Introduction
Symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI) include a burning sensation when urinating, a frequent or intense urge to urinate, and cloudy, dark, or foul-smelling urine. Treatment for a UTI typically involves antibiotics.
Risk Factors of Urinary Tract Infection
Due to physiological variations, women have more UTIs than males. Women’s increasing sexual activity also contributes to UTIs. Due to increased bladder pressure, pregnant women are more likely to have UTIs (Albaramki et al., 2019). Stress weakens the immune system, making bacteria easier to infect. Sexually active persons are more likely to have UTIs because bacteria from the genitourinary tract enter the urine system. Diaphragms, spermicides, and several sexual partners may increase the risk of a UTI.
Diaphragms and spermacides trap bacteria in the vaginal and urinary systems, increasing UTIs. Spermacides can irritate fragile urinary tract tissues, making them susceptible to infection. Minerals and salts form kidney stones (Byron, 2019). These stones may block urine flow, increasing the risk of UTIs owing to bacteria in stagnant urine. Catheterization causes bladder and urethral discomfort, increasing infection risk.
Causes of Urinary Tract Infection
E. coli, Klebsiella, and Proteus are the main causes; these bacteria are harmless in the intestines but may infect the urinary tract lining. Rarely, bacteria may travel up the urinary tract and into the kidneys, causing a more serious infection. Candida-related UTIs are rare. HIV patients and organ transplant recipients are more prone to this infection. Parasitic UTIs are rare but may occur in travelers or those who drink dirty water. Most parasitic UTIs are caused by the African and Middle Eastern worm Schistosoma haematobium. These infections may cause pain, itching, and urine with blood.
Urinary tract infections may arise with a compromised immune system UTI. Bacterial, fungal, and other infections cannot be fought when the immune system is impaired. Wiping from back to front after using the toilet may transfer germs from the rectal area to the urethra, increasing infection risk (Storme et al., 2019). Kidney stones are painful mineral and salt deposits in the urinary system. Kidney stones may cause UTI by limiting urine flow and letting bacteria stay in the urinary system.
Consequences of Urinary Tract Infection
Several urinary tract illnesses cause urinary incontinence, or painful urinating. Painful urination may result from kidney stones, urethritis, bladder infections, or vaginitis. Sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea or chlamydia may also cause it. Urinary tract infections can cause belly pain since they may be caused by the sickness or urinary tract organ inflammation. Pain in the abdomen may be localized or widespread, and its severity may vary. Bloody or cloudy urine is another indicator of a UTI. It means urine contains pathogens, white blood cells, or debris. Urine may also be pink, scarlet, or brown.
A urinary tract infection’s most common adverse effect is urine frequency. As bacteria penetrate the urinary system and cause irritation, frequent urination occurs. Discomfort, burning, and urgency are further symptoms of urinary frequency. Urine odor is another UTI symptom where urinary system bacteria may generate a foul smell in the bladder. Foggy, murky urine may accompany the fishy or foul smell (Wagenlehner et al., 2020). UTI’s most serious result is kidney infection, which occurs when bladder germs reach the kidneys. Fever, chills, lower back pain, nausea, vomiting, and disorientation are kidney infection symptoms. Severe kidney damage and sepsis may result from untreated kidney infections.
Prevention Strategies for Urinary Tract Infection
One of the most effective strategies to avoid urinary tract infections is to drink enough water. Keeping hydrated aids in the removal of germs from your bladder, preventing it from gathering and developing an infection. It is advised to consume at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day or around two liters of fluids.
To limit the risk of infection, it is important to empty your bladder on a regular basis (González de Llano et al., 2020). This includes going to the restroom whenever you have the desire to pee, even if it is inconvenient. Wiping from front to back is essential for avoiding UTIs. While using the restroom, be sure you wipe from front to back since wiping from back to front might allow germs from the anus to enter the urethra and create an infection.
Proper cleanliness is essential in avoiding urinary tract infections. Wash your hands thoroughly and often, particularly after using the restroom. Additionally, after using the toilet, be sure to wipe from front to back. Sex without protection might raise the risk of UTIs. Before engaging in sexual activity, wear a condom to help lower the chance of infection (Lenger et al., 2020). In addition, urinate quickly after intercourse to help wash out any germs that may have been introduced. Deodorant sprays and douches may upset the bacterial balance in the vaginal region, making it easier for germs to enter the urethra and cause illness. To clean the genital region, avoid using deodorant sprays or douches and instead use mild, unscented soaps.
Treatment Modalities of Urinary Tract Infection
Antibiotics kill the microorganisms that cause the illness since they are usually used for many days in pill, liquid, or injectable form. Cranberry juice is a popular natural therapy for urinary tract infections. The juice’s acidity may prevent bladder infections by preventing bacteria from attaching to the bladder walls (Sekido et al., 2020). Cranberry juice reduces UTIs in some people, although the mechanism is uncertain. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria and yeast. As they may help maintain a healthy bacterial balance in the body, they are generally called good bacteria. Probiotics may help prevent harmful germs from causing infections of the urinary tract.
Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to treat many disorders, including urinary tract infections. Horsetail, marshmallow root, uva ursi, dandelion root, and cranberry may cure UTIs. Home urinary tract infection remedies are popular and affordable. To flush bacteria from the urinary system, drink adequate water. Unsweetened cranberry juice may aid in the treatment of UTIs (Wagenlehner et al., 2020). Urinary tract infections that are severe or persistent may necessitate surgery. Ureteroscopy finds and removes obstructions and stones that may cause disease. Cystoscopy involves inserting a tiny tube into the bladder to check for infection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, urinary tract infections are a common yet serious condition that can be prevented and treated in a variety of ways. By understanding the risk factors, causes, and possible consequences of UTIs, individuals can make informed decisions when it comes to their health and take steps to reduce the risk of developing a UTI. Furthermore, when a UTI does occur, individuals should seek prompt medical attention to ensure an effective treatment plan is put in place and any further complications are avoided.
References
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Byron, J. K. (2019). Urinary tract infection. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 49(2), 211–221. Web.
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Lenger, S. M., Bradley, M. S., Thomas, D. A., Bertolet, M. H., Lowder, J. L., & Sutcliffe, S. (2020). D-mannose vs other agents for recurrent urinary tract infection prevention in adult women: A systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 223(2). Web.
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Storme, O., Tirán Saucedo, J., Garcia-Mora, A., Dehesa-Dávila, M., & Naber, K. G. (2019). Risk factors and predisposing conditions for urinary tract infection. Therapeutic Advances in Urology, 11, 175628721881438. Web.
Wagenlehner, F. M., Bjerklund Johansen, T. E., Cai, T., Koves, B., Kranz, J., Pilatz, A., & Tandogdu, Z. (2020). Epidemiology, definition and treatment of complicated urinary tract infections. Nature Reviews Urology, 17(10), 586–600. Web.