UTI stands for “urinary tract infection”. This infection is caused by bacteria that attack the bladder, kidneys, urethra and ureters. UTIs are very common among women. Most UTIs are triggered by bacteria that normally live in the digestive system. In some cases, sexually transmitted bacteria can also cause infection. In men, urinary tract infections can indicate other health problems, such as prostate disease. If you suspect signs of a UTI, please read this article to be sure.
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Part 1 of 3: Recognizing Symptoms
Step 1. Watch out if you feel pain when urinating
Dysuria (a burning sensation when urinating) is one of the first symptoms of a urinary tract infection. Bacteria entering the urinary tract can cause inflammation of the urinary tract, causing pain when you urinate and a burning sensation when urine enters the urethra.
The average adult urinates 4 to 7 times, depending on water intake. If an infection occurs, you may experience pain and a burning sensation every time you urinate
Step 2. Notice if you need to urinate frequently?
When an infection occurs, the affected area is also inflamed and enlarged in size. The bladder is also affected by inflammation. The walls become thicker thereby reducing the storage capacity. The bladder fills up more quickly, which explains why you need to urinate more often.
- UTIs cause the urge to urinate more frequently, even if you have recently done so. Note that the amount of urine excreted is very small, sometimes only a few drops.
- This urge to urinate more often also occurs when you sleep at night, forcing you to wake up.
Step 3. Notice if you have any doubts that the urination is over
After urinating, pay attention to whether you are sure or still doubt that the process is complete. UTI is a bit confusing. You will most likely try to urinate again and only pass a few drops of urine.
Again, because some areas of the urinary tract are inflamed, you will feel the urge to urinate again and again. You may feel this urge again a few seconds after urinating. The sensation may not be very strong, but it can still be felt
Step 4. Check if the urine is bloody or cloudy
Normal urine is usually clear and slightly yellowish and the smell is not too strong. Infected urine will look cloudy and emit a sharp and unpleasant odor. If the urine is red, light pink or brown, this is an indication of blood in the urine, which is one of the common symptoms of a UTI. The main cause is that the inflamed area of the urinary tract also affects the blood vessels in it.
In general, a change in urine color does not always indicate an infection. The food you eat can also affect the color of your urine. Some medications can also cause a change in the color of your urine and could be a sign of other health problems. For example, dark yellow urine is a sign of dehydration. If you notice a change in the color of your urine, consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis
Step 5. Check body temperature
If left untreated, the infection will travel up through the urinary tract and reach the kidneys. The infection will get bigger, causing a fever. In this case, you will need immediate medical assistance.
Fever indicates that a UTI has progressed and is being treated too late. If you recognize the symptoms of a UTI at an early stage, the fever will not occur
Step 6. Notice if you feel pain all over your body?
If you have a UTI, you usually feel pain in your lower abdomen, especially if your bladder is also infected. The bladder is located in the lower part of the abdomen. This pain is caused by inflammation of the bladder as well as the frequency of urination and the urge to force the bladder to excrete urine thereby putting stress and pressure on the organ. Inflammation also makes you feel bloated.
Pain in the lower abdomen is also associated with pelvic pain in women and rectal pain in men. This area is also affected because of its location and the muscle tension that occurs when you urinate repeatedly. This pain is bearable, but quite annoying
Step 7. If the UTI is serious, watch for high fever, fatigue, and nausea
If you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately. A high fever may also be associated with other serious illnesses, especially if accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
Fatigue, which is another symptom, is characterized by feelings of tiredness, exhaustion, drowsiness and stress. This condition weakens your muscles and reduces your mobility, and is also accompanied by headaches and high fever. In the worst cases, fatigue can lead to impaired concentration, mental changes, or confusion
Part 2 of 3: Knowing Causes and Risk Factors
Step 1. Find out how gender affects this condition
Women are more prone to UTIs because of their anatomy. The urethra in women is shorter and located closer to the anal area, making it easier for bacteria to move from the feces into the urinary tract. That said, postmenopausal women and pregnant women have a higher risk. Here's why:
- After menopause, the body does not produce estrogen, which affects the normal bacterial flora in the vagina, which can increase the risk of UTIs.
- In the case of pregnancy, hormonal changes occur which affect the urinary tract causing infection. In addition, the uterus enlarges during pregnancy and puts pressure on the bladder making it difficult to empty it completely. Urine left in the bladder can also be a source of infection.
Step 2. Recognize that sexual activity can be a risk factor
Women who are sexually active are more prone to UTIs. Having sex with a high frequency will increase the risk of urinary tract infections.
- Pressure on the urinary tract during sexual intercourse can move bacteria from the colon to the bladder. Bacteria live in the colon or large intestine. That's why many people say it's important to pee after sex.
