10 things to know about urinary tract infections: Causes, symptoms, treatment and more
Urinary tract infections affect the bladder, urethra, or kidneys and may be symptomatic or asymptomatic. Most are caused by gram-negative bacilli, especially E. coli. Infection spreads through various routes, commonly ascending.
Urinary system problems Urinary tract infections can affect the bladder, urethra and the kidneys. They are associated with the multiplication of pathogens in the urinary tract, which become identifiable in the midstream sample of urine. This condition may show symptoms in some, while others may remain asymptomatic.(Image: Canva)
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What is asymptomatic bacteriuria? Asymptomatic bacteriuria refers to a condition where the number of pathogens in the urine increase to high levels, but the affected person does not show any classical symptoms of a urinary infection. It is commonly seen in women who are pregnant, and it does not necessarily need any treatment.(Image: Canva)
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Symptomatic UTIs involve inflammation Symptomatic urinary tract infections include inflammation of organs like the urethra, bladder, prostate or kidney. They often required medical intervention and present with signs and symptoms of inflammation and infection. Antimicrobial therapy is usually advised.(Image: Canva)
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Gram-negative bacilli cause Most of the urinary tract infections are caused by gram-negative bacilli. These bacteria are normally present in the intestinal tract. However, in the bladder, they have the tendency to cause an infection. The common pathogens include Escherichia coli, which is the cause for about 80% of the cases.(Image: Canva)
Proteus and klebsiella infections Others include Proteus and Klebseilla, and in people whose immunity is reduced due to other factors, viral infection of the urinary tract is also seen. Cytomegalovirus and polyoma virus are the common viruses implicated in such cases. Some fungi may also be the cause for UTIs.(Image: Canva)
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Multiple infection routes exist There are multiple ways in which bacteria may reach the urinary tract of a person. These pathogens may travel through the bloodstream or the lymphatics to infect the tract. However, in some cases, infection by direct extension is also seen, as in case of a vesicocolic fistula.(Image: Canva)
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Ascending infection is a common route Ascending infection has been found to be one of the most common routes of infection to the kidneys. It is also a type of endogenous infection, as the organism responsible for causing the infection is from the person’s own fecal flora. The bacteria go from the urethra till the kidney and result in an infection.(Image: Canva)
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Women are more susceptible reasons Women are more susceptible to developing urinalysis tract infections. This is due to reasons like the presence of a shorter urethra (approximately four centimetres) and the absence of prostatic fluid (present in males), which provides antibacterial action.(Image: Canva)
List of common clinical symptoms The affected person may experience symptoms like fever with chills and rigors, increased frequency of micturition and painful voiding of urine. There may also be an urgency for urinating and strangury (an intense desire to pass more urine once the bkadder has been emptied).(Image: Canva)
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High fluid intake is recommended A high fluid intake is recommended when a person has a urinary tract infection, as the rate of urine flow must be high. Completely emptying the bladder is also recommended at a two to three hour interval. Cranberry juice is also advised, as it may inhibit the attaching of the pathogens to the epithelium of the bladder. This aids in preventing recurrence.(Image: Canva) Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis
Rajeshwaari Kalla is a freelance health and wellness writer
