Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary Tract Infection
A UTI is a frequent bacterial infection of the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Most UTIs are not severe but can become severe if not treated.
Types of UTIs
- Lower UTI (Cystitis – Bladder Infection) – Most common, caused by bacteria entering the bladder.
- Upper UTI (Pyelonephritis – Kidney Infection) – More serious, occurs when bacteria spread to the kidneys.
- Urethritis (Urethra Infection) – Often caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia or gonorrhea.
Common Causes of UTIs
- Bacterial Invasion – E. coli (gut) is responsible for 80-90% of UTIs.
- Sexual Activity – May bring bacteria into the urinary system (“honeymoon cystitis”).
- Poor Hygiene – Back-to-front wiping causes bacteria to spread.
- Holding Urine – Provides bacteria with time to grow in the bladder.
- Menopause – Lower levels of estrogen make the urinary tract lining thinner, raising the risk of infection.
- Catheter Use – May bring bacteria into the urinary system.
- Blockages – Enlarged prostate or kidney stones may retain urine, allowing bacteria to grow.
Unique & Lesser-Known Symptoms
- Confusion (in elderly patients) – Often mistaken for dementia.
- Lower back or flank pain – Suggests kidney infection.
- Strong-smelling or bloody urine – Indicates severe infection.
- Fever & chills – A sign the infection may have spread.
Who’s at Higher Risk?
- Women – Due to shorter urethras, making bacteria reach the bladder faster.
- Diabetics – High sugar in urine encourages bacterial growth.
- Pregnant women – Hormonal changes slow urine flow.
- People with weakened immune systems – Less ability to fight infections.
Natural & Medical Prevention Strategies
Lifestyle & Home Remedies
- Hydrate Well – Flushes out bacteria (aim for 8+ glasses of water daily).
- Cranberry Juice/Pills – May prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder (though evidence is mixed).
- Probiotics – Support healthy gut & urinary bacteria balance.
- Urinate After Sex – Helps to flush out introduced bacteria.
- Avoid Irritants – Reduce caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods that can irritate the bladder.
Medical Prevention
- Low-dose antibiotics (for recurrent UTIs).
- Estrogen therapy (for postmenopausal women).
- D-Mannose supplements – A natural sugar that may block bacteria.
Effective Treatment Options
- Antibiotics (e.g., Nitrofurantoin, Ciprofloxacin, Trimethoprim) – Usually prescribed for 3-7 days.
- Pain Relievers – Phenazopyridine (AZO) helps with burning but doesn’t treat infection.
- IV Antibiotics – Required for severe kidney infections.
When to See a Doctor
- High fever & vomiting
- Severe back/flank pain
- Blood in urine
- Symptoms lasting more than 2 days