What do you know about urinary system?!

Any infection in the urinary system is called a urinary tract infection (UTI). The kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra make up the urinary system. Most infections happen in the bladder, urethra, and lower parts of the system.

Women are more likely to get UTIs than men. A bladder infection can be painful and uncomfortable. But, if it spreads to the kidneys, it can be very dangerous.

Doctors often use antibiotics to treat UTIs. You can also take steps to lower your risk of getting one.

Signs and symptoms

Not all UTIs show symptoms. If they do, you might notice:

·        A strong urge to urinate that doesn't go away.

·        Pain or burning when you pee.

·        Peeing a lot and only a little at a time.

·        Cloudy or hazy pee.

·        Red, pink, or cola-colored pee, which means there's blood in it.

·        Strong-smelling pee.

·        Pain in the middle of the pelvis or near the pubic bone in women.

UTIs in older people are sometimes ignored or misdiagnosed as other conditions.

Urinary tract infection types:

UTIs can cause different symptoms based on where they occur. The symptoms depend on the part of the urinary system affected.

The affected part of the urinary tract	Signs and symptoms
Kidneys	Chest discomfort or back pain High fever Shaking and chills Nausea Vomiting
Bladder	Pelvic pressure Lower abdominal pain Frequent, painful urination Blood in urine
Urethra	Burning with urination Discharge

 

Causes

UTIs usually happen when bacteria from the urethra get into the bladder. The urinary system is designed to keep bacteria out. But sometimes, bacteria can get in and cause an infection.

Most UTIs affect women and happen in the urethra and bladder.

·         bladder infection: E. coli bacteria are often the cause. E. coli is common in the GI tract. But other bacteria can cause it too. Bladder infections can happen from sex or not. Women are more likely to get them because of their anatomy.

·         Urethral infection: This UTI is caused by bacteria from the anus entering the urethra. Sexually transmitted infections can also cause it. Women's urethras are close to the vagina, making it easy for bacteria to spread.

Risk factors

UTIs are common in women. Many women get them more than once in their lives.

Women's risk factors for UTIs include:

·         Female anatomy: Women's urethras are shorter than men's. This makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder.

·         Sexual activity: Having sex often increases the risk of UTIs. The risk goes up when you have sex with different partners.

·         Some forms of birth control: Using diaphragms or spermicidal drugs can increase the risk of UTIs.

·         Menopause: After menopause, the urinary system changes due to lower estrogen levels. This can make UTIs more likely.

Other risk factors for UTIs include:

·         Urinary tract issues: Newborns with urinary tract problems may find it hard to pee. UTIs can happen when urine backs up in the urethra. Blockages in the urinary tract can also cause urine to get stuck in the bladder, leading to UTIs.

·         A weakened immune system: A weak immune system makes it harder to fight off infections. Conditions like diabetes can weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of UTIs.

·         Use of a catheter: Catheters are used when someone can't pee on their own. However, using a catheter can increase the risk of UTIs.

People in hospitals or with conditions like paralysis might need catheters. This makes UTIs more likely.

·         A recent urinary operation can also raise the risk of UTIs. This includes surgeries and exams that involve instruments in the urinary tract.

Complications

UTIs can lead to serious health issues if not treated properly. Complications include:

·         Recurring infections: Having two or more UTIs in six months or three in a year is common. Women are more likely to experience this.

·         Irreversible kidney damage: Not treating UTIs can cause permanent kidney damage.

·         Low birth weight or premature birth: UTIs during pregnancy can affect the baby's health.

·         Urethral narrowing in men: Recurrent infections can cause narrowing of the urethra.

·         Sepsis: A severe infection that can be life-threatening, especially if it spreads to the kidneys.

Prevention

Here are ways to lower the risk of UTIs:

·         Drink plenty of water: This helps dilute urine and remove bacteria from the urinary tract.

·         Try cranberry juice: Some studies suggest cranberry juice might help prevent UTIs. It's safe to drink.

·         Wipe from front to back: This helps prevent bacteria from moving from the anus to the urethra and vagina.

·         Urinate after sex: Sip water to help remove bacteria from the urinary tract after sex.

·         Avoid irritating feminine products: Products like deodorant powders and sprays can irritate the urethra.

·         Change your birth control method: Some birth control methods, like spermicide-treated condoms, can encourage bacterial growth.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing UTIs involves several tests and procedures:

·         Urine sample analysis: A urine sample is analyzed for white blood cells, red blood cells, and bacteria.

·         Urine culture: This test identifies the bacteria causing the infection. It helps doctors choose the right treatment.

·         Imaging tests: Doctors may use MRI, CT scans, or ultrasound to look for anatomical issues that could cause UTIs.

·         Using a scope to see inside the bladder: Your doctor might do a cystoscopy if you frequently get UTIs. During the exam, an instrument known as a cystoscope—a long, thin tube with a lens—is used to see inside the bladder and urethra. The cystoscope is passed through the bladder and put into the urethra.

Treatment

Urinary tract infections are often treated with antibiotics first. The choice of medication and treatment length depends on your health and the bacteria type.

Straightforward infection

Commonly prescribed medications for mild UTIs include:

·         Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (Bactrim, Bactrim DS).

·         Monurol (fosfomycin).

·         Macrodantin, Macrobid, Furadantin, or nitrofurantoin.

·         Cephalexin.

·         Ceftriaxone.

For mild UTIs, fluoroquinolones are not often recommended. Medications like levofloxacine and ciprofloxacine (Cipro) are in this group. Their risks usually outweigh their benefits for simple UTIs.

If no other treatments work for a complex UTI or kidney infection, a fluoroquinolone might be prescribed.

UTI symptoms usually clear up in a few days after starting treatment. You might need to take antibiotics for a week or more. Always follow the instructions for taking the medication.

Your doctor might suggest a shorter treatment for a simple UTI if you're healthy. This could mean taking an antibiotic for one to three days. The length of treatment depends on your health and symptoms.

They might also recommend a painkiller for the burning sensation when urinating. Pain usually goes away quickly after starting antibiotics.

Repetitive infections

If you often get UTIs, your doctor might suggest:

Antibiotics in low doses. They may be taken for up to six months.

·         Making your own diagnoses and treating your own ailments. Additionally, you'll be expected to communicate with your provider.

·         If a UTI is linked to sexual activity, take a single dose of antibiotic after sex.

·         If you've reached menopause, vaginal estrogen treatment.

·         Severe infection

You might require IV antibiotics in a hospital if you have a serious UTI.

Alternative medicine

Cranberry juice is often consumed as a UTI preventive. There is some evidence to suggest that cranberry products—whether they be juice or tablets—may possess anti-infective qualities. The effectiveness of cranberry juice in preventing UTIs is still being investigated thus, the findings are preliminary.

If you believe that drinking cranberry juice helps you avoid UTIs, there's little danger in doing so, but be mindful of the calories. It's safe for most people to consume Cranberry juice. Some do, however, report experiencing diarrhea or unsettled stomachs.

However, if you're using blood thinners like warfarin (Jantovin), avoid consuming cranberry juice.