Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis

A urinary tract infection is one of the most common of all patient complaints. It is an infection could occur in any part of the urinary system. The Urinary system is composed of a pair of kidney and ureter, bladder as well as the urethra. Generally, most of the infections in the urinary tract are caused by bacteria or some kind of fungi and in rare cases; it is because of some of the viruses. Sometimes smoking contributes to cancer of the bladder, cervix, colon, esophagus, lung, kidney and pancreas etc.

As you evaluate the ratio of infection among women and men than it is more common in women as compared to men. The Urinary system itself classified into two parts – upper and lower urinary system. And in women, the lower part of the urinary system is more exposed than men that’s why the chances of infection increase in more as compared to men. However, an infection limited to bladder could be painful and annoying but a serious consequence can be required if a UTI spreads to your kidney.

Urinary Tract Infection Causes

Sometimes infection limited upto lower tract- bladder and urethra but UTI can involve the upper tract- ureter and kidney. According to WHO (World Health Organization), upper tract infection is rarer than the lower tract. But the infection in the upper tract is more severe than in the lower one. As we are already aware from the fact that our lower body part is more open to the infection than the upper ones, so there is increased chance of bacterial entry from the urethra and once it enters it starts to build colonies in the bladder. Although our urinary systems set a defense mechanism against foreign invaders sometimes it fails to recognize them. When it happens, bacteria take the advantage and get itself attached against the wall of the bladder and which leads to the growth of the infection in the urinary tract.

There are so many factors responsible for the UTI infection along with bacteria, so let’s discuss it one-by-one.

  1. E. Coil is a type of bacteria found in our gastrointestinal tract, so there is a chance of transfer of bacteria from GI tract to the bladder through urethra because of the short distance from the anus to the urethra.
  2. Sometimes STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) also can cause urethritis.
  3. Other than E. Coil, Herpes virus, Mycoplasma, Gonorrhea as well as chlamydia can be a reason for the urinary tract infection.
  4. Frequently, an occurred kidney stone also contributes.
  5. Uncontrolled Diabetes is the major causes of UTI infection in a diabetic patient.
  6. During pregnancy increased uterus size over bladder can block the micturition from the bladder can cause urinary tract infection.
  7. Pees in open places sometimes cause urethritis.
  8. Genetic disorder leads to developed abnormal or shorter urethra it is another reason for UTIs.
  9. Decreased level of estrogen also changes the internal environment of vaginal bacteria also increase the risk of the UTIs.
  10. Due to higher abdominal pressure than usual result into a decrease the amount of bladder emptying also can cause the urinary infection.

Common or Concerning Symptoms

  • Burning sensation at the time micturition
  • The Reddish color of Urine
  • Odure Urine
  • Foggy and Cloudy urine
  • Pain around clitoris in women
  • Increased the amount of urination
  • Frequently urge of urination
  • Lower abdominal pain

Associated Symptoms

Untreated LTIs (lower tract urinary infection) spreads to the kidney, from where a bacterium enters in the blood vessels anyhow start to build their colony in blood. As bacteria start to destroy blood cell make our immune system weaker.

  • Fever and Chills
  • Feeling tired
  • Pain in lower back and abdomen
  • Tiny particles in urine
  • Nausea and vomiting

Diagnosis

Those who had the symptoms similar to UTIs but no ensure to say its UTIs.You may go to the doctor and tell about all the symptoms of UTIs. However, confirmation by the doctor is very important before starting treatment.

So here, is the name of test and procedure to evaluate a Urinary tract infection

Urinalysis: In this procedure, test expert take your urine sample to check pus, blood, glucose and other particles in your urine.

Urine Culture: It is the laboratory procedure used to identify bacterial strain in the urine sample by growing the colonies on a specific culture medium.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): It uses powerful magnetic fields and radiofrequency to produce a 3D image of the internal urinary tract and other body structure to identify the abnormalities in it.

CT (Computed Tomography): It generates X-rays to identify abnormalities inside the urinary tract system.

Cystoscopy: It is the most advanced technology used to detect urinary tract infection. In this technique, a long flexible rod with viewing device inserted into your urinary bladder through the urethra to get a close view of the bladder to identify a microscopic level of urinary tract infection.

Also Read: Cure Kidney Disease Naturally

Prevention

Prevention is the better than cure” while urinary tract infection is more type of infection usually out of 10 every 2-3 or maybe more than this number suffering from this infection. There are many things you can do it yourself to decrease the risk of the infection. We will discuss methods step-by-step to stay away from the infection. We can control the things at a lower level but not at a higher level.

  1. Always try to clean your urethral part to avoid the entry of harmful bacteria into your urinary tract.
  2. Whenever you have the urge to urinate than just do it. Never try to hold urine inside your bladder.
  3. Drinking plenty of water – 8 glasses per day are the best way to treat your kidney and it also removes the toxic substance from your body. Keeps you healthy and active.
  4. Urinating after sex is helpful to clear the urinary tract.
  5. Using protection before Sex is the must to prevent unwanted infection from each other.
  6. After cleaning the anus by a hand shower, wiping from the front to back by a sterilized wipe help to avoid the transfer of E.coil bacteria from the anus to the vagina.
  7. Use comfortable and light loose cotton underwear to reduce infection.
  8. Wash your underwear with warm water.
  9. Once a day cleans your genitals with antibacterial serum.
  10. If you are feeling any of the above symptoms than immediately contact your doctor.

Amit Sharma

Amit Sharma is a Yoga Teacher with a Master's degree in Yoga Therapy from the S-VYASA University. With 7 years of teaching experience, Amit is dedicated to helping individuals achieve physical and mental well-being through the practice of yoga and Ayurveda.

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