- If you have repeated UTIs and sex is suspected to be the main culprit, you can take antibiotics right afterward. Consult a doctor regarding this matter.
Step 3. Know that contraception can also cause UTIs
Some contraceptive methods, such as the use of a diaphragm, can increase the risk of UTIs. Germs and bacteria can stick to the surface of the diaphragm making it easier to access the urinary tract.
Spermicides and condoms can irritate the skin and increase the chances of bacteria entering the bladder. The diaphragm puts pressure on the bladder, making it difficult for you to pass all of the urine
Step 4. Understand that inherited disorders are sometimes the cause of UTIs
Children born with an abnormally shaped urinary tract are prone to infections. Urine cannot flow normally, thus creating an environment that supports the growth of bacteria.
Step 5. Watch for obstruction in the urinary tract
Any obstacle that makes it difficult for you to empty your bladder is a major risk factor that promotes infection. Kidney stones, an enlarged prostate and some forms of cancer can make it difficult for you to urinate freely.
- Kidney stones are actually crystals that form in the kidneys and then travel to the ureters and block the urinary tract making urination difficult and painful as well.
- On the other hand, an enlarged prostate affects the urethra. The position of the prostate and urethra is close to each other so that the enlarged prostate will press on the urethra so that the urine outlet becomes smaller, making it difficult to urinate.
Step 6. Recognize that a low immune system can be the cause of infection
A weakened immune system cannot fight off pathogens. Diabetes or other diseases that affect the immune system can increase the risk of UTIs.
Step 7. Recognize that dehydration can also be a risk factor
If you do not consume enough fluids (about 2 liters per day) will cause the frequency of urination to decrease, increasing the risk of infection. Urine accumulates in the bladder so little that it is not expelled.
Drinking plenty of water is not only recommended in cases of urinary tract infections, but is a smart way to prevent them
Part 3 of 3: Treating Infections
Step 1. Take antibiotics
During a visit to the doctor, he or she will perform a culture test to find out which antibiotic is best for you. The type of infection and its severity will give clues about the most appropriate treatment to treat a UTI. If this problem recurs, tell your doctor. He or she may prescribe antibiotics as a precaution.
- Levofloxacin is an antibiotic commonly prescribed to treat UTIs. The maximum dose is 750 mg per day and must be taken for 5 days.
- Take all the antibiotics given even if you feel better to make sure the infection is completely cured. If the infection recurs, it may be difficult to treat it unless you take the full dose of the prescribed medication.
Step 2. Meet the intake of water for the body
Increasing your fluid intake by drinking lots of water will help you meet your body's water needs (it was mentioned above, didn't it?) High fluid intake will increase urine production and help flush pathogens out of the body.
Drink tea, water and lemonade. You can take it as much as you want, any time of the day. Avoid drinks that contain alcohol, caffeine, and sugar because they will cause the opposite effect and make the body dehydrated
Step 3. Drink cranberry juice
This juice helps prevent recurring infections. Consuming about 50-150 ml of pure cranberry juice will help the body fight disease effectively. This method can also prevent the growth of bacteria by preventing the entry of bacteria into the urinary tract.
Choose cranberry juice with low sugar content. If the juice isn't sweet enough, add an alternative sweetener, such as sucralose or aspartame. Do not consume sugar-free juice as it will become too acidic
Step 4. Use a hot pillow
Heat will increase blood flow and reduce pain and irritation caused by infection. Place a hot pillow on the pelvic area every day. Take care that the heat is not too high and the duration is not more than 15 minutes at a time to prevent burns.
Step 5. Use baking soda
The ingredients needed are teaspoon of baking soda and a glass of water. The baking soda will neutralize the acidity of the urine. Drink this mixture only once a day as it can disturb the intestinal flora.
Step 6. Eat pineapple
This fruit contains bromelain, an enzyme with excellent anti-inflammatory properties. When combined with antibiotics, pineapple can be an effective alternative treatment. Consumption of a cup of pineapple per day will be very beneficial.
Step 7. Seek immediate medical attention if the infection is very serious
In this case the infection has invaded the kidneys so it is more difficult to treat and will worsen. This condition will make the body so weak that you have to be hospitalized for proper treatment.
- Antibiotics will be injected directly into a vein or through an IV because the symptoms do not allow you to swallow the drugs. Intravenous fluids will also be given because the body is dehydrated due to severe vomiting due to a serious infection.
- Complicated infections usually require several weeks of treatment. Once you feel better, you will need to continue antibiotic treatment for 14 days to make sure the infection is completely cured.
Tips
- Mild infections usually require a minimum of 3 days of antibiotic treatment for women and 7-14 days for men.
- Natural remedies are not usually used to treat a UTI, but they can help and relieve discomfort at the initial symptoms of a UTI.
