Exercise daily – UTI causes mainly include the bacteria that enter the body and go toward the urinary system. UTI can occur in any part of the urinary system. This article helps you to find out what causes UTI infection. How to prevent UTI, identify the symptoms and help treat it.
WHAT IS UTI INFECTION?
UTI, pronounced as Urinary Tract Infection, is an infection that affects any part of the urinary system (urethra, kidneys, bladders, or ureters).
Urine itself does not contain bacteria(germs). Urine is an offshoot of our filtration system, often called kidneys. When kidneys remove waste products and excess amounts of water, this causes the production of urine.
Normally, urine moves through your urinary system without getting tainted, but bacteria can reach out to the urinary system outside the body, which can cause infection and inflammation. This infection is referred to as Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).
WHAT IS THE URINARY TRACT?
The urinary tract is the main processing system of urine. It includes Urethra, Kidneys, Bladder, and Ureters. The function of each part is discussed below.
1. KIDNEYS: Kidneys act as a filter and remove the waste product and excess water from the body.
2. URETERS: Ureters are the tubes through which urine produced by the kidneys travels to the Bladder.
3. BLADDERS: Bladders are the container in which urine is stored till it is moved out of the body.
4. URETHRA: The Urethra carries urine out of the body.
SYMPTOMS
A UTI may not always include symptoms, but if it does, then the following points can be directed to form an opinion:
- A strong urge to urinate.
- High fever.
- Urine that looks cloudy.
- Strong-smelling urine.
- Pelvic pain in women.
- Pain on the side(flank) or abdomen area.
- Blood in the urine.
- Pressure in the lower pelvis.
| AFFECTED PART | SYMPTOMS |
| KIDNEYS | 1. Back or side pains.
2. High Fever. 3. Vomiting. 4. Shaking and Chills. |
| BLADDER | 1. Pelvic pressure.
2. Blood in the urine. 3. Lower belly discomfort. |
| URETHRA | 1. Burning with urination.
2. Discharge. |
WHAT CAUSES UTI INFECTION?
As discussed, UTI is mainly caused by microorganisms that enter the body by the urethra and over to the bladders, causing Infection and inflammation. The Infection usually happens in these two areas, but there is no rule that it can’t reach your kidneys.
More than 90% of cases of bladder infection (cystitis) are caused by E. coli, a bacterium normally found in the intestines. The most common UTIs are in women and affect the bladder and urethra.
INFECTION OF THE BLADDER
Escherichia coli causes this type of Urinary Tract Infection. E. coli is commonly found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
INFECTION OF THE URETHRA
The urethra infection can occur when gastrointestinal bacteria spread from the anus to the urethra.
PREVENTION
Practicing Good Hygiene:
Practicing good hygiene is important to prevent this type of Infection. This is very important for women because the urethra in women is much shorter than in men. This can help the E. coli bacteria to move more easily to the bladders. You should keep your body clean. Keeping your body clean means properly washing off the area through which bacteria can travel in your body. Proper washing and wiping after urination is important.
Drinking Fluids:
Keeping your body hydrated is an important part of prevention. Drinking fluids can lead to more urination and can help more bacteria to come off the body before it leads to Infection.
Using Tight Clothes:
Tight under clothes can help keep you dry, preventing bacteria from growing in your urinary tract. You can also use cotton underwear to help prevent extra moisture from getting trapped around your urethra.
Urination Habits:
Frequent urination can help effectively prevent UTI and is also recommended for treatment. Urine washes off the waste of products in your body and can help reduce bacteria. On the other hand, some fluids may also irritate the bladder, such as alcohol, citrus juice, etc.
You should also urinate after having sex; this will help eliminate bacteria that may have entered the body during intercourse. They also recommend, washing your genital area with warm water before intercourse.
What To Treat UTI?
Urinary Tract infections can be treated by using antibiotics. Antibiotics are the most commonly used treatment for urinary tract infections. Your doctor can provide the best way that antibiotics are comfortable for your type of UTI.
Some commonly used antibiotics are:
- Nitrofurantoin.
- Sulfonamides (sulfa drugs).
- Amoxicillin.
- Cephalosporins.
- Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.
- Doxycycline.
- Quinolones (such as ciprofloxacin).
Following your doctor’s advice is important. Also, do not stop taking antibiotics just because of the reason that the symptoms have disappeared. If the infection is not cured properly, it may return.
Complication Of Using Antibiotics:
Antibiotics can help treat the infection, but if it fails to do so, or if you do not take the antibiotics as prescribed by the doctor, this can lead to a more serious infection, like kidney infection.
Can I Become Immune To The Antibiotics Used To Treat A UTI?
In some cases, your body can get used to antibiotics. This condition can mainly occur in people who get frequent infections. The infection becomes harder and harder to treat with every cycle of infection and antibiotics. This is known as an antibiotic-resistant infection. In such cases, your doctor can suggest you an alternate treatment that may include the following:
BREAK:
Your doctor can suggest that you wait and look for the symptoms. During this period, he/she may also recommend you take lots of fluids.
INTRAVENOUS TREATMENT:
In cases when UTI becomes hard to treat using antibiotics, or if the UTI has moved towards your kidneys, the doctor may recommend you to get a hospitalized treatment. They will directly inject medicine into your veins. Once you’re home, the doctor will prescribe you antibiotics for some time to fully eliminate the infection.
WHAT TO DRINK FOR UTI INFECTION?
Water, by far, is the best choice to have during UTI. You should have 8-12 ounce cups of water to help your body wash out bacteria and boost healing.
THINGS TO AVOID:
There are some things to take in your diet to help cure the infection, but there are also some things you should also prevent. One of the things is sugar. What Causes UTI Infection? By looking at the causes we can see that sugar can aggravate the infection. Sugar is present in many foods and drinks nowadays. Try to avoid Carbohydrates, soda, alcohol (beer, wine, and liquor), and artificial sweeteners.
Although there is no proof of sugar affecting UTIs, they exacerbate bladder symptoms for individuals with chronic interstitial cystitis. Other things to exclude from the diet are:
- Spicy Food.
- Citrus.
- Caffeinated Drinks.
When To Call A Doctor?
Watch out for the symptoms of the infection, if identified you should reach out to the doctor immediately. Call the doctor if you have had UTI and your symptoms are worsening. UTI can spread throughout your urinary system and into other body parts. However, treatment is very effective and can quickly relieve your symptoms.
Recommended products for UTI infection by EDM:
AZO Cranberry Urinary Tract Health Supplement:
Description:
One serving of this sachet contains 1 glass of cranberry juice. sugar-free. If you make this a daily part of your life you can prevent UTI infection. It contains 165 calories. It helps to flush the urinary tract. And it is beneficial for men and women.
Following are the advantages and disadvantages of Urinary tract supplements:
Pros:
- This is affordable.
- This is gluten-free.
- This is NON-GMO.
Cons:
This is only for adults.
Nature’s Bounty Cranberry Dietary Supplement:
Description:
This cranberry is in soft gel. It also supports your urinary tract health. It is enriched in vitamin C and antioxidants that help to support the health of the immune system. This product is not to treat, cure or prevent any urinary tract disease.
The following are the advantages and