The urinary system of the body is composed of different organs. These are-

• Kidneys
• Ureter, the two tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder
• Bladder or urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body

When any of these organs in the urinary system gets infected with bacteria, it is called a urinary tract infection (UTI). Most of the bacterial infection occurs in the parts of the urinary tract that are closest to the outside of the body like the bladder.

UTIs can be painful; however, they do not pose a serious problem if treated on time and in the right ways. It is essential to resolve a UTI before it reaches the kidneys and infect them. The infection of kidneys could be fatal and can cause lasting damage.

What causes urinary tract infections?

The most common cause of UTI is the admission of bacteria into the body through the urethra. Bacteria that are normally present in the large intestine and the stool travels to the bladder and kidneys from the anus through the urethra and cause the infection.

The following are some of the major causes of Urinary Tract Infection-

• People with diabetes are more prone to getting UTIs
• Pregnancy
• Sexual activity that pushes the bacteria into the urethra
• Enlarged prostate gland or stones in the kidney that impairs the flow of urine from the bladder
• Bacterial infection in the blood
• Inheritance

Who are more susceptible to Urinary Tracts Infections?

In general, UTIs are more prevalent among women than men. Women get the bladder infections and other UTIs more often because they have shorter urethra and its location is nearer to the anus.

UTIs can also affect children. You should reach out to the doctor as soon as you experience the symptoms of UTIs. In the case of children, immediate treatment is necessary as children, due to low immunity, are at high risk of developing serious kidney problems from UTI.

What are the symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection?

Some of the most common symptoms of UTI are listed below-

• Pain or burning sensation while urinating
• Strong urge to pass the urine without passing much
• Cloudy and foul-smelling urine
• Urine with a pink or red tinge that could be a sign of blood
• Pain in the pelvis or under the ribs
• Fever and chills
• Nausea and vomiting

A person with a kidney infection will have more severe symptoms.

Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections

The physician diagnoses the urinary tract infection by examining the sample of urine. The lab tests will confirm the presence of bacteria that cause the infection. Patients with frequent UTIs are supposed to have some abnormality in the urinary tract. An ultrasound can confirm the same. The doctor may also perform a cystoscope that provides information inside the urethra and bladder.

Antibiotic treatment

Patients with UTIs are subjected to immediate antibiotic treatment to fight the infection. The doctor will prescribe the antibiotics depending upon the age of the patient, the severity of the infection, and the type of bacteria causing it. Other than this, the doctor will also advise some home remedies that will act as a catalyst to get rid of the infection.

In general, the infection of the urinary tract subsides within a few days under the influence of antibiotics. However, completing the entire course is essential to ensure that the infection is gone completely. If a woman is pregnant, it is very important to consult the gynecologist and take immediate treatment to protect the fetus and woman’s health.

Extensive antibiotic treatment is necessary if the infection keeps coming back. In severe cases, intravenous antibiotics injections are also recommended.

Always consult the best physician who can diagnose the problem accurately and give the right treatment. Dr. Sumina Reddy is a renowned gynecologist and infertility expert in Hyderabad. With years of experience and expertise, she can deal with different issues and complications in women. Visit Dr. Sumina Reddy’s Clinic to know more about Urinary Tract Infections and get the best treatment.