Urinary Tract Infections
The urinary tract is the body's drainage system to remove waste and excess water. It includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria infect any part of that tract.
Types of Urinary Tract Infection
There are different types of infection, depending on the infected area.
- Bladder infection (cystitis): the most common type. Symptoms include frequent urination, burning when urinating, strong-smelling urine, cloudy or bloody urine, and pain in the lower abdomen.
- Kidney infection (pyelonephritis): This type of infection usually starts in the bladder and rises to the kidneys. Symptoms include frequent and painful urination, urine with traces of blood, dark or foul-smelling, nausea and vomiting, chills, fever and pain in the back, side or groin.
- Urethritis (inflammation of the urethra): Symptoms include frequent and painful urination, itching and urethral discharge.
Complications of Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections are common and treatable, but they can lead to other medical concerns:
- Recurrent urinary tract infections: Those who have suffered from urinary tract infections in the past run the risk of developing them again, especially if they do not change their habits.
- Sepsis: An uncontrolled release of chemicals by the body in an attempt to eliminate an infection, sepsis, can cause organ damage and be life-threatening.
If you suffer from a urinary tract infection or think you may have it, contact your doctor as soon as possible: a late diagnosis and treatment can pose serious health risks.
Risk Factors
Some people are at increased risk of developing urinary tract infections:
- Sexual activity: Sexually active individuals are more at risk due to the potential passage of bacteria during sexual intercourse.
- Diabetes: In case of diabetes, the body is unable to counteract germs, exposing it to a greater risk.
- Blockage in the urinary tract: Kidney stones or an enlarged prostate can trap urine in the bladder and increase risks.
- Age: Older adults and younger children are more at risk.
- Poor hygiene: Children who are being taught to use the bathroom may have difficulty maintaining proper hygiene.
- Lack of fluids: Not drinking enough water reduces urination, which fails to eliminate bacteria from the body.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of urinary tract infections include:
- Pressing need to urinate.
- Burning sensation when urinating.
- Turbid or light red urine.
- Urine with a strong odor.
- Pelvic or rectal pain.
- Fever and nausea.
If you are at high risk and/or experience one or more symptoms, talk to your doctor.
How to Prevent Urinary Tract Infections
- Urinate regularly and when the need arises. Bacteria can proliferate when urine stays in the bladder for too long.
- Drink plenty of water to help expel bacteria from the body.
- Urinate immediately after sexual intercourse to help wash away bacteria.
- Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothing to allow air to keep the urethra dry.
- Wash the skin around the anus and genitals to prevent the proliferation of bacteria.
- Drink cranberry juice or take cranberry supplements.
- Take a shower instead of a bath.
- Limit the amount of powders or sprays used in the genital area.
Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections
Most infections can be treated by a general practitioner. Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics to treat urinary tract infections, and symptoms disappear within a few days or weeks. For more serious infections, you can rely on a urologist (who specializes in urinary disorders) or a nephrologist (who specializes in kidney disorders) for further treatment.