Urology
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a type of infection that can affect any part of your urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. Early recognition and prompt consultation with your doctor can lead to complete cure with appropriate treatment.
Urologists often treat urinary tract infections with oral or IV antibiotics with hospital admission and under observation depending on severity and associated symptoms.
UTIs develop when bacteria enter your urinary tract through the urethra, typically due to various causes, and then multiply, leading to the onset of symptoms.
The most common risk factors for developing UTI s are -:
Females/Women - Women have a shorter urethra (4 cm) than men(15 cm). As a result, there is less distance for bacteria to travel to reach the bladder and this is one the main reasons for females having more urinary tract infections than men.
Sexual activity - Being sexually active without proper protection tends to lead to more UTIs. Having more sexual partners also increases risk of UTIs.
Certain contraception(Birth Control) methods - Using diaphragms or spermicidal agents for birth control may increase the risk of UTIs.
Menopause - Menopause causes a decline in estrogen and leading to changes in the urinary tract. These changes in hormone levels can increase the risk of UTIs.
Other less common risk factors for UTIs include:
Blockages in the urinary tract - Kidney stones or an enlarged prostate can block the urinary flow and as a result, risk of UTIs is higher.
Immunosuppression - Diabetes can impair the immune system and can increase the risk of developoing UTIs.
Prolonged Urinary Catheter use - People who cannot urinate on their own often must use a urinary catheter and is mostly common in Neurological patients (stroke/ paralysed patients) and bed ridden patients who cannot walk on their own. These patients are more prone for catheter related infections.
You may experience all or any of the below mentioned symptoms to be alerted as an UTI and to meet your urologist for early and effective treatment to avoid complications -
If you are having any of the above mentioned symptoms , your urologist may recommend the following tests for knowing the cause of infection and treating effectively with medications.
Complete Urine Examination - The Mid stream urine sample will be analysed in the lab to check for pus cells, white blood cells, red blood cells or bacteria.
Urine Culture and Sensitivity - Lab analysis of the urine is usually followed by a urine culture. This test tells us which bacterial species is causing the infection. It will let you know which medications will be most effective against the bacteria growing in your urinary tract.
Radiology tests - Recurrent UTIs may be caused by a structural problem in the urinary tract. Your urologist may advice an ultrasound, a CT scan or MRI to look for the recurrent cause .
Cystoscopy (Diagnostic) - If you have recurrent UTIs (2-3 UTI s in a year), your doctor (Urologist) may perform a cystourethroscopy under local anaesthesia. The test involves using a long, thin scope, called a cystoscope, to see inside the urethra and bladder and rule out any causes in the urinary tract passage causing UTIs.
Antibiotics usually are the first treatment of choice for any urinary tract infections. Based on Your health condition and the type of bacteria found in your urine the urologist will determine which medicine(Antibiotic) will be used and how long you need to take it.
Medicines commonly used for simple UTIs include- (Only on Doctors advice)-
UTI symptoms usually clear up within a few days of starting medical treatment. But you may need to continue antibiotics for a week or more based on urologists advice.
If you have frequent UTIs, your urologist may recommend-
For a severe UTI, you may need IV antibiotics under urologists supervision by getting admitted in the hospital.
UTIs can be painful and inconvenient, but with prompt treatment and preventive measures, they can be effectively managed. Recognizing the symptoms, seeking timely medical attention, and following preventive practices are key to maintaining urinary tract health. If you experience symptoms of a UTI, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
The urinary tract makes and stores urine, one of the body’s liquid waste products. The urinary tract includes the following parts:
Kidneys: These small organs are located on back of your body, just above the hips. They are the filters of your body — removing waste and water from your blood. This waste becomes urine.
Ureters: The ureters are thin tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to your bladder.
Bladder: A sac-like container, the bladder stores your urine before it leaves the body.
Urethra: This tube carries the urine from your bladder to the outside of the body.
Urinary tract infections are very common, occurring in 1 out of 5 women sometime in their lifetime. Though UTIs are common in women, they can also happen to men, older adults and children. One to 2% of children develop urinary tract infections. Each year, 8 million to 10 million visits to doctors are for urinary tract infections.
A urinary tract infection is a more general type of infection. There are many parts of your urinary tract. A UTI is a term for an infection that takes place throughout the urinary tract. A bladder infection, also called cystitis, is a specific infection. In this infection, bacteria makes its way into the bladder and causes inflammation.
Not all urinary tract infections become bladder infections. Preventing the spread of the infection is one of the most important reasons to treat a UTI quickly when you have symptoms. The infection can spread not only to the bladder, but also into your kidneys, which is a more complicated type of infection than a UTI.
A urinary tract infection can be easily treated with antibiotics. However, if it isn’t treated or if you stop the medication early, this type of infection can lead to a more serious infection, like a kidney infection.
Many people say that cranberry juice can help treat, or even prevent, a UTI. Researchers are currently looking into the topic, but haven’t 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 isn’t a proven way to prevent a UTI, but it typically won’t hurt you either.
Call your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection. If you have been diagnosed with a UTI and your symptoms are getting worse, call your healthcare provider. You may need a different treatment. Watch out for these symptoms in particular:
You can usually prevent a urinary tract infection (UTI) with lifestyle changes. These tips can include:
Urinary tract infections are very common, occurring in 1 out of 5 women sometime in their lifetime. Though UTIs are common in women, they can also happen to men, older adults and children. One to 2% of children develop urinary tract infections. Each year, 8 million to 10 million visits to doctors are for urinary tract infections
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