Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections are common, and affect nearly 8 to 10 million people a year. Often, the symptoms of a urinary tract infection are mild and few seek medical attention. On the other hand, those who experience severe symptoms may require antibiotics. Despite the fact that many ignore doctor visits, urinary tract infections are serious. In the early stages, the infection may be treated with home remedies. If the infection spreads to the kidneys, home remedies are ineffective. Urinary tract infections affect both males and females. However, females are more prone to infections. In fact, it is estimated that 1 in 5 women will develop a urinary tract infection during their lifetime. A large number of these women will experience several or recurring infections.

What is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?

The urinary tract consists of the bladder, kidneys, urethra, and ureters. These four areas work together to filter blood of waste. The waste becomes urine, and urine exits the body through the urethra. A urinary tract infection occurs when one or more of these areas become infected. Infections are caused by bacteria. Menstruating women and those who engage in regular sexual activity have a higher risk of developing a urinary tract infection. In most cases, the infection begins in the lower urinary tract which consists of the urethra and bladder. If the infection is left untreated, it will advance to the kidneys and ureters. There are three types of urinary tract infections.

Cystitis: Bladder infection
Urethritis Urethra infection
Pylenonephritis: Kidney infection

Cystitis and urethritis do not require immediate medical attention. Those who develop these conditions may be able to successfully treat them with home remedies such as cranberry juice, teas, and plenty of water. These liquids help flush or rid the urinary tract of the bacteria causing the infection. However, pylenonephritis is a serious condition that requires immediate treatment. When an infection spreads to the kidneys, there is the risk of kidney failure and possible death.

Causes of Urinary Tract Infections

A number of factors contribute to urinary tract infections. The most common culprits are bacterium that enters the body through the urinary tract. E. coli bacterium accounts for approximately 80% of all urinary tract infections. This bacterium is found in the colon and may exit the body during bowel movements. Remnants of E. coli may be present on the skin near the anus, and enter the body through the urethra. Thus, it is vital for women to clean themselves front to back. Additional bacterium that may cause urinary tract infections includes Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Chlamydia trachomatis, mycoplasma hominis. These are transmitted during sexual intercourse. Other common causes of urinary tract infections include:

Sexual intercourse
Wearing tight pants
Riding a bike
Washing the genital area with scented soaps
Using powder in the genital area
Eating spicy foods
Drinking excessive carbonated beverages and alcohol

Urinary tract infections may occur at any age. Similar to older women, young girls are also prone to have a urinary tract infection. In most cases, these infections are the result of bubble bath soap or shower gels.

Risk Factors

Some people will never experience a urinary tract infection, whereas others may suffer from several infections throughout their life. There are certain factors that result in some women and men being more prone to infections. Individuals who are born with abnormalities in their urinary tract are more susceptible to repeated infections. These individuals likely suffer from kidney stones, cysts, or other kidney disorders. In addition, men with an enlarged prostate run the risk of developing a urinary tract infection. Individuals that require a catheter because of short or long term kidney function problems may receive an infection from bacteria on the tube.

Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection

The symptoms of a urinary tract infection vary. In addition, adults and children may display different symptoms. During a mild case, some individuals shrug off symptoms or are unaware that an infection is present. On occasion, mild infections may clear without the use of prescription medications. However, prolong urinary tract infections may advance and cause symptoms that cannot be ignored. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection in adults include:

Lower back pain
Blood in urine
Cloudy, yellow, or foul smelling urine
Urinating frequently
Pain or burning while urinating

When a urinary tract infection spreads to the kidneys, adults may display the following symptoms:

Chills
Fever
Nausea or vomiting
Severe back pain in the kidney area

Detecting a urinary tract infection in babies and children is difficult. Typical signs of an infection in children include:

Diarrhea
Unexplained crying
Loss of appetite
Frequent urination
Foul smelling urine
Blood in urine
Fever

Babies and children with several of these symptoms should be examined by a physician. Of course, other less serious conditions may cause similar symptoms. However, kidney infections have caused deaths in young children. Kidneys are a vital organ. It’s better to be safe, than sorry.

Diagnosing Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections are simple to diagnose. Prior to prescribing antibiotics to clear an infection, physicians will need to confirm whether a urinary tract infection is the root of symptoms. Patients will be required to provide their doctor with a urine sample. In the doctor’s office, a urine sample is given in a sterile container and sent to a laboratory for testing. Some physicians immediately test the urine while the patient waits. If bacteria are present in the urine sample, this will appear on the urinalysis. Those who suffer from multiple urinary tract infects may undergo further testing such as an ultrasound or X-ray. These imaging tests are designed to allow doctors to view the bladder, urethra, kidneys, and so forth. This will help determine the root of recurring infections.

Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections

Several treatments are available for urinary tract infections. Those who visit their physician are generally prescribed antibiotics to fight the infection. On average, an infection clears up within 1 to 10 days. Many antibiotics are available to treat infections. Once the bacterium causing the infection is identified, doctors will determine the most effective drug. Mild urinary tract infections may be treated with home remedies. Home treatments include:

Drinking plenty of water to flush bacteria out of urinary tract
Urinate frequently
Avoiding sexual intercourse
Drinking plenty of cranberry juice
Taking ibuprofen for pain or inflammation

The following are ways to prevent a urinary tract infection:

Drink plenty of fluids
Urinate frequently
Cleanse genital area with mild soap
Urinate after intercourse
Wear cotton underwear, and loose pants
Avoid excessive alcohol, sodas, and coffee
Regularly drink cranberry juice or tea.