Everything Concerning UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections).

May 30, 2021 Uncategorized

Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are an unpleasant but common occurrence. If you have a bladder and urethra, you are susceptible to this painful and inconvenient infection. UTIs can come from a number of sources but are commonly caused by bacteria entering the urethra and finding their way into your bladder. Here I will teach you about how to prevent and treat UTI; as well as how to manage it. This article will also teach you some helpful tips in dealing with a UTI in the long term.

There are many risk factors for urinary tract infections. Women with diabetes appear to have an increased risk of developing UTI symptoms as do women who use intra-vaginal devices like diaphragms or cervical caps. Women who wear absorbent pads or undergarments may also be more prone to UTIs.

If you have experienced recurring UTIs, it is important that you see your healthcare provider as soon as possible. If you have a chronic UTI, your doctor will want to test for allergies and sensitivities in your urinary tract. These allergies can lead to frequent infections and may require that you avoid certain foods.

It is always important to note that a UTI infection is only one of the problems that can be caused by poor hygiene and poor diet. There are other problems that can occur as a result of the UTI infection. If left untreated, other issues such as kidney damage, fertility issues, and bladder issues can result from an untreated UTI. UTIs are also highly contagious and can be – but are not limited to – men or women. People who find themselves in close contact with others like roommates or coworkers may find themselves with a UTI infection much sooner than they think.

UTIs are of different types depending on where they occur

When it occurs in the kidney it is called pyelonephritis.

When it occurs in the bladder it is called Cystitis.

When it occurs in the urethra is called urethritis

Urinary Tract Infection (UTIs)Symptoms.

The symptoms typically include

Pain in the lower back or pelvic area.

A burning sensation while urinating.

The urge to urinate often, cloudy urine.

Increased need for emptying your bladder and a frequent urge to go even when you do not need to go.

You may feel some urgency or strain in your bladder.

You may have trouble urinating and have to push or strain to get things out.

You may have an urgent need to urinate and you might be unable to reach the toilet in time before your bladder starts filling with urine.
You might notice blood mixed in with the urine. You may have an urgent need to urinate and you might be unable to reach the toilet in time before your bladder starts filling with urine.

Causes Of Urinary Tract Infection (UTIs).

A UTI develops when harmful microorganisms enter the urinary tract and cause infection. Bacteria and sometimes fungi are the most common cause of UTIs,

There are also specific risk factors related to UTIs. They include

If you have diabetes or an enlarged prostate, you may also have a higher risk of developing UTI symptoms.

If you are pregnant or have recently given birth, that can increase your risk of developing UTI symptoms as well.

Women with diaphragms or cervical caps are at a higher risk of developing UTIs because these can cause irritation and inflammation in the urethra.

Women who wear panty hose and other types of absorbent undergarments are also at greater risk.

There are also certain foods that can cause an increase in urinary tract infections. These include coffee, shellfish, unpasteurized milk products, nuts, hot peppers and alcohol. Remember that you should never take antibiotics without first consulting your healthcare provider.

Having a urinary catheter.

Kidney stones.

Poor personal hygiene.

Immobility for a long period.

What You Can Do to Prevent UTIs

The best way to prevent a UTI is to drink plenty of fluids. Water helps replace lost fluids by helping the kidneys excrete excess sodium and potassium in the urine. The kidneys also filter out bacteria that can cause an infection, as well as toxins such as ammonia from your waste products. Water also helps reduce acid levels in the urine, which helps prevent the formation of stones and protects the kidneys from damage and infection.

Avoid or reduce the intake of alcohol and caffeine, they can irritate your bladder.

Urinate immediately after sex.

Dont forget to always wipe front back after using the bathroom.

Preventing a UTI can be as simple as not wearing panty-hose when you go to the bathroom. If you wear panty-hose make sure that they are white and smooth, not made of any material that is rough or porous.

If you wear knock-offs watch for signs of a UTI such as frequent trips to the bathroom, blood in the urine or a burning sensation while urinating.

You should also consider switching brands of panty-hose and washing your undergarments more frequently.

You can also try a disposable liner panty-hose to see if they work better for you.

This is especially important if you have diabetes because you are already at risk of developing blood sugar imbalances and will likely need to drink extra amounts of water to keep your blood sugar levels normal.

It is also a good idea to drink cranberry juice. Cranberry juice has been known to help prevent bladder infections in women, reduce the level of bacteria that cause them and inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause bladder infections. Be sure that you do not drink too much cranberry juice, however, because it has an unpleasant taste and it can lead to other health problems.

How To Manage Urinary Tract Infection

When you notice symptoms of UTI visit your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment, do not practice self-medication.

However, antibiotics are the best treatment for a UTI infection. If the infection is mild, you may need to take antibiotics for two weeks to clear it up. If the infection has not cleared within that time frame then you may need to take them longer. Do not forget that if you are pregnant; then your doctor will likely prescribe a type different antibiotics for you.

Normal and safe antibiotics that your doctor is likely to prescribe are amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin (Cipro), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra), or nitrofurantoin (Furadantin). If you do not see results within that time frame but they are otherwise safe for you to take, then ask your pharmacist to recommend an antibiotic that works well in conjunction with others.

If you do have a UTI, then you should get tested to see if you also have an STD. It is not uncommon for one to occur in tandem with the other. Some of the more common infections that coincide with a UTI are gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis.

Prevention is the best approach for men and women. Be sure to use only FDA-approved products for personal hygiene. The average time it takes for an infection to clear is about seven days.