Urinary tract infections(UTI) are quite common and most women are exposed to them once in their lifetime. Can you be at risk? What are the signs and how to deal with the same is what we wish to share with you.
UTI (Urinary Tract Infections) – What is it?
UTIs or urinary tract infections are mostly bacterial infections but can be caused by viruses or fungi in any part of the urinary system which includes the kidneys, bladder, or urethra. They are very common in women and can occur in men as well.
The risk factors associated with UTI:
- Older age is more likely to get infected.
- If you have kidney stones
- A previous history of UTI
- Urinary tract obstructions like enlarged prostate
- Prolonged use of urinary catheters, make it easier for bacteria to get into the bladder
- Diabetic
- Being Pregnant increases the risk due to hormonal changes
- Abnormally developed urinary structures since birth
- Weak immune system
Causes of UTI:
- Infection of the bladder(cystitis):- Caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), a type of bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Other bacteria are involved too. Women are more prone to it because of the short distance between the anus and the urethral opening.
- Infection of the urethra (urethritis):- Can be due to STI (sexually transmitted infection) such as herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and mycoplasma.
How do you know that you have UTI?
Common signs and symptoms:-
- Pain or a burning sensation when urinating.
- Blood or mucus-like discharge in the urine.
- Frequent urination.
- Pain, pressure, or tenderness in the bladder.
- Back pain, chills, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
- Pelvic pain is usually found in women
- Rectal pain is usually found in men
- Urine has a strong odor
A common symptom associated when different parts of the urinary tract are affected:-
- Cystitis(Infection of the bladder): Frequent urination, pain during frequent urination, lower belly pain, and cloudy or bloody urine are symptoms of cystitis.
- Pyelonephritis(Infection of the Kidneys): Fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and pain in your upper back or both sides.
- Urethritis(Infection of the Urethra): discharge and burning during urination.
Diagnosis:-
Most UTIs go away with a general treatment but some chronic cases need a proper examination:
- Urine culture
- Ultrasound
- CT scan
- MRI scan
- Cystoscopy
Ways to Prevent:
- Staying hydrated can keep the infection at bay
- Practicing good personal hygiene is the best way to prevent any infection
- Avoiding certain foods can help relieve the symptoms.
What to eat if you have UTI?
- Water:- Water is very important to keep your urinary system healthy. It prevents as well as treats UTIs by flushing out toxins and bacteria.
- Berries:- Cranberries, blueberries, and raspberries may help in the prevention of a UTI. They contain certain compounds that help prevent the disease-causing bacteria from attaching to the host’s cells, preventing the infection.
- Probiotic-rich foods:- Yogurt, curd, and fermented foods like pickles and sauerkraut are rich in good bacteria, which help to fight the bad bacteria in the gut and the body. Consuming probiotic bacteria can help in the effective prevention and treatment of a UTI.
- High-fiber foods:- Foods that are high in fiber can help remove harmful bacteria from your body. They help in maintaining proper bowel movements, which can help relieve pressure from the bladder.
What Foods To Avoid in UTI?
Certain foods and beverages can irritate your bladder and aggravate UTI symptoms.
Avoid these until the infection is gone:
- Caffeinated drinks
- Spicy food
- Acidic Fruits
- Soda and alcohol (beer, wine, and liquor)
- Artificially sweetened beverages
- Sugary foods
Treatment:-
Acute UTI can be treated with home remedies and preventive techniques but chronic UTI needs:-
- Dose of an antibiotic to prevent recurrence of bacterial infection of the urinary tract.
- The dose of an antibiotic after sex can be a preventive measure for UTI
- Antibiotics are to be continued for a while till symptoms completely regress.
- A non-antibiotic prophylaxis treatment can be taken as a preventive measure.
Being aware is your best self-defense against any infection.