Causes and treatment options for urinary tract infections

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that is caused by microbes. Microbes are organisms that are can only be seen using a microscope. Most UTIs develop because of bacteria. However, some UTIs are also caused by fungi and, in rare instances, by viruses.

A UTI can develop anywhere in the urinary tract. The urinary tract comprises of the kidneys, the ureters, the bladder, and the urethra.

Most UTIs only occur in the lower tract, which is made up of the urethra and the bladder. However, UTIs can also occur in the upper tract, which comprises of the ureters and the kidneys. The lower tract UTIs are more common than the upper tract UTIs.

Below is some information about the causes of a UTI, its symptoms, the treatment options and more.

What are the causes and risk factors of UTIs?

Several factors put an individual at a risk of developing a UTI. Some of these factors include:

• Sex – More women than men are affected by UTIs as women’s urethra is shorter than men’s urethra. Thus, the distance that the bacteria need to travel to reach the bladder is also less. Apart from the anatomy, certain types of birth control like diaphragms increase the risk of suffering from a UTI in women. After menopause, the decline in the circulating levels of estrogen leads to changes in the urinary tract, making a postmenopausal woman vulnerable to a UTI.
• Age – Older adults are at a higher risk of suffering from UTI.
• Urinary tract abnormalities – Infants that are born with abnormalities in their urinary tract are at a higher risk of suffering from a UTI. This is because urinary tract abnormalities do not allow urine to leave the body in a normal way or cause the urine to go back up in the urethra.
• Catheter use – Individuals who are unable to urinate by themselves require the use of a tube (catheter) to urinate. This increases their risk of suffering from a UTI.

What are the symptoms of UTIs?
Some of the common signs and symptoms of a UTI are:

• Frequent and a strong urge to urinate.
• A burning sensation while urinating.
• Frequently passing small amounts of urine.
• Blood in the urine.
• Cloudy urine with a pungent odor.
• Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen or the back along with muscle ache.
• Fever and/or chills
• Fatigue.

How to treat UTIs?

• As a UTI is caused by microbes, it is commonly treated with the help of antibiotics or antimicrobials. This is considered the best line of treatment for treating a UTI. The medication and type of treatment depend on the medical history of the patient.
• People diagnosed with UTI are advised to drink plenty of water as this helps in flushing out the bacteria from the system.
• Sometimes, if the pain is unbearable, the doctor might prescribe a painkiller. Additionally, the patients can also apply a heating pad to alleviate the pain.
• As the symptoms of UTI recede after taking medication, a lot of people do not complete the dose. However, this should be avoided as it is important to complete the entire course of antibiotics.
• If the UTI is uncomplicated then it takes up to 2 to 3 days to be completely treated. However, a complicated UTI is an infection that is caused because of other health conditions, such as pregnancy, and it takes anywhere between a week to 14 days for a complete recovery.
• In case of a recurrent UTI, the doctor may prescribe a antibiotic in a lower dose over a extended period of time. Women may be advised to take a single antibiotic after a sexual intercourse. After menopause, opting for vaginal estrogen therapy is considered a effective treatment course for UTI.

How to prevent UTIs?

One can avoid a recurrence of a UTI by following some of the tips given below:

• Frequently empty the bladder, especially, when the urge to urinate arises. While urinating, do not rush and ensure the bladder is completely emptied.
• Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom.
• Keep the body hydrated by drinking lots of water.
• Avoid using feminine hygiene sprays and scented bath products and douches.
• Cleanse the genital area before sex. Urinate after sex to ensure flushing out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra.
• Opt for showers instead of baths.
• Avoid using spermicidal jelly, unlubricated condoms, or diaphragm for birth control.
• Keep the genital area clean and dry by wearing cotton underwear.
• Avoid wearing tight jeans and/or nylon underwear.