URINARY TRACT INFECTION CAUSES, 

SYMPTOMS, DIAGNOSIS, AND 

TREATMENT: 

Urinary tract infection

 

An infection of the urinary system is known as a urinary tract infection (UTI). A condition known as urethritis, pyelonephritis, or bladder infection can all result from this sort of illness. (a condition called cystitis).

Normally, bacteria are not present in your urine. Urine is produced when waste materials and extra water are eliminated from your circulation by the kidneys. Urine typically passes through your urinary system uncontaminated. However, bacteria from the outside of the body can enter the urinary system and cause issues including infection and inflammation known as Urinary tract infection (UTI).


Who is susceptible to UTIs (urinary tract infections)?

One in five women will experience a urinary tract infection at some point in their lifetime. UTIs are frequently experienced by women, but men, older people, and children can also get them. Children who get urinary tract infections range from 1 to 2%. Urinary tract infections account for 8 million to 10 million annual visits to doctors.

Urinary tract infections can affect everyone, although women are more likely to have them than males. This is so because females have shorter urethras that are located closer to the anus, where E. coli bacteria are frequently found. Cystitis is also more likely to affect older persons. Insufficient bladder emptying may be the cause of this elevated risk. This may be associated with several medical issues, such as an enlarged prostate or a prolapsed bladder.

 

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS OF UTI:  

Microorganisms, mostly bacteria, that enter the urethra and bladder and produce inflammation and infection are what cause urinary tract infections. Although urethral and bladder infections are the most frequent locations for UTIs, germs can also move up the ureters and infect your kidneys.

E. coli, a bacterium typically found in the intestines, is responsible for more than 90% of instances of cystoscopy infectionbladder infection (cystitis). These risk elements of UTI consist of:

  • Age (UTIs are more common in older persons)
  • Decreased mobility following surgery or extended bed rest
  • Ureteral stones

 Urinary obstructions or blockages from a prior UTI, such as:

  • Increased prostate size
  • Ureteral stones
  • Continuous use of urinary catheters may increase the likelihood that bacteria will enter your bladder and cause some types of cancer.
  • Diabetes Pregnancy
  • Impaired immune system and poorly formed urinary structures from birth

 

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF UTI:

Inflammation of the urinary tract lining is brought on by a urinary tract infection (UTI). The following issues and symptoms could result from the inflammation:

  • You may experience pain in your lower back, pelvis, or flank.
  • Pressure in your pelvis’ lower region.
  • Urine with a cloudy, sour odor.
  • Incontinence of the urine.
  • A lot of urine.
  • Incontinence is urgent.
  • Dysuria, or pain while urinating.
  • Hematuria (blood in the urine).

 

signs and symptoms of UTI

 

Other signs and symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) may include:

  • Your penis hurts.
  • Weariness, or feeling  exhausted.
  • Fever.
  • Chills.
  • Vomiting and nauseous.
  • Confusion or fluctuations in the mind.

 

DIAGNOSIS OF UTI:

To identify a UTI, a doctor may request the following tests:

 

diagnosis of UTI

 

URINALYSIS:

You’ll urinate into a unique cup during this examination. The patient’s healthcare provider will submit the sample to a lab, where specialists will check it for indications of a UTI using a variety of indicators, including nitrites, leukocyte esterase, and white blood cells.

 URINE CULTURE AND SENSITIVITY:

 Your urine will be collected in a special cup, and the lab staff will examine it to grow and identify any bacteria. Urine cultures are crucial because they aid your doctor in selecting the best course of action.  The tests listed below are used to check your urinary system for disease, damage, or urinary tract infection if your infection is resistant to the therapy.

ULTRASOUND:

An imaging examination called an ultrasound enables your doctor to examine your interior organs. There is no discomfort and no need for preparation before an ultrasound of the urinary tract.

CT SCAN FOR COMPUTER TOPOGRAPHY:

An additional imaging test is a CT scan. It is a kind of X-ray that produces 3D images of the interior of your body using cross-sectional photographs of your urinary tract that resemble slices.

CYSTOSCOPY:

Through your urethra, a cystoscope used in a cystoscopy allows you to see within your bladder. A lens and light are located at the end of a slender tool called a cystoscopy.

If you frequently experience urinary tract infections, a doctor may order testing to look for underlying health conditions, like
or an abnormal urinary system., that may contribute to the urinary tract infection

MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT OF UTI:

The best course of action for a urinary tract infection is to visit a doctor. Antibiotics are required to treat a UTI. An antibiotic that effectively combats the bacteria causing your infection will be chosen by your doctor.

 

treatment of UTI

 

To treat UTIs, doctors frequently recommend the following antibiotics:

  • Quinolones include levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin.
  • Nitrofurantoin.
  • Sulfa medicines, such as trimethoprim, are sulfonamides.
  • Amoxicillin.
  • such as cephalexin, are cephalosporins.
  • Doxycycline.
  • Fosfomycin.

If you frequently experience UTIs, your doctor may prescribe low-dose antibiotics for a brief period to stop the infection from returning. Because your body may become resistant to the antibiotic and because you run the risk of contracting other infections, such as C. diff colitis, the doctor may advise using this cautious approach to treat recurring UTIs.

OTHER TREATMENT:

The cranberry juice you may purchase at the grocery store won’t shield you from a UTI. However, vitamin pills that contain cranberry extract may lessen your risk of developing a UTI.

Methenamine Hippurate is another non-antibiotic option that aids in infection prevention if you frequently have UTIs.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES:

Although urinary tract infections can be uncomfortable, you can take measures to lessen pain while waiting for medications to work. the following advice:

Take in a lot of water: Water aids in urine dilution and bacterial removal.

Stay away from beverages that could aggravate your bladder: Till the infection has gone away, stay away from coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks that include citrus juice or caffeine. They may aggravate your bladder and elevate your urogenital urge.

Put in a heated pad: To relieve bladder pressure or discomfort, place a warm, but not hot, heating pad on your abdomen.

 

PREVENTION:

  • Practice good hygiene
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Change your peeing habits
  • Change your birth control
  • Use a water-based lubricant during sex
  • Change your clothing
  • Medication

 

REFERENCES:

Urinary
Tract Infection (UTI): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment (clevelandclinic.org)

Urinary
Tract Infection (UTI): Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment (healthline.com)