Tuesday, March 12, 2024

What Is The Symptoms For Urinary Tract Infection

Must read

Natural Treatments For Urinary Tract Infection

What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

There are also natural remedies for UTIs that you can try at home, but it is best to check with your doctor first. These remedies should be used in conjunction with medications and not as a replacement.

Remedies such as cranberry juice or cranberries do not treat UTIs, but they can help your body clear infection faster. A chemical in cranberries can also prevent future UTIs by preventing certain bacterial types from attaching to the lining of your bladder.

Other home remedies you can try include:

Staying hydrated because water dilutes urine and speeds up its journey through the body

Use probiotics, specifically lactobacilli. These have been found to prevent harmful bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract.

Get enough vitamin C, which reacts with the nitrate in urine to form nitrogen oxide. This is known to kill bacteria.

When Should I Call My Healthcare Provider

  • Fever.
  • Back pain.
  • Vomiting.

If you have any of these symptoms, or your other symptoms continue after treatment, call your healthcare provider. A UTI can spread throughout your urinary tract and into other parts of your body. However, treatment is very effective and can quickly relieve your symptoms.

For Those Who Experience Frequent Utis Managing Risk Factors May Help With Prevention

In some people, urinary tract infections come back again and again. Women, especially, are likely to have recurrent UTIs. While recurrences usually develop within three months of the original infection, having more than two within six months is technically considered a recurrence.

Besides precautions and at-home strategies to help prevent UTIs, sometimes antibiotics are used as a preventive measure for those with frequent UTI recurrences.

Managing risk factors by maintaining good hygiene, such as wiping from front to back for women and avoiding spermicides can lower your likelihood of repeat UTIs.

Recommended Reading: Urinary Tract Infection Urinating After Sexual Intercourse

Does Cranberry Juice Prevent A Urinary Tract Infection

Many people say that cranberry juice can help treat, or even prevent, a UTI. Researchers are currently looking into the topic, but havent found a definitive answer yet. Healthcare providers recommend drinking lots of fluids if you have, or have a history of getting, a UTI. Adding a glass of unsweetened cranberry juice to your diet isnt a proven way to prevent a UTI, but it typically wont hurt you either.

Types Of Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary Tract Infections: Symptoms and Complications

Urinary tract infections can occur anywhere within the urinary tract, which includes the:

  • Urethra, the tube that passes urine out of the body from the bladder. Infection of the urethra is also known as urethritis
  • Bladder, the organ that collects and stores urine. Infection of the bladder is also known as cystitis
  • Ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder
  • Kidneys, the organs that filter blood, eliminating waste via the urine. Infection of one or both kidneys is also known as pyelonephritis

The majority of UTIs affect the bladder and/or the urethra. These are known as lower urinary tract infections.

However, the infection can also travel up the urinary tract to reach the kidneys. In rare cases, the ureters may also become infected. These are called upper urinary tract infections. They are less common than lower tract infections and tend to be more severe.

Recommended Reading: What Is Best Treatment For Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary Tract Infections Can Also Occur In Men Many Of Us May Suffer From Uti Many Of Us Have Diabetes Such As Burning Sensation While Urinating Difficulty Urinating Urinary Tract Infection Frequent Urination Etc This Uti Urinary Tract Infection Problem Is More Common In Women

Frequent urination

In a stressful life, many people suffer from various problems. Most of the time we ignore the problem of urination. Many of us suffer from urinary tract infections, burning sensation while urinating, frequent urination, urinary retention, severe pain while urinating, swelling of the urinary tract but all these problems are not due to infection. It is important to know this.

Why do urinary tract infections occur in men?

UTI is a urinary tract infection. This is a common problem in women due to their anatomy but urinary tract infections can also occur in men.

Causes of urinary tract infections in men?

There are several possible causes for urinary tract infections in men, such as diabetes is a risk factor. STI is a sexually transmitted infection that can be a major cause. Sometimes there are surgical causes as well.

Some tests may also be done if a UTI infection is suspected.

