A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that affects any part of the
urinary tract e.g. Cystitis (bladder infection), Pyelonephritis (infection of renal pelvis)
and Urethritis (infection of urethra). Women are at greater risk of developing UTI
than men are. Infection limited to your bladder can be painful and annoying.
CAUSES:
(i) Bacterial causes like Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus saprophytic, Proteus mirabilius,Klebsiella, Mycoplasma, Enterococcus,Pseudomonas and Serratia.
(ii) Fungal causes like Candida Albicans and Coccidioides.
(iii) In addition, threadworms, flukes & other parasites as well as viruses such as HSV-2
have been identified as common causes of UTI
(iv)Pathogens such as Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum Neisseria gonorrhea are
the common causes of Urethritis.
RISK FACTORS:
- Cathetarization- Obstruction in the flow of the urine due to renal stone, enlarged prostate, narrowed
urethra or use of diaphragm for birth control.
- Menopause in Females
- Decreased fluid intake
- Pregnency
- Sexual Intercourse esp. with multiple partners.
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Atonic Bladder
SYMPTOMS:
- Pelvic pain in Females- Rectal pain in males - A burning sensation when urinating
- Passing frequent, small amounts of urine.
- A strong, persistent urge to urinate.
- Urine appears cloudy.
- Strong smelling urine
- If Urine that appears red, is a sign of blood in the urine
TYPES OF UTI:
(i) Urethritis: Most of the cases of urethritis without cystitis are sexually transmitted.
The infection & inflammation is limited to the urethra.
Symptoms are: - Urinary Urgency or frequency may be present or absent.
- Suprapubic tenderness
- Nausea & Vomiting
- Pain in flank region
- Fever with chills
(ii) Cystitis: This type of UTI results from irritation of the lower urinary tract mucosa.
Symptoms are: - Dysuria
- Urgency
- Increased frequency of urine
- Suprapubic Tenderness
- Pelvic discomfort esp. before & after urination.
- Cloudy urine & Hematuria
(iii) Pyelonephritis: This is ascending type of urinary tract infection that has reached to the (pyelum) pelvis of the Kidney.
Symptoms are: - Abdominal distension
- Tachycardia
- Nausea & Vomiting
- High Grade fever
PREVENTION:
- Drink Planty of water- Do not delay urination when it is necessary
- Empty your bladder soon after intercouse.
- Wipe from front to back to prevent the bacteria around the anus from entering in the
vagina or urethra.
- Wear cotton undergarments, avoid tight trousers.
- Cleanse the genital area before sexual intercourse.
