Urinary Tract Infection Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, Complications and Treatment | UTI |UTIS
Urinary Tract Infection is a very common disease in adults and pediatric populations as well. Urine infections are more common in women than men. UTI or UTIS are the different nomenclatures of urinary tract infections. The main cause of urinary tract infections is bacterial infections. However, in some cases, UTI can be developed by fungal infections and viral infections too. About 40 % to 45% of women and 10% to 15 % of men have urinary tract infections at some time in their lifetime.
Urine infection affects the entire urinary tract including Urethra, Urinary Bladder, and Kidneys. Firstly, early diagnosis of UTI plays an important role in disease management. Secondly, it reduces the risk of complications. If the urinary tract infection is not treated on time, resulting in kidney failure. Recurrent urine infection can cause Kidney Stones.
Types of Urinary Tract Infection |UTI
UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) can be classified into 3 types, basis on the location and the site of the infection.
Urethritis or Infection in Urethra
If the infection affects only the Urethra and causes inflammation, it’s called urethritis. The urethra is the last part of the urinary tract which helps in passing the urine. Often the infection enters through the urethra into the urinary tract.
Cystitis or Urinary Bladder Infection
When the bacteria or other infection passes into the urinary bladder and affects the urinary bladder, it’s called Cystitis. In other words, cystitis is an infection of the urinary bladder. Cystitis is more common in immuno-compromised populations and it takes a longer time to treat.
Pyelonephritis or Kidney Infection
When bacteria reach kidneys and cause inflammation there, it’s called pyelonephritis. This is the more dangerous condition of urinary tract infection. Kidney infection and pyelonephritis can lead to even kidney damage and kidney failure.
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection | UTIS
Intense burning and pain while urination is the main symptoms of urinary tract infection. Symptoms of urinary tract infection and kidney stones are almost the same. The color of urine becomes cloudy and urine frequency increases. The patient also has mild to moderate fever in case of UTIs.
- Burning urination or burning micturition
- High Fever with chills and rigors
- Pain while urinating (Dysuria)
- Pain in the lower abdomen, flank, and back
- Frequent urination
- Cloudy and yellowish Urine
- Smell in Urine
- Blood in Urine
- Nausea and Vomiting
Causes of Urinary Tract Infection
There are many causes of spreading of urine infection, the main causes of urinary tract infections are listed here:
- Unprotected sexual intercourse
- Diabetic Patients are prone to UTI
- Compromised immune system
- Not keeping cleanliness
- Not drinking enough water as per the requirement of the body
- Pregnancy
- Use of contraceptives
- Overuse of antibiotics
- Uses of Public toilets
- Using someone else’s or undergarments
How does Urinary tract infection Spread?
Most urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria, mainly Escherichia coli. Actually, E. coli bacteria are found in human feces and pass from the anus into the urethra. Because the vagina and anus are very close in women. Therefore, urinary tract infections are more common in women than in men.
Why does Urine Infection happen again and again?
- Not keeping the genital area clean
- Having unprotected sex with multiple partners
- Quitting the prescribed dose of antibiotics, these bacteria develop resistance to a particular antibiotic.
- Drinking less water
- Low immunity
- Not using sanitary pads during mensuration
Prevention of Urine infections | Home remedies for Urinary tract infections
- Drink at least 5 to 6 glasses of water daily
- Drink a glass of water every hour from waking up in the morning till bedtime. This will help get out the infection from the body
- Urinating after intercourse or sex helps prevent the spread of urinary tract infection
- Take care of the cleanliness of the genital area
- Wear clean and washed clothes
- Use fruits like cucumber, melon, and cairn berry
- Eat more green vegetables, green chili, spinach, and salad
What should not eat in urine infection?
- Avoid eating too many sweets
- Do not use foods contains high sugar
- Avoid spicy food
- Avoid alcohol intake
- Stop smoking
- Do not use foods that contain caffeine
Diagnosis | Urine Infection Test Name
A routine urine test is an easy way to diagnose a urinary tract infection. The symptoms of urinary tract infection themselves help in the diagnosis of the disease. Pus cells and RBC are observed in urine routine tests. A urine culture sensitivity test is also done to find out which type of bacteria is causing urinary tract infection. It takes 48 to 72 hours to get the results of the Urine C/S report. This test helps to know which antibiotic is effective against the bacteria and the antibiotics are resistant against the particular antibiotics.
Treatment of Urinary Tract Infection
UTI is caused by bacteria mainly and the ultimate treatment option is the use of appropriate antibiotics. Some other medicines called alkalizers also used to manage the burning sensation. Paracetamol is used for fever and pain. All these medications should be taken after a doctor’s consult only.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Urine Infection
Ayurvedic and Unani medicines are also very helpful in the treatment of urinary tract infections. A combination of allopathic antibiotics and herbal alkalizers/diuretics is very effective. These preparations prevent damage to your kidneys and manage burning sensations. Use following herbal medicines for the treatment of UTI with the doctor’s advice.
- Sharbat-e-Bazoori 10-15 ml once a day in the morning hours
- Tablet Neeri 1 tablet morning and 1 tablet in the evening with water
- Syrup Renalka 10 ml thrice a day with water
When urine becomes more acidic causes a burning sensation. To control the PH value and control the acidic medium of urine, alkalizers are used. The name of urine infection syrup is Alkasol, Neeri, and Renalka.
How many Days does urine infection take to cure?
if the disease is detected and diagnosed at right time then can be treated easily. Rest, it depends on the location and site of the disease.
- Urethritis is generally cured in 3-5 days
- If the infection reaches to urinary bladder then it takes a bit longer around 7-15 days
- If the infection goes up further to kidneys and causes pyelonephritis. It takes too long to get this cured which can range even months or more.