  • Such as benign prostatic hyperplasia with advancing age,Structure urethra ,Kidney disease. All of these factors can also lead to urinary tract infections.

There are several possible causes for urinary tract infections in men.

Symptoms: Frequent urination, burning sensation while urinating, burning sensation after urination, urinary incontinence, stopping, etc.

Check:

If you feel that you are experiencing symptoms of UTI, then we can do some tests. This test complements the diagnosis of a urinary tract infection, such as daily urine tests, urine culture, and ultrasound. Etc ..

Urinary Tract Infection : What Foods To Eat And What To Avoid

According to a recent study by the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, urinary tract infections are closely linked to the food you consume. Namely, the molecules that are created during digestion along with your urine acidity significantly affect the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract.

When it comes to urinary infections, the most important thing is to drink large amounts of fluids so as to flush colonies of E. coli, the major cause of urethra infections. Drinking herbal teas and natural juices, especially cranberry and blueberry juice, is highly recommended in such cases. Cranberries and blueberries contain substances that inhibit the binding of bacteria to bladder tissue. Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice regularly helps lower the risk of UTIs.

However, increasing your fluid intake is not enough. Actually, your diet matters as well because certain foods can only worsen the symptoms. Such foods are coffee and chocolate, whose ingredients irritate the inflamed tissue.

Unlike coffee and chocolate, theres a wide array of foods that are extremely beneficial for relieving urinary tract infection.

Below, theres a list of foods to be avoided, as well as foods to stick to when dealing with UTI.

Don’t Miss: Urinary Tract Infection In Pregnancy

How Is A Uti Diagnosed In A Child

The healthcare provider will ask about your childs symptoms and health history. The provider will give your child a physical exam. Your child may also have tests, such as:

  • Urine testing. This is also known as urinalysis. Your childs urine is sent to a lab to check for red blood cells, white blood cells, bacteria, protein, and signs of infection. The urine will also be sent for a culture and sensitivity. This is done to figure out what type of bacteria is causing the infection and what medicine is best to treat the infection.
  • Kidney ultrasound. This is a painless imaging test. It uses sound waves and a computer to make images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs. It can show internal organs as they function and can assess blood flow through vessels. A boy with a UTI or a girl younger than age 5 or 6 may need this test.
  • Voiding cystourethrogram . This is a type of X-ray of the urinary tract. A thin, flexible tube is put in the tube that drains urine from the bladder to the outside of the body . The bladder is filled with a liquid dye. X-ray images are taken as the bladder fills and empties. The images will show if there is any reverse flow of urine into the ureters and kidneys.

Im Pregnant How Will A Uti Affect My Baby

What are the symptoms of a urinary tract infection?

If you have a UTI and it isnt treated, it may lead to a kidney infection. Kidney infections may cause early labor. Fortunately, asymptomatic bacteriuria and bladder infections are usually found and treated before the kidneys become infected. If your doctor treats a urinary tract infection early and properly, it wont hurt your baby.

Recommended Reading: Natural Remedies For Urinary Incontinence

Prevention Methods For Women

In addition to the above prevention methods, women can also:

  • Avoid contraceptive methods that contain spermicide
  • Avoid using a diaphragm as a birth control method
  • Avoid the use of feminine products on genital regions, such as deodorant sprays and douches, which have the potential to irritate the urethra
  • Receive vaccination against certain E. coli strains

Uti Tests And Diagnosis

If you suspect that you have a urinary tract infection, go to the doctor. You’ll give a urine sample to test for UTI-causing bacteria.

If you get frequent UTIs and your doctor suspects a problem in your urinary tract, they might take a closer look with an ultrasound, a CT scan, or an MRI scan. They might also use a long, flexible tube called a cystoscope to look inside your urethra and bladder.

Recommended Reading: Women’s Urinary Incontinence Swimwear

How Long Can A Uti Go Untreated

While on vacation, Mashunkasheys fatigue got worse. By the second day, her sneaky symptoms had her frightened enough to visit the emergency room closest to her hotel.

