WHAT CAUSES URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS (UTI) AND HOW TO TREAT THEM

An Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urethra, bladder, prostate gland or kidneys. This type of infection can happen when a pathogenic organism (bacteria, fungus etc) enter the above mentioned organs. These pathogenic organisms can come from many sources such as sexual contact, improper hygiene, using a public toilet, or even it can spread from other organ to urinary system through blood.

An UTI is more likely to happen if your immune system is not functioning appropriately or if there is any breach in the sterile barrier of urinary system. If you are feeling pain when you pee, have fever and chills, headache or backache, it may be the time to get checked. It is also common to see people with renal calculus disease are more prone to the development of UTI says Dr. Rajasekhara Chakravarthi MBBS, MD, DNB-NBE Consultant Nephrologist, Star Hspitals

UTIs are not always accompanied by symptoms. If they do occur, the following are the most common symptoms:

• An urgent or frequent need to urinate
• Pain or burning sensation during urination
• Abnormal urine colour
• Fever & chills
• Headache or backache
• Pain in the lower back, groin or pelvis

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Drink plenty of fluids
• Drinking cranberry juice can also help prevent UTI's by lowering the pH levels in urine
• Avoid holding your pee
• Avoid scented products
• Avoid or limit the usage of public toilets
• Urinate before and after sex
• Improve your immunity
• Reduce stress
• Taking long-term antibiotic prophylaxis in high-risk patients
• Avoiding unnecessary antibiotics in specific patients as they may precipitate fungal infection / antibiotic resistance
• Thorough evaluation for the cause of UTI & renal stone disease

Book Appointment: Dr. Rajasekhara Chakravarthi MBBS, MD, DNB-NBE Consultant Nephrologist, Star Hspitals