ABOUT THE DISEASE
The urinary tract is a system in the body for removing waste and excess water. It consists of the kidneys, the ureters, the bladder and the urethra. The kidneys filter the blood and remove waste and surplus water to form urine, which then travels down the ureters and is stored in the bladder until it is ready to be passed through the urethra (urination).
Women are more likely to develop UTIs than men, due to anatomical differences; the urethra is shorter in women than in men, and it is closer to the anus, making it more likely that bacteria are transferred to the bladder.
It can involve any part of urinary system but is most commonly seen in lower urinary tract, i.e Urethritis (infection of urethra) or Cystitis (infection of urinary bladder). Some UTIs may be severe enough, particularly the upper urinary tract infections, to lead to chronic or permanent damage to kidneys or cause septicemia.
SYMPTOMS
- • Strong and frequent urge to urinate
- • Cloudy, bloody or strong smelling urine
- • Pain or burning sensation when urinating
- • Nausea and vomiting
- • Muscle aches and abdominal pains.
- • Pelvic pain
- • Fever
CAUSES
Most common bacteria identified is Escherichia coli.
Risk factors include:
• Sexual intercourse
• Diabetes
• Poor personal hygiene
• Having a urinary catheter
• Bowel incontinence
• Kidney stones
• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Procedures involving the urinary tract
• Suppressed immune system
DIAGNOSIS
- Urine Routine examination
- Urine culture
- CT Scan/MRI
- Cystoscopy
TREATMENT METHODS
Antibiotics are the first line of treatment for urinary tract infections. These include Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, Nitrofurantoin, Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Cephalexin, Ceftriaxone, Azithromycin, Doxycycline, etc. depending on the causative organism identified.
You may also like to learn about:
Calculus urinary
Cystitis
Urinary incontinence
Pyelonephritis
Bladder diseases
Diabetes mellitus