Urinary Tract Infection is a kind of infection which is caused by some pathogenic organism like bacteria, fungi, or parasites in kidneys, bladder and urethra. The infection can further be subdivided into groups according to the infected areas concerned such as urethritis (urethral infection), cystitis (bladder infection) and pyelonephritis (kidney infection).
Urinary Tract Infection is more common in women than men. If the infection is not treated in time then it can cause severe damages to the organs and may even lead to death. It may even cause Dysuria, pain while urinating. If it affects the kidneys then all the function of kidney like balancing of electrolytes, removal of waste from the body, will be highly affected and may prove bad results for the person concerned.
Urinary Tract Infection is not a sexually transmitted disease but the sex partners may avoid it until it heals.
Common Cause of UTI:
The most common cause of UTI is Escherichia Coli bacterial strains that stays in colon. Some other harmful bacteria are Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, Proteus, etc. fungi like Candida and Cryptococcus and parasites like Trichomonas and Schistosoma are also responsible for the disease. The infection may lead to Kidney stones, Urethral Strictures and Enlarged Prostrate.
Many researchers are in notion that women are more prone to the infection due to their short urethra and as its exit is close to the anus and vagina, it becomes a good source of entry of pathogens. As the pathogens enter against the flow of urine in the tract, so a painful sensation is felt.
Treatment Of UTI:
Treatment is done on the basis of the condition of the patient and according to the type of pathogen responsible for it. Patients who are very ill usually need IV antibiotics which results in kidney infection like pyelonephritis that spreads in the bloodstream. In other mild cases some oral antibiotic medicines are used.
- Medicines like Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) are used but it is advised not to be taken during pregnancy period.
- Penicillin and cephalosporins are other alternative medicines.
- Products like AZO or Uristat which contain the medicine Phenazopyridine. It helps to relieve pain in the bladder and turns the colour of urine orange-red. It may also convert the colour of tears into orange.
Some prevention can be taken to save you from Urinary Tract Infections which are as follows:
- Frequent intake of fluid which wash out the organism from the tract.
- Emptying of the bladder without delay
- Eating Cranberries and Blueberries. They contain antioxidants that may help the immune system.
- Eating pineapple is good. It contains Bromelan which has anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce UTI.
- Vitamin C increases urine acidity which reduces the bacterial growth.
- Yogurt, Baking Soda, Echinacea, Oregon grape root are also useful
