As the term implies, urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that concerns any component of the urinary tract. Bacteria does not come from the urine, rather it comes from the bladder or the kidney if bacteria gets inside. The bacteria then multiply which leads to urinary tract infection.
Kinds of UTI
- Cystitis – also known as bladder infection and the most common kind of UTI
- Pyelonephritis – also known as kidney infection – this condition is more severe
These conditions can cause a lot of discomfort to the patients if not taken care of immediately.
In infants, breastfeeding is said to decrease the risk of infection. The germs or bacteria that cause the infection are found in the large intestine and in the stool.
Urinary tract infection is more common in women because their urethra is shorter compared to men. The bacteria travel easily and move up to the bladder. Having sexual intercourse makes it easier for the bacteria to move in the urethra.
Symptoms
Bladder infection:
- Urinating frequently even though there is only a small amount of urine to pass
- Urinating in the evening which is termed nocturia
- Burning sensation felt in the urethra
- Pain or discomfort felt in the suprapubic region
- Blood or pus in the urine
- Mild fever
- Urine smells foul or has a cloudy consistency
- Other cases of urinary tract infection are said to be asymptotic
- Urine has protein
Kidney Infection:
- Typically, vomiting happens
- Pain felt in the side, back and groin area
- Pressure or pain in the abdomen
- Spiking fever and chills accompanied by shaking
- Sweating during the night
- Severe fatigue
Treatment
For at-home remedies, patients can do the following:
- Increase water intake
- Avoid foods that contain too much sugar
- Drink cranberry juice that is unsweetened
- Take in cranberry supplements
- Taking in Vitamin C after the last meal of the day can slow down infection
Prevention
- Increase water intake daily
- The opening of the urethra should be cleaned especially after sexual intercourse
- According to studies, cranberry juice helps prevent the occurrence of some pathogens such as E. coli in the urinary bladder epithelium – also according to the study performed by the Cochrane Collaboration, cranberry juice helps prevent continual infection in women
- Topical estrogen cream application is said to prevent recurring cystitis especially in post-menopausal women
- Acupuncture is said to decrease the amount of urine residue in the bladder
The following preventative measures have not undergone specific studies but claim to be effective:
- Cleaning private areas before and after sexual intercourse
- After sexual intercourse, take in cranberry supplements together with lots of water
- For men engaging in anal sex it is advised to wear condoms to protect them from bacteria that come from the bowels
- Do not resist urinating for long periods of time – if you feel it is time to urinate proceed immediately to the comfort room
- Always practice good hygiene – wash genital areas daily