Urinary tract infections (UTIs) infect the urinary tract, including the kidney, ureter, urinary bladder, and urethra. The most common infection occurs in the lower urinary tract_ the bladder and the urethra. UTIs are a common infection when bacteria from the skin or rectum enter the urinary system.
Women are at higher risk of UTIs than men; about 1 in 10 men get infected. Cystitis (bladder infection) is the most common UTI. In it, irritation and pain occur at the site of infection. However, complications can occur if the infection reaches your kidneys. ExpressTeleDoc has vigilant doctors who treat UTIs with the best antibiotics and may help you to control the infection in the first place.
What are the symptoms of UTI:
- Burning sensation during urination
- Frequent or intense urge to urinate
- Passing out a small amount of urine
- Cloudy appearance urine
- Urine may be bloody and dark
- Foul-smelling urine
- Fatigue
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Fever and chills (in case of infection has transmitted to kidneys)
Types of UTIs:
1.Acute pyelonephritis:
Pyelonephritis is a urinary tract infection that begins in the bladder and reaches one or both of your kidneys. It is the most severe stage of UTIs. Signs and symptoms of pyelonephritis are hematuria, nausea, vomiting, etc.
2. Urethritis:
It is an infection of the urethra_the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body. The urethra becomes inflamed, and it hurts when you pee.
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Causes:
This type of UTI occurs when gastrointestinal bacteria spread from the anus to the urethra. Sexually transmitted diseases such as herpes, gonorrhea, etc., can also cause urethritis.
3.Cystitis:
It is an infection of the bladder. The bladder becomes inflamed, and you feel pain while urinating. You may also suffer pain in the lower abdomen. In cystitis, urine becomes dark or bloody in appearance.
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Causes:
Cystitis mainly occurs due to bacteria named E.coli (the most common bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract). Unhygienic practices are the leading cause of cystitis. Women are at high risk for UTIs because of their anatomy also.
Risk factors:
- UTI infection in the history
- Sexual activities
- Use of birth control tools
- Blockage in the urinary tract
- Change in the vaginal flora
- Poor hygiene
- Use of catheter
- Menopause
Treatment:
Antibiotics are the most commonly used medication to treat UTIs.