Symptoms, causes of urinary tract infections (UTIs), home remedies to prevent this painful condition

Symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTI): Some of the common and most frequently noted symptoms of a UTI include painful urination, tenderness above the bladder area, urgency, and frequent urination (Image: Canva)

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common and often painful infection that affects the urinary system. This includes the bladder, urethra, ureters, and kidneys. Most UTIs involve the bladder and urethra, which are part of the lower urinary tract. Women are at higher risk due to their shorter urethra, making it easier for bacteria to travel to the bladder. Postmenopausal women are particularly vulnerable due to changes in vaginal and urethral tissue.

Some of the common and most frequently noted symptoms of a UTI include painful urination, tenderness above the bladder area, urgency, and frequent urination. To prevent UTIs, it's essential to follow some simple yet effective tips:

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to keep bladder tissue hydrated and healthy. Aim for at least 1.5 litres of fluid daily to prevent infections, suggested gynaecologist Manisha Raja.

Empty your bladder regularly: Ensure you're emptying your bladder often, as this prevents urine from sitting in the bladder for extended periods, creating a favourable environment for bacteria growth.

Urinate after sex: Peeing soon after intercourse helps remove bacteria that might have entered the urethra during sex, reducing the risk of infection.

Wipe front to back: Proper hygiene is crucial and the first step to avoid UTI is by wiping from front to back after using the bathroom to prevent the spread of bacteria from the rectum to the urethra. This is one of the most important step to stay away from any kind of infection, says Raja.

Limit irritants: Avoid using scented products like douches, powders, and sprays, as these can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina and increase the risk of UTIs.

Consider probiotics: Probiotics promote the growth of good bacteria in the urinary tract and may help protect against UTIs. Incorporate probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt and kefir into your diet, or take probiotic supplements.

Increase Vitamin C intake: Vitamin C may help prevent UTIs by increasing urine acidity, which can inhibit bacterial growth. Include vitamin C-rich foods in your diet or consider supplements.

In addition to these tips, some home remedies may help manage UTIs:

Cranberry: Cranberries contain compounds called proanthocyanidins (PACs) that may prevent bacteria, particularly E. coli, from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract. These PACs interfere with the bacteria's ability to latch onto the bladder and urinary tract lining, making it easier for the body to flush out the bacteria through urine.

Garlic: Garlic is known  for its potent antibacterial properties, primarily attributed to allicin, a compound released when garlic is crushed. Allicin exhibits strong antimicrobial effects, particularly against Gram-negative bacteria like E. coli, a common cause of UTIs. Beyond its direct antimicrobial action, garlic's broad-spectrum activity extends to various pathogens, including fungi and viruses. This makes it a versatile natural remedy for combating UTI-causing bacteria.

D-Mannose: D-Mannose is a simple sugar closely related to glucose, found naturally in fruits like cranberries. It has garnered attention for its potential in preventing UTIs by interfering with bacterial adhesion to the urinary tract. When consumed, D-Mannose is filtered by the kidneys and excreted in the urine.

While these remedies can be helpful, it's essential to see a doctor if you suspect a UTI. Symptoms like a strong urge to urinate, burning sensation, cloudy or smelly urine, or pelvic pain should prompt a visit to the doctor for diagnosis and treatment.