyone, regardless of age, sex or gender. However, some risk factors would make you more susceptible to UTIs.
Urinary Tract Infections are more common in women than in men. More than 50% of women will experience at least one urinary tract infection in their lifetime. Likewise, pregnant women are at higher risk of getting recurrent UTIs compared to other women.
While women are more likely to contract UTIs, some factors can make anyone contract it faster. These include;
- Persons with the problem of emptying the bladder completely
- Having blocked the flow of urine
- Having a urinary catheter
- People with diabetes
- Frequent sex with multiple partners
- People with a suppressed immune system
- Use of tampons and spermicides
- Heavy use of antibiotics
- People with spinal cord damage or injuries
- Kidney stones
- Bowel incontinence
- Prolonged bed rest
- Enlarged prostate
- Menopause
- People who are obese
Diagnosis of UTIs
How do you know you have a UTI?
Most times, signs and symptoms of UTI can give you heads up. Generally, UTIs aren’t serious. The simplest bacteria that migrate to the Urethra or bladder can cause an infection. So, it is a sensitive infection and occurs frequently.
However, if it isn’t treated on time, it can become severe. This must be especially avoided so that the infection doesn’t lead to chronic kidney infections. A condition known as septicemia can develop when the bacteria enter the bloodstream through poor kidney functions.
Generally, diagnosing UTIs involves testing a urine sample and noting down the symptoms of UTI you are experiencing. The urine is examined under the microscope. The presence of white blood cells required to fight infections is checked for. Likewise, they check for the presence of bacteria causing the infection. This test also allows for the study of the bacteria, to know the best antibiotic to prescribe for countering the symptoms of UTI you display.
Several advanced tests can be used in detecting UTIs, especially in severe cases. Some of these tests include;
- Kidney and Bladder Ultrasound
- Voiding cystourethrogram
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Radionuclide scan
- Urodynamic
- Cystoscopy
Most of these tests are comprehensive. They use x-ray imaging, sound waves, radio waves, and radioactive chemicals. Three-dimensional (3D) images are produced in some cases. This allows doctors to see the condition of the urinary tract organs, allowing them to prescribe more specific treatments for the symptoms of UTI you display.
Urinary Tract Infection Treatments
Normally, UTIs are treated using antibiotics. However, the severity and type of infection will determine the kind of medications you’ll have to use. Likewise, the length of time you need to use them depends on the symptoms of UTI you show and your medical history. Especially when you have allergies, medications are carefully prescribed for you.
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For lower urinary tract infections, oral antibiotics are usually administered. In the case of upper urinary tract infections, intravenous antibiotics are required. Intravenous antibiotics are injected into the veins directly.
Generally, over-concentrated urine due to dehydration leads to UTIs a lot of times. Therefore, taking a lot of water and urinating frequently will help you speed up recovery. This will help you flush out the bacteria quickly.
Usually, for a healthy person with a normal clear urinary tract, UTIs can be cured within 2-3 days of treatment. They only need to stick to the medications while staying away from substances and activities that can worsen their condition. Within this period, the symptoms of UTI will fade.
For people with other conditions such as pregnancy, diabetes, kidney stone or older people, curing UTIs can take longer days. UTIs in these kinds of conditions are usually complicated and can require 7-14 days of consistent use of antibiotics.
Preventing UTIs
Aside from the use of antibiotics, there are other home friendly habits and lifestyles that can help prevent UTIs. These include;
- Diet and Nutrition
A good diet is always important when it comes to body health. Taking enough fluid will help you flush bacteria away from your body. So, it is advised that you take more fluid when you start to see signs of UTIs. Taking cranberry and its extract is also advised. It has been noted that cranberry contains compounds that can help prevent E. coli from sticking to your urinary tract.
Also, endeavor to avoid fluids such as caffeine or alcohol. They tend to irritate the bladder.
- Bathroom Habits
As we earlier mentioned, the simplest bacteria that migrate into the urinary tract can lead to infection. So, you must watch your bathroom habits. Especially after you finish using the toilet, avoid wiping from the anus to the front. Bacteria from your anus can easily enter your urethra.
For females, you mustn’t douche or let soap bubbles enter your vagina. Keep the genital area dry and opt for showers instead of baths. Perfumed products should also be avoided in the genital area.
- Clothing
Tight-fitting clothes or nylon underwear should be avoided. Cotton wears are advised. Moisture caused by tight-fitting underwear can irritate the urethra and help bacteria grow.
- Birth Control
The use of diaphragm or spermicide increases the risk of bacteria growth. Friction from unlubricated condoms can also increase irritation of the urethra.
Does UTI reoccur?
Most times, a particular UTI doesn’t reoccur after you suffer it once. But, since there are many kinds of UTIs, there is a high chance that you suffer another kind of infection aside from the one you recover from.
Recurrent UTIs are common in females and this requires them to be subjected to longer doses of antibiotics or in cases of frequent recurrence, more advanced tests are required.
CLOSING WORDS
The Urinary tract, just like other body systems ensures that we live well. It acts as a drainage system filtering waste and extra fluid in our bloodstream and releases them as urine.
The urinary tract is very sensitive, hence it is highly susceptible to infections known as Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). These infections, in mild cases, attack the lower urinary tract mostly. They are easy to treat and can be cured within 2 to 3 days.
In cases where the upper urinary tract is affected, that is, the kidney, longer medical procedures are needed to properly diagnose the infection and the medications to combat it.
Generally, a burning sensation when urinating and excessive urge to urinate are the common signs and symptoms of UTIs. They also cause persistent fatigue, cloudy or bloody urine and pain in the lower abdomen.
However, with proper diagnosis and the use of antibiotics, UTIs can be easily cured. Likewise, diet and some lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms of UTIs.
Women, especially the pregnant ones and older ones who are in menopause are likely to get infected more than any other person. Thus, they must regularly monitor their body and symptoms they display.
The Urinary Tract is not bacteria friendly. So, you must avoid activities, substances, and habits that can expose the urinary tract to infections.