Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

 

 

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in the part of urinary system which may include kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. Commonly, UTI occurs in the lower urinary tract involving bladder and the urethra. Women are more affected by UTI than men. It becomes a painful condition and patients get distressed while passing urine.

The infection of the urinary tract is contagious and can pass on easily to other parts of the urinary system. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further progress of infection and complications.

 

 

1. Urethra is frequently exposed to infectious organisms due to its anatomy. Either through bowel (intestinal microbes) from anus to urethra or sexual contact these organisms enter in urethra.

2. Escherichia coli (E. coli), is a common causative organism.

3. Other causative organisms include Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Klebsiella, proteus, and pseudomonas bacteria.

Common risk factors are:

1. Gender: Women are commonly affected

2. Stasis of urine: When urine is not voided frequently and remains in urinary passage for long time then the infectious organisms can multiply and lead to infection.

3. Diabetes mellitus

4. Sexual transmitted disease (STDs)

5. UTIs

6. Sexual activity

7. Certain contraceptive measures

8. Postmenopausal women

9. Immune suppressed conditions

 

 

Common symptoms include:

1. Strong and continual urge to pass urine

2. Burning pain while passing urine

3. Passing frequent, small amounts of urine

4. Fever with or without chills

5. Nausea with or without vomiting

6. Blood in the urine -- present as red, pink, or cola colored urine

7. Strong-smelling, cloudy urine

8. Pain in upper back and flank region

9. Pelvic pain, especially in women

 

 

1. Urine examination to check for white blood cells, red blood cells, and bacterial growth

2. Urine culture to detect bacteria in culture grown and provide specific treatment

3. Urogram -- x-ray of urinary system to detect presence of renal stones

4. USG or CT scan of abdomen and pelvis to detect any abnormality in urinary system

5. Cystoscopy in case of recurrent UTI to view urethra and bladder for any suspected abnormality

 

 

1. Medication includes antibiotics such as amoxicillin, nitrofurantoin, ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, etc.

2. Maintain hygiene

3. Hormone replacement therapy with estrogen supplements in case of menopausal women can reduce episodes of UTI.

4. Drink plenty of liquids especially water to flush urinary tract

5. Empty bladder by passing urine after intercourse

6. After urinating or passing bowel, especially women should wipe the region from front to back to prevent entry of infectious microbes back into urethra.

7. Avoid feminine products such as douches and powders, in the genital area that can irritate the urethra.

 

 

1. Recurrent infections, especially in case of women

2. Permanent kidney damage from an acute or chronic untreated UTI, especially in young children