Urinary Tract Infections
By: Tsou JinyeuTotal Views: 72, Word Count: 978,
Urinary tract infection is very commonly seen adults as well as children. Urinary tract is made up of a number of organs and infection to any of these is called as urinary track infections. There are different names for urinary track infections depending on the location of infection.
- Urinary bladder
- Kidneys
- Ureters ( tube connecting kidney to bladder)
- Urethra ( tube that empties urine from bladder)
Other names: bladder infection- adults, UTI-adults
Cystitis-children, UTI-children
Causes of urinary track infection in women
- Bacterial infection through rectum or vagina
- Sexual intercourse
- Multiple sexual partners
- Frequency of sexual intercourse
- Waiting too long to urinate and weakening the bladder muscles
- Other factors like pregnancy, menopause, urinary infections as a child, diabetes
Causes of urinary track infection in men
- Prostatitis (infection in prostate gland)
- Kidney stone
- Enlarged prostrate
- Infection in urethra
- Cystitis (infection of bladder)
- Pyelonephritis (Infection in kidney)
Causes of urinary track infection in children
- It is caused in children due to enlarged bladder
- Family history of vesicoureteral reflux or kidney disease
- Fever with no clear cause
- Mass growth in the abdomen
- History of UTI
- Structural problem in urinary tract
Symptoms of urinary tract infection
- Blood in the urine
- Fever and chills with shaking
- Cloudy and unclear urine
- Reddened skin
- Foul smell to urine
- Frequent urination with burning sensation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe pain in the belly area
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Pressure in lower pelvis
Tests to detect urinary tract infection
- Urine test to determine white blood cells, red blood cells and nitrates
- Special urine tests ( urine culture, catheterized urine specimen)
Treatment
- A very mild urinary tract infection may heal by itself
- Urinary tract infection Antibiotics are used as there is the risk of spreading the infection
- Urologists may suggest some drugs to relieve the burning sensation, frequent urination and decrease the bacterial count
- For any anatomical problem, your doctor may suggest surgery
- In case of chronic urinary tract infections, you will have to complete a course of antibiotics and other medicines even if acute symptoms go away
Prevention
- Use sanitary pads instead of tampons and frequently change your pad at regular interval
- Avoid feminine hygiene sprays, powders or any harsh perfumed soap
- Maintain hygiene of the genital areas, especially before and after sexual intercourse
- Avoid tight fitting pants
- Use cotton pants, pantyhose and change underclothes regularly
- Drink plenty of fluids (water and fruit juices)
- Avoid giving bubble bath to children
- Keep your child’s genital area clean to prevent any infection through urethra
- While cleaning, wipe from front to back to prevent any infection from rectum to urethra
Urinary tract infections include bladder infection, Cystitis and other infections. This article on urinary tract infection inform you about Causes of urinary track infection, Causes of urinary track infection in women , men, and children along with Symptoms of urinary tract infection and Urinary tract infection Antibiotics
About the Author
Dr. Tsou Jinyeu is a well known gynecologist and has been in this field since 1995. His special interests are – genetic and birth defects, high risk obstetrics, lupus in pregnancy, premature labour, premature delivery, triplets and ultrasound diagnosis. He is graduated from the University Of Illinois College Of Medicine. Nowdays he is working as a medical doctor at Elmhurst Loyola Center for Health
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