Urinary Tract Infection – General Information
Urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria enter and multiply in the urinary system, i.e., the urethra, bladder, ureters and kidneys.
When bacteria are present only in the bladder, the condition is called cystitis. But if they pass into the upper urinary system, such as the ureters and kidneys, the condition is known as pyelonephritis, which is much more serious than uncomplicated cystitis.
Symptoms of urinary tract infection
The symptoms of a urinary tract infection are burning sensation during urination, frequent urination, hematuria and fever. Women often go to the toilet but pass a small amount of urine. Hematuria is a more serious symptom, which may be a sign of another disease of the urinary system. Fever is the symptom that will confirm that this is a more serious urinary tract infection (pyelonephritis) and not an uncomplicated cystitis as a rise of the body temperature means that the bacteria have passed into the bloodstream.
Why did a urinary tract infection occur?
Women’s urinary tract is more susceptible to urinary tract infections than men’s urinary tract. This is because the urethra in a woman is shorter in length hence the germs can reach the bladder more easily. Also, the urethra is closer to the anal area than in men. Poor hygiene after the toilet and the transfer of germs from the anus to the bladder, is one of the causes for the appearance of urinary tract infection.
You have an increased chance of developing a urinary tract infection:
- if you do not drink a lot of water,
- if you do not urinate regularly or if you have urinary retention (i.e. when the bladder is not empty of urine).
If you experience more than 2-3 urinary tract infections per year, then you should undergo a complete urogynecological examination.
After a clinical examination, the specialist will recommend tests to identify the causes of urinary tract infections. In most cases, no problem can be recognized and a simple precaution that will be recommended is enough to treat relapses.
Pelvic organ prolapse, the vaginal atrophy, which occurs in menopause and some anatomical and functional abnormalities of the urinary tract, may be responsible for frequent urinary tract infections.
Urinary Tract Treatment – How is it treated?
When you first experience symptoms during urination, it is advisable to drink plenty of fluids to help flush bacteria out of the bladder through urination.
If the discomfort persists, then you should see a specialist. It is advisable to have a urine test to identify the bacteria and the appropriate antibiotic.
Treatment for a urinary tract infection lasts a few days (usually 3-5 days of proper antibiotics if it is a simple cystitis) or at least 2 weeks (in cases of more severe urinary tract infections) and should not be stopped before it is complete.
Treatment for a urinary tract infection lasts a few days (usually 3-5 days of proper antibiotics if it is a simple cystitis) or at least 2 weeks (in cases of more severe urinary tract infections) and should not be stopped before it is complete.
Antibiotics for urinary tract infection
The E. Coli is the most common bacterium that leads to a urinary tract infection. It is a microorganism that is very easy to eradicate.
The bacteria may infect the kidneys if the urinary tract infection is not treated. In this case the infection presents with high fever, chills and pain that looks like back pain. The patient then needs to take strong antibiotics, which may require hospitalization.
Prevention : the best treatment for urinary tract infections
Women must follow strict hygiene practices after each toilet visit and during menstruation. When wiping, make movements from front to back and not the other way around because this will prevent the transfer of germs from the anus to the urethra.
It is advised to urinate after sexual intercourse to expel any microorganisms from the bladder. You should not postpone the visit to the toilet.
Urinary retention is one of the most common causes of urinary tract infections.
Drink plenty of water daily (at least 8 glasses) to empty your bladder regularly. This way, you will prevent the germs from multiplying in the bladder. Atrophy and vaginal dryness during menopause are among the most important factors for urinary tract infection. Specialist treatment is necessary to avoid recurrences.
Most cases of recurrent urinary tract infections can be treated with appropriate preventive treatment, which includes special probiotics and herbal extracts.
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