When the doctor told me it was a UTI, I was stunned. I dont believe it, I responded. I dont have any of the symptoms. None whatsoever! Yet there was the proof on my chart, confirmed through a urine test. After my history of UTIs, I felt I was somewhat of an expert. I thought I knew how to recognize them. But this infection completely snuck up on me.

Urinary Tract Infections During Pregnancy: Symptoms Treatment And Common Questions

Symptoms Of Urinary Tract Infection

In addition, as the uterus grows throughout pregnancy, it can put pressure on the bladder, making it more difficult to empty completely.

Pregnancy can also make a UTI more difficult to treat, which can have serious consequences, including pyelonephritis preterm labor low birth weight and .

A urinalysis and a urine culture are routinely performed at an initial prenatal visit to screen for UTIs, but if you’re pregnant and suspect you may have an infection, seek medical attention quickly.

Don’t Miss: Acupuncture Points For Urinary Incontinence

Water Is Your Best Friend

When you first notice burning when you use the restroom, its tempting to reduce your water intake. After all, that will prevent the pain, right?

Wrong.

It seems counter-intuitive, but you need to flush out your system. You should drink plenty of water to help your body remove the E. Coli. Dont overdo it, but drink as much water as possible in those crucial first 24 hours.

How The Diagnosis Is Made

The diagnosis is made through urine examination. Further examinations may be carried out, such as uroculture and antibiotic to know which bacterium involved to decide better antibiotic.

Exams of imaging, such as ultrasonography and magnetic resonance can be requested in case of pielonefrite to identify the possible complications caused by urinary tract infection. These complications can happen when treatment is not started as soon as the symptoms arise, and in case of people with weakened immune system, being a more difficult situation to happen.

Recommended Reading: Mckesson Disposable Urinary Leg Bag

How To Feel Better

If your healthcare professional prescribes you antibiotics:

  • Take antibiotics exactly as your healthcare professional tells you.
  • Do not share your antibiotics with others.
  • Do not save antibiotics for later. Talk to your healthcare professional about safely discarding leftover antibiotics.

Drink plenty of water or other fluids. Your healthcare professional might also recommend medicine to help lessen the pain or discomfort. Talk with your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your antibiotics.

What Are Causes And Risk Factors For A Urinary Tract Infection

What Is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)? AMITA Health

The urine is normally sterile. An infection occurs when bacteria get into the urine and begin to grow. The bacterial infection usually starts at the opening of the urethra where the urine leaves the body and moves upward into the urinary tract.

  • The culprit in at least 90% of uncomplicated infections is a type of bacteria called Escherichia coli, better known as E. coli. These bacteria normally live in the bowel and around the anus.
  • These bacteria can move from the area around the anus to the opening of the urethra. The two most common causes of this are improper wiping and sexual intercourse.
  • Usually, the act of emptying the bladder flushes the bacteria out of the urethra. If there are too many bacteria, urinating may not stop their spread.
  • The bacteria can travel up the urethra to the bladder, where they can grow and cause an infection.
  • The infection can spread further as the bacteria move up from the bladder via the ureters.
  • If they reach the kidney, they can cause a kidney infection , which can become a very serious condition if not treated promptly.

The following people are at increased risk of urinary tract infection:

The following special groups may be at increased risk of urinary tract infection:

Don’t Miss: How To Cure Urinary Retention

What Causes Urinary Tract Infections

UTIs usually happen because bacteria enter the urethra, then make their way up into the bladder and cause an infection. Girls get UTIs much more often than guys, most likely due to differences in the shape and length of the urethra. Girls have shorter urethras than guys, and the opening lies closer to the anus and the vagina, where bacteria are likely to be.

Bacteria can get into the urethra several ways. During sex, for example, bacteria in the vaginal area may be pushed into the urethra and eventually end up in the bladder, where pee provides a good environment for the bacteria to grow. This is why females who are sexually active often get UTIs.

Bacteria may also get into a girl’s bladder if she wipes from back to front after a bowel movement , which can contaminate the urethral opening. The use of spermicides and diaphragms as contraceptives also may increase the risk of UTIs.

Sexually transmitted diseases may cause UTI-like symptoms, such as pain with peeing. This is due to the inflammation and irritation of the urethra or vagina that’s sometimes associated with chlamydia and other STDs. If untreated, STDs can lead to serious long-term problems, including pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. Unlike UTIs, STDs are contagious.

Is It Possible To Have A Uti Without Any Symptoms

Yes. Symptoms of a UTI can vary, and it’s not entirely uncommon for someone to experience no symptoms of a urinary tract infection. Its estimated that 1 to 5 percent of younger women experience asymptomatic bacteriuria , which is a UTI without the classic symptoms. While its unclear why the bacteria involved with urinary tract infections sometimes don’t cause symptoms for these people, we do know that instances of symptom-free UTIs increase with age. Up to 16 percent of women older than 65 have been found to have ASB, and that number grows to almost 20 percent for women over 80. Other factors that increase your chances of an asymptomatic UTI are:

  • Urinary catheter use

You May Like: Bard Urinary Drainage Bag With Anti Reflux Dome

Signs And Symptoms Of Urinary Tract Infections

UTI symptoms can vary, and it’s possible for someone who has a urinary tract infection to experience no symptoms. But for many people, UTI symptoms are uncomfortable and painful. Besides a strong, persistent urge to urinate, common symptoms include:

When a urinary tract infection moves to the kidneys, symptoms such as fever, shaking, chills, and pain in the upper back, side, or groin may occur.

What Is The Prognosis For A Person With A Urinary Tract Infection

Symptoms of urinary tract infection and Treatments

Urinary tract infections typically respond very well to treatment. A UTI can be uncomfortable before you start treatment, but once your healthcare provider identifies the type of bacteria and prescribes the right antibiotic medication, your symptoms should improve quickly. Its important to keep taking your medication for the entire amount of time your healthcare provider prescribed. If you have frequent UTIs or if your symptoms arent improving, your provider may test to see if its an antibiotic-resistant infection. These are more complicated infections to treat and may require intravenous antibiotics or alternative treatments.

Recommended Reading: Urinary Tract Infection Treatment At Home

What Is A Uti

A UTI is an infection of all or part of the urinary tract. Most infections begin in the lower urinary tract, which includes the urethra and bladder . Sometimes these infections travel upward through the ureters to the kidneys .

Common symptoms include pelvic pain, burning with urination, and urgent or frequent need to urinate. Women, men, and children of all ages can get a UTI. But women are at much greater risk. Its estimated that roughly half of all women will have a UTI sometime during their lives. Some 150 million UTIs occur worldwide each year.

Lower Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms

Common symptoms of a lower urinary tract infection include:

  • Frequent and urgent need to urinate
  • Burning or painful sensation while urinating
  • Strong-smelling urine
  • Urine that is bloody and/or cloudy in color
  • Lower abdominal pain

Good to know: Lower urinary tract infections present similar symptoms in both men and women. However, men may also experience rectal pain, while women may experience pelvic pain.

Don’t Miss: How Does A Urinary Tract Infection Feel

Urinary Tract Infections In The Elderly

Because the elderly often do not experience or report obvious symptoms that younger people have, urinary tract infections can be easily overlooked. Confusion, feelings of general discomfort, disorientation, fatigue, weakness, behavior changes, falling, or a new, acute incontinence are reported as common complaints. Because these symptoms are so general, this often results in a delaying treatment, inviting the complication of sepsis to occur.

UTIs can cause a change in behavior in older people and people with dementia. Masquerading as confusion, agitation, or withdrawal, UTI may actually be the cause of behavioral shifts. The person may not be able to communicate how they feel, therefore it is very important to be familiar with the symptoms of UTI and seek medical help to enable appropriate treatment.

It is also important to be aware that any infection could speed up the progression of dementia and so all infections should be quickly identified and treated.

More articles

Popular Articles