Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Urinary tract infections are very common health conditions, especially in women, and they’re really annoying and cause many painful symptoms in addition to decreasing the quality of life of the patient.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in a part of the urinary system. The urinary system consists of the kidneys, ureters (the tubes that connect the kidneys with the bladder), bladder, and urethra (the tube that transfers urine from the bladder outside of the body).

UTIs are extremely common, and they affect females more than males, while they occur less in children.

Causes and risk factors leading to urinary tract infections (UTIs)

About 90% of urinary tract infection cases occur due to Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, which are bacteria that are normally found in the large intestines (colon).

Some risk factors that increase the risk of UTIs:

• Being a female because the urethra is close to the anus.
• Using a vaginal diaphragm as a contraceptive.
• Menopause due to the hormonal changes.
• Congenital problems in the urinary system.
• Prolonged use of urinary catheterization.
• Obstruction in the urinary system, such as kidney stones.
• Not practicing good hygiene.

Symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Some cases might not show any symptoms. Some common symptoms are the following:

• Burning and painful urination.
• The urine is cloudy and foul-smelling.
• Persistent need to urinate.
• Frequent urination with small urine amounts.
• Pain in the abdomen, pelvic, pubic area, or lower back.

In kidney inflammation:

• High fever.
• Chills.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Pain in the lower or side back.

In bladder inflammation:

• Pressure in the pelvic.
• Blood in the urine.
• Frequent and painful urination.

In ureter inflammation:

• Burning during urination.
• Discharges.

Complications of urinary tract infections (UTIs)

If UTIs aren’t treated, they can lead to the following complications:

• Permanent damage in the kidney.
• Narrowed urethra in men.
• Pregnancy problems, such as premature birth or low-weight birth.
• Sepsis.

Diagnosis of urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• Urine tests.
• Imaging tests.
• Endoscopy.

Treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Simple cases might be left without treatment. However, most of the cases need treatment, which is specific antibiotics.

Prevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• Practice good hygiene.
• Drink enough water.
• For females, don’t use irritating products.