Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary Tract Infection

• An infection anywhere along the urinary tract
• Classified as upper or lower urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Upper UTIs are infections of the kidneys or ureters while lower UTIs are infections of the urethra or bladder

Signs and Symptoms

• A burning pain during urination
• Produces a frequent, urgent need to urinate but pass only a few burning, painful drops
• After urination, the bladder may not feel completely empty, but even straining produces no further flow
• The urine may be cloudy and strong-smelling; maybe signs of bacterial infection
• Lower abdominal pain and tenderness

Causes

• Mostly caused by E.Coli, a bacteria commonly found in the intestines
• Some women may contact the infection from sexual intercourse, which can result in bacteria being pushed into the bladder via the urethra. Then, the bacteria rapidly produce in any stagnant urine left in the bladder

Self care

• Drink lots of water to help flush the infecting bacteria out of the bladder





• Reduced intake of coffee and alcohol may help because these substances seem to act as bladder irritants in some people





• Ensure that the bladder is fully emptied by waiting for 20 seconds after passing urine and then straining to empty the final drops
• After a bowel motion wiping with toilet tissue should be from front to back to minimize transfer of bacteria from the bowel into the vagina and urethra
• Emptying of the bladder 15 minutes after sexual intercourse can help to prevent infection

Medicines

• Potassium and sodium citrate (e.g. Ural) – makes the urine alkaline. Acidic urine produced by bacterial infection is thought to be responsible for the burning pain during urination. If symptoms do not improve within 2 days, patient should consult a doctor




• Antibiotic kills the bacteria in the urinary tract infection. Patient with severe symptoms should consult a doctor for an antibiotic course

Supplements

• Cranberry juice – preventive measure to reduce urinary tract infections because it has an antibacterial effect.




• Probiotic – friendly intestinal bacteria that help to improve our body’s immune system. Boosting the immune system can protect us from an onslaught of disease-causing bacteria, harmful fungi and viruses.