Facts About Urinary Tract Infection
July 1, 2009
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection, which affects almost every one of us some or the other time. This is very common type of infection seen in both children and adults, especially women. Women have the tendency to develop UTI very frequently and this can sometimes become dangerous too.
The urine is normally sterile i.e. it is usually free of bacteria, viruses and fungi. It contains some salts, waste products and fluids. An infection is said to occur if some pathogenic organisms from the digestive track flow into the urine and reach the urethra and start multiplying there. This infection can infect the bladder, ureters and kidneys, if not treated on time.
You can take some precautions to avoid UTI such as drinking plenty of water everyday and never stopping or holding the urine if felt the need to do so. Always wash the genital area properly and wipe off from front to back, always clean the area after intercourse and avoid using deodorants or perfumes in the genital areas.
Pregnant women develop urinary tract infections very frequently and in such cases the infection can go up to the kidney. It occurs due to the change in the position of the urinary tract. So, undergoing regular medical check-ups do help to avoid them.
The people who are diabetic are at higher risk of having UTI, as there is change in the immune system of the person. Also, people having any kidney problem that affects the flow of urine and males with enlarged prostrate gland are at higher risk of acquiring it.
Symptoms
The people affected with UTI have frequent urge of urinating but the urine is passed in small quantities, pain the pelvic area, tiredness and fever with chills when the infection reaches the kidney.
Children can also develop UTI. They can have fever, can be irritable, do not eat properly and may have loose bowels.
Treatment
Doctors confirm UTI by testing the sample of urine. If confirmed, the doctors prescribe some drugs. Along with medications, remember to drink plenty of fluids so that you urinate more and bacteria developed in the urinary tract flow away in the urine. UTI get treated within a day or two.
UTI can be very harmful if not treated at time. You should see the doctor if any of the symptoms develop. It can even damage the kidneys if left untreated.
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