Urinary Tract Infection
urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system. The urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract the bladder and the urethra.
Women are at greater risk of developing a UTI than are men. If an infection is limited to the bladder, it can be painful and annoying. But serious health problems can result if a UTI spreads to the kidneys.
Health care providers often treat urinary tract infections with antibiotics. You can also take steps to lower the chance of getting a UTI in the first place.
Symptoms:-
1-A strong urge to urinate that doesn’t go away
2-A burning feeling when urinating
3-Urinating often, and passing small amounts of urine
4-Urine that looks cloudy
5-Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-colored signs of blood in the urine
6-Strong-smelling urine
7-Pelvic pain, in women especially in the center of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone
Causes:-
1-Infection of the bladder
2-Infection of the urethra
Risk factors:-
1-Female anatomy:
Women have a shorter urethra than men do. As a result, there’s less distance for bacteria to travel to reach the bladder.
2-Sexual activity:
Being sexually active tends to lead to more UTIs. Having a new sexual partner also increases risk.
3-Certain types of birth control:
Using diaphragms for birth control may increase the risk of UTIs. Using spermicidal agents also can increase risk.
4-Menopause:
5-Urinary tract problems:
Babies born with problems with their urinary tracts may have trouble urinating. Urine can back up in the urethra, which can cause UTIs.
6-Blockages in the urinary tract:
Kidney stones or an enlarged prostate can trap urine in the bladder. As a result, risk of UTIs is higher.
A suppressed immune system. Diabetes and other diseases can impair the immune system — the body’s defense against germs. This can increase the risk of UTIs.
7-Catheter use:
People who can’t urinate on their own often must use a tube, called a catheter, to urinate. Using a catheter increases the risk of UTIs. Catheters may be used by people who are in the hospital. They may also be used by people who have neurological problems that make it difficult to control urination or who are paralyzed.
8-A recent urinary procedure:
Urinary surgery or an exam of your urinary tract that involves medical instruments can both increase the risk of developing a UTI.
Complications:-
1-Repeated infections, which means you have two or more UTIs within six months or three or more within a year. Women are especially prone to having repeated infections.
2-Permanent kidney damage from a kidney infection due to an untreated UTI.
3-Delivering a low birth weight or premature infant when a UTI occurs during pregnancy.
4-A narrowed urethra in men from having repeated infections of the urethra.
5-Sepsis, a potentially life-threatening complication of an infection. This is a risk especially if the infection travels up the urinary tract to the kidneys.
Prevention:-
1-Drink plenty of liquids, especially water
2-Try cranberry juice
3-Wipe from front to back
4-Empty your bladder soon after having sex
5-Avoid potentially irritating feminine products