Understanding UTIs – Knowing Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention Methods
Understanding UTIs – Knowing Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention Methods | Photo credit: Representative image
Highlights
- UTIs are caused by a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection of the urinary tract
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are more common in women than in men
- Understanding urinary tract infections can help fight them better
New Delhi: People are often unaware of certain conditions until they experience them. Urinary tract infection, also known as bladder infection and urinary tract infection, is one of the most common urinary tract infections. UTIs are usually caused by bacteria, but fungi and viruses can also be a factor affecting them. A urinary tract infection can occur in the upper or lower tract. The location also defines the severity of the infection, and upper tract infections can be life threatening.
Urinary Tract Infections – Symptoms and Risks
Common symptoms of urinary tract infections are:
- Pelvic pain (women)
- Frequent urination
- Burning sensation during urination
- Blood in the urine
- Rectal pain (men)
- Foul odor during urination
- Fever
- Nausea
- Chills
- Vomiting
Now that we know the symptoms, let’s understand who is at risk. Women are at greater risk than men because of a shorter urethra. Menopause is also a contributing factor to the risk. Use of diaphragms, sexual activity, underlying urinary tract conditions, and a weakened immune system can also put a person at risk for a UTI. People with diabetes, a history of UTIs, kidney stones, age, and pregnancy are also at risk for UTI.
Urinary Tract Infections – Diagnosis and Treatment
If you have any symptoms, be sure to see a health care expert immediately. Diagnosis of urinary tract infections is usually done by cystoscopy, computed tomography, MRI, and analysis of urine samples. Treatment methods can include medication and lifestyle and diet changes.
Tips for preventing urinary tract infections
Here are some ways to prevent urinary tract infections:
- Take care of your body and watch for signs and symptoms. Any discomfort, however slight, should not be ignored.
- Maintain a balanced diet and make sure you drink 6 to 8 glasses of water per day.
- Consult a health care practitioner regarding problems if you suffer from frequent problems with urinary tract infections.
- Don’t hold your urine for too long and don’t pee after sex.
- Maintain good personal hygiene. If you are a woman, avoid using feminine products that might irritate you.
Disclaimer: The tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or dietitian before starting a fitness program or making any changes to your diet.