A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection which affects organs of your urinary system. It happens when bacteria gets into your urinary tract - kidneys, bladder or urethra. Women are at a higher risk of getting UTI than men. This is because of the anatomical structures of the urinary system. In women, the urethra opening is close to the anus and also close to the bladder. This makes it easier for bacteria around the anus to enter the urethra and to travel to the bladder.
Let us take a look at how the urinary system works. The role of the urinary tract is to make and store urine. Urine is one of the waste products of your body. Urine is made in the kidneys and travels down the ureters to the bladder. The bladder stores the urine until it is emptied by urinating through the urethra; a tube that connects the bladder to the skin. The opening of the urethra is at the end of the penis in a male and above the vaginal opening in a female.
CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS
Urinary tract infections are mainly caused by bacteria that travel through your urinary tract. Such bacteria include;
⦁ Escherichia Coli
⦁ Klebsiella Pneumoniae
⦁ Proteus Mirabilis
⦁ Enterococcus Faecalis
⦁ Staphylococcus Saprophyticus
When bacteria are able to overcome the defence mechanism in the urinary system, that is when they begin to infect the system.
There are some factors that can increase your risk of getting UTIs, they include;
⦁ Age (older people are more susceptible, this may be due to incomplete emptying of the bladder and a weakened immune system)
⦁ Prolonged use of urinary catheters
⦁ Kidney stones
⦁ A previous UTI
⦁ Sexual activity
⦁ Pregnancy
⦁ Poor hygiene
⦁ Reduced mobility after surgery or prolonged bed rest
⦁ Weakened immune system
⦁ Certain types of birth control, example diaphragms and spermicidal agents.
⦁ Blockage in the urinary tract, example enlarged prostate and certain forms of cancer.
SYMPTOMS
Some common symptoms include;
1. A strong urge to urinate that does not go away.
2. A burning feeling when urinating.
3. Urinating often, and passing small amounts
4. Urine that looks cloudy
5. Signs of blood in the urine
6. Strong- smelling urine
7. Pelvic pain, in women
Urinary tract infections that affect various organs of the urinary system may result in more specific symptoms. They include;
1. Kidneys
⦁ Back or side pain
⦁ High fever
⦁ Shaking and chills
⦁ Nausea
⦁ Vomiting
2. Bladder
⦁ Pelvic pressure
⦁ Lower belly discomfort
⦁ Frequent, painful urination
⦁ Blood in urine
3. Urethra
⦁ Burning with urination
⦁ Discharge
DIAGNOSIS
A doctor will usually diagnose UTI after asking about a person's symptom and testing a urine sample. The urine sample test include;
1. Urinalysis - which examine the urine for red blood cells, white blood cells and bacteria.
2. Urine Culture - This is used to determine the type of bacteria in your urine. This helps to determine the appropriate treatment.
If the infection does not respond to treatment or if you keep getting the infection over and over again, your doctor may use the following tests to examine your urinary tract for disease or injury.
1. Ultrasound - use sound waves to create an image of the internal organs.
2. Cystoscopy - it uses a special instrument fitted with lens and light source (cystoscope) to see inside the bladder from the urethra.
3. CT Scan - A type of X- ray that takes cross sections of the body.
TREATMENT
A healthcare professional can prescribe antibiotics to treat urinary tract infections, regardless of a person's sex. This type of medication and length of treatment will depend on a person's symptoms and medical history. People should always complete the full course of treatment to make sure that the infection is fully clear and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance. UTI symptoms can disappear before the infection has completely gone. Some commonly used antibiotics can include;
⦁ Sulfonamides (Sulfa drugs)
⦁ Amoxicillin
⦁ Cephalosporins
⦁ Sulfamethoxazole
⦁ Doxycycline
⦁ Quinolones (example ciprofloxacin)
PREVENTION
Urinary tract infections can be prevented by following these steps;
1. Drink plenty of liquid especially water - drinking water helps dilute the urine. That leads to urinating more often allowing bacteria to be flushed from the urinary tract before an infection can begin.
2. Empty your bladder soon after having sex - Also drink a full glass of water to help flush bacteria.
3. Wipe from front to back - do this after urinating and after a bowel movement. It helps prevent the spread of bacteria from the anus to the vagina and urethra.
4. Avoid potentially irritating feminine products - using them in the genital area can irritate the urethra. These products include deodorant sprays. douches and powders.
5. Change your birth control method - diaphragm, unlubricated condoms or condoms treated with spermicide can contribute to bacterial growth.
Urinary tract infection is very common but can be prevented if these precautions are strictly followed. Thank you for reading to this far.
REFERENCES
1. James Mcintoch (2023) Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) symptoms, causes and remedies published by Medical News Today
2. Cleveland Clinic - Urinary Tract Infections
3. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (2021) Urinary Tract Infection
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