The kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra makes up the urinary system. Its function is to dispose of waste from the body, regulate pH, control volume of blood and pressure, and also regulate electrolytes and metabolites levels in the human system. That’s a lot of work done.
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that affects all organs that make up the urinary system. The infection can damage the affected organ or organs thereby leading to loss of certain functions. The infection causes the lining of the urinary tract to be inflammated
Types of UTI
There are three types of UTI; Acute Pyelonephritis (affecting the kidney), Urethritis (affecting the urethra), and Cystitis (affecting the bladder)
Causes of UTI
This infection is caused by bacteria majorly Escherichia coli (E. coli). Other bacteria like Enterococcus species, Klebsiella species, Candida species, etc. can cause UTI, but E. coli is responsible for more than 90% of the infections. E. coli is predominantly found in the intestines. The urinary system has been designed to ward off the entry of bacteria into the urinary tract system, but it will sometimes fail. The bacteria enter through the urethra and begin to replicate in the bladder. The infection causes the lining of the urinary tract to be inflammated.
Symptoms of UTI
- Frequent urination or sudden need to urinate
- Urine that looks cloudy
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Pain in the lower back or side of the body
- Pain during sex
Diagnosis of UTI
The symptoms of UTI are similar to Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD). While certain levels of UTI and types of STD can be fought by the body’s immune system, the lifetime risk are great with both but greater for the STD. Taking chances or sticking to home remedies for diagnosis is never encouraged. The earlier the better. The first diagnosis will be having a consultation with a doctor. For the doctor to better understand the situation, he or she might require some lab works such as:
- Urine culture
In dire situations, like after treatment with no response or elongated illness, radiography tests like:
will be required.
Pay no attention to the big names or labels here. The doctor is doing all this to provide the best treatment tailored for you. The better and more thorough the medical examination, the greater your chances of healing and recovery.
Treatment of UTI
Antibiotics are the first line of medication used to treat UTIs. The severity of the infection will determine the type of delivery and dosage of antibiotics. Uncomplicated UTI may require a shorter course of treatment. Frequent infections may require longer treatment, the dosage prescribed for after sexual intercourse, and vaginal estrogen therapy. A severe UTI will need treatment with intravenous antibiotics in a hospital. The beauty of this is, you can get the same treatment at home.
To numb the pain associated, the doctor might also prescribe some pain killers.
Complications from UTI
UTI left untreated can result in a chronic kidney infection which leads to kidney damage. For pregnant women, the risk involved premature infants or low birth weight is increased.
Risk Factors of UTI
UTI is common in women. They are prone to experience more than one infection in a lifetime. Risk factors include:
- Sexual activity: Women that are sexually active tend to have the infections more than women who aren’t
- Female anatomy: The urethra in a woman is shorter than that of a man. The distance covered by the bacteria to reach the bacteria is shorter.
- Urinary tract abnormalities: Infants born with UTI abnormalities are at an increased risk.
- Blockages: An enlarged prostate or kidney stone can stop urine from flowing out of the bladder thereby increasing chances of getting the infection.
- Menopause: A reduction in estrogen circulation causes changes in the urinary tract which increases the risk. The reduction mostly begins after menopause.
Prevention of UTI
Certain lifestyles can be improved upon or adapted to prevent the infection. These include
- Drinking plenty of water but within the required amount (excessive drinking of water has its downside).
- Urinating whenever the need arises. Storing urine for a long time without passing it out also retains bacteria in the bladder that can cause the infection.
- Maintain good personal hygiene after urinating and menstrual cycle.
When to See a Doctor
If symptoms persist for a while or you do a routine test and an interpretation has been given to you stating the obvious, you can consult with a doctor.
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