Urinary tract infection

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a microbial infection of any part of the urinary tract. Although it commonly affects the lower organs of the urinary tract such as the bladder and the urethra, it may sometimes reach the kidneys and is very severe. Bacteria are commonly responsible for a UTI, however sometimes, fungi and rarely viruses cause this infection. Let us discuss more about UTI.

Symptoms of UTI:

You may experience the following symptoms if you have UTI:

• The urgency to urinate.

• Cloudy and foul-smelling urine.

• Frequent urge to urinate.

• Passing urine in small amounts.

• Burning sensation while passing urine.

• Pain in the pelvic region, in women.

• Blood in the urine.

• Chills.

• Fever.

• Nausea and vomiting.

Diagnosis of UTI:

If you suspect a UTI talk to your doctor and he/she may recommend the following tests:

• Urine examination: You may collect the urine sample and send it for examination. A higher count of white blood cells and red blood cells in the urine suggest a UTI.

• Urine culture: In a lab, the technicians will grow a culture of your urine sample to find out the exact microbe causing the infection and an appropriate class of antibiotic that can be used against it.

• Imaging: If you have repeated UTIs your doctors might order a computed tomography (CT scan) or a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI scan) to obtain pictures of your urinary tract.

• Cystoscopy: The doctor might use a cystoscope (flexible tube with a lens) to view the bladder and urethra by inserting the cystoscope into your lower tract.

Treatment of UTI:

Typically, UTI is a bacterial infection and the following antibiotics are used commonly:

• Amoxycillin

• Cephalosporins

• Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin)

• Sulfonamides

• Doxycycline

• Quinolones like Ciprofloxacin (Cipro XL)

If you have a fever the doctor might prescribe medicine for fever and pain.

Some important warnings while using antibiotics:

• Take the recommended doses and never leave any pill for the next time.

• Do not share your antibiotic with anybody else.

• Drink plenty of water.

• Talk to your pharmacist to discard the antibiotic if there is any leftover.

Tips to prevent UTI:

• Never hold up your urine, urinate often whenever the bladder seems full.

• Urinate after sexual activity.

• While bathing use showers instead of tubs.

• Do not douche the vaginal area and avoid the use of powders and sprays.

• Avoid tight-fitting jeans or clothes that retain moisture at the genitals as they may promote bacterial growth.

Some people with a previous history of a UTI, kidney stones, diabetes, pregnant women and prolonged use of catheter make them more susceptible to having a UTI. Keep yourself hydrated and clean to avoid UTI.