Going to the washroom after waking up is the routine for most people, and urinating is undoubtedly an essential task of the day. However, sometimes that urine is painful and causes a burning sensation. This can be due to a prevalent condition known as a urinary tract infection.
Urinary tract infection is caused by tiny microbes that can’t be seen without a microscope. Bacteria usually cause it. However, it can sometimes be caused by fungi and viruses.
Urinary Tract comprises four organs kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most UTIs occur in the bladder and the lower tract. However, they can occur in kidneys and ureters that comprise the upper tract, which can be rare but still severe.
What are the symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections?
Symptoms of the urinary tract infection depend mainly upon the part of the infected urinary tract.
Symptoms of the lower urinary tract are:
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Blood in urine
- Cloudy urine
- The increased urge to urinate
- Rectal pain in men
- Pelvic pain in women
- Strong foul odor in the urine
- Urine that looks like tea or cola
Symptoms of the upper urinary tract are:
UTI in the kidney and passing to blood can be life-threatening and cause low blood pressure, shock, and death.
- Pain in the upper back and the sides
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Chills
- Nausea
Symptoms of urinary tract infection in both men and women are similar. However, men may experience rectal pain, while women may experience pelvic pain in lower urinary tract infections.
What are the risk factors for UTIs?
Urinary Tract infection can be caused by anything that reduces the clearing of the bladder or irritates the urinary tract. The following can put you at an increased risk of having UTIs.
- The prolonged period of bed rest
- Older adults are likely to get UTIs
- Kidney stones
- History of UTIs
- Blockages in the urinary tract caused by kidney stones, enlarged prostates, or certain forms of cancer
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Weakened immune system
- Prolonged use of urinary catheters
- Abnormally developed urinary structures
Most risk factors are shared between men and women. However, an enlarged prostate can increase the risk in men. Whereas wiping in the bathroom from back to front can increase the risk in women.
What are the treatment options available for urinary tract infections?
The treatment options for UTIs depend upon the kind of urinary tract infection. If bacteria cause it, it is treated with antibiotics. If it is caused by a virus, then with antiviral, and if driven by a fungus, then with antifungal medications. The part of the tract decides the form of antibiotic required. Lower tract UTIs are usually treated with oral antibiotics, whereas upper tract UTIs are generally treated with intravenous antibiotics.
The earlier the treatment for UTI is provided, the better, as untreated UTIs can spread and become more severe. It is much easier to treat UTIs in the lower urinary tract than in the upper urinary tract, as it becomes more challenging. This also can spread into the blood, causing sepsis, which is a life-threatening event. If you sense that you have the symptoms of UTI, get it checked by a doctor, as it can save you a lot of trouble in the future.
Urinary Tract infections can be prevented by following specific steps such as drinking 6-8 glasses of water daily, not holding urine for a long duration, and talking to your healthcare provider about difficulty emptying your bladder.
Conclusion
Urinary tract infections are a common problem but can be severe if left untreated or spreads to the upper urinary tract. It can be life-threatening, but the possibility of that happening is generally rare. However, consult your healthcare provider soon if you suspect such symptoms, as discussed above. Bansal hospital Bhopal has the best urology department that provides appropriate diagnoses and treatment to patients. The department is also well-equipped with testing and provides results with credibility at minimum time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can UTIs be cured naturally?
Ans. Although home remedies such as frequently drinking water and cranberry juice can help clear the infection, they can only support antibiotics. If they are left untreated, they can spread quickly.
Q2. How are UTIs tested?
Ans. Doctors usually test the sample of your urine. If WBCs, bacteria, or yeast are found in urine, it can be a potential UTI.