| By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency MedicineA urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection along any part of our urinary system. It can be limited to the tract where urine flows through, but can also include our bladder and kidneys. It is a very common medical condition and affects females more than males. If left untreated, a UTI can develop complications some of which can be life-threatening.SYMPTOMSUrinary tract infections don’t always cause signs and symptoms, but when they do they may include:· A strong,Cheap NFL Jerseys China, persistent urge to urinate· A burning sensation when urinating· Passing frequent, small amounts of urine· Urine that appears cloudy· Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-coloured – a sign of blood in the urine· Strong-smelling urine· Pelvic pain,Cheap Soccer Jerseys For Sale, in women – especially in the centre of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone· Complicated symptoms occur when the UTI becomes complex and may include vomiting,Cheap NFL jerseys China, nausea, fever, back and flank pains and chills.WHO’S MORE AT RISK?· Women. Urinary tract infections are common in women because of their anatomy and many women experience more than one infection during their lifetimes.· Urinary tract abnormalities. Babies born with urinary tract abnormalities that don’t allow urine to leave the body normally or cause urine to back up in the urethra have an increased risk of UTIs.· Blockages in the urinary tract. Kidney stones or an enlarged prostate can trap urine in the bladder and increase the risk of UTIs.· A suppressed immune system. Diabetes and other diseases that impair the immune system – the body’s defence against germs – can increase the risk of UTIs.· Catheter use. People who can’t urinate on their own and use a tube (catheter) to urinate have an increased risk of UTIs.· A recent urinary procedure. Urinary surgery or an exam of your urinary tract that involves medical instruments can both increase your risk of developing a urinary tract infection.COMPLICATIONS OF UTI· Recurrent infections,Wholesale NHL Jerseys, especially in women who experience three or more UTIs.· Permanent kidney damage from an acute or chronic kidney infection (pyelonephritis) due to an untreated UTI.· Increased risk in pregnant women of delivering low birth weight or premature infants.· Urethral narrowing (stricture) in men who have recurrent UTIs· Sepsis, a potentially life-threatening complication of an infection,Cheap NFL Gear, especially if the infection works its way up your urinary tract to your kidneys.LIFESTYLE AND HOME REMEDIESUrinary tract infections can be painful, but you can take steps to ease your discomfort until antibiotics treat the infection. Follow these tips:· Drink plenty of water. Drinking water helps dilute your urine and ensures that you’ll urinate more frequently — allowing bacteria to be flushed from your urinary tract before an infection can begin.· Avoid drinks that may irritate your bladder. Avoid coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks containing citrus juices or caffeine until your infection has cleared. They can irritate your bladder and tend to aggravate your frequent or urgent need to urinate.· Use a heating pad. Apply a warm, but not hot, heating pad to your abdomen to minimize bladder pressure or discomfort.PREVENTIONThe following steps may help to reduce your risk of urinary tract infections:· Drink plenty of liquids, especially water.· Drink cranberry juice. Although studies are not conclusive that cranberry juice prevents UTIs, it is likely not harmful.· Wipe from front to back. Doing so after urinating and after a bowel movement helps prevent bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the vagina and urethra.· Empty your bladder soon after intercourse. Also, drink a full glass of water to help flush bacteria.· Avoid potentially irritating feminine products. Using deodorant sprays or other feminine products, such as douches and powders, in the genital area can irritate the urethra.· Change your birth control method. Diaphragms,Cheap Soccer Jerseys, or unlubricated or spermicide-treated condoms, can all contribute to bacterial growth.The next time you think you have symptoms suggestive of a UTI, do not hesitate to visit your doctor. |
