How to prevent Urinary Tract Infection?
What is urinary tract infection?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that occurs in any part of the urinary tract, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. UTIs are most commonly caused by bacteria, but they can also be caused by fungi or viruses. UTIs are more common in women than in men, and they can occur at any age.
Symptoms of a UTI may include a strong, persistent urge to urinate, a burning sensation when urinating, cloudy or bloody urine, discomfort or pressure in the lower abdomen and nausea. In some cases, a UTI may cause no symptoms at all. If left untreated, a UTI can lead to more serious complications, such as kidney infection or sepsis.
UTIs are typically treated with antibiotics. It is important to finish the entire course of antibiotics to ensure that the infection is completely cleared. Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water and cranberry juice, can also help flush bacteria out of the urinary tract and speed up recovery.
A lot of elderly patients get admitted to the hospital on a daily basis with UTIs. They come with altered mental status or confusion.
Some patients have UTIs and Brain Stroke together when they get admitted to the hospital. It is known that infections, such as UTIs, can cause inflammation in the body. This inflammation can affect blood vessels and increase the risk of blood clots, which can lead to a stroke. UTIs may also cause changes in the body’s immune system, which can increase the risk of stroke.
Lot of these patients with UTI have Acute Kidney Failure or Injury. Most of the times, the kidney function improves with intravenous fluids.
UTI is one of the most common conditions that make patients get admitted to the hospital.
There are several things you can do to help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs):
- Drink plenty of fluids: Staying hydrated can help flush bacteria out of your urinary system. Aim to drink at least six to eight glasses of water per day.
- Urinate when you feel the urge: Holding in your urine for too long can allow bacteria to grow, increasing your risk of a UTI. Try to empty your bladder as soon as you feel the need to go.
- Wipe from front to back: This can help prevent bacteria from your anus from spreading to your urethra.
- Empty your bladder after sexual intercourse: This can help flush any bacteria that may have entered your urinary tract during sex.
- Avoid using scented hygiene products: These products can irritate your urinary tract and increase your risk of a UTI.
- Wear cotton underwear: Cotton underwear is more breathable and less likely to trap moisture and bacteria.
- Avoid tight clothing: Tight clothing can restrict circulation and trap bacteria, increasing your risk of a UTI.
- Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands before and after using the toilet, and clean your genital area daily.
By following these tips, you can help reduce your risk of developing a UTI. If you are experiencing frequent UTIs or have other urinary symptoms, it is important to see a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
A simple urine test called Urinalysis can detect the presence of UTI.
Antibiotics that can be used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs): The specific type of antibiotic and the duration of treatment will depend on the severity of the infection and the type of bacteria causing it. Some common antibiotics used to treat UTIs include:
- Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra)
- Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Macrobid)
- Cephalexin (Keflex)
- Amoxicillin/clavulanate (Augmentin)
- Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
- Levofloxacin (Levaquin)
It is important to take the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed by your healthcare provider, even if your symptoms go away. Stopping treatment too soon can allow bacteria to survive and potentially lead to a recurrent infection. Most of the times, 3 days of antibiotic treatment is enough. But sometimes, patients may need up to 10 days especially if it involves kidneys [Pyelonephritis]. Sometimes, patients develop UTI from a drug resistant organism, and they may need longer duration of treatment including via intravenous route.
If you have a UTI and are pregnant, have a kidney infection, or have a weakened immune system, your healthcare provider may recommend a different type of antibiotic. It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and to finish the entire course of treatment to ensure that the infection is completely cleared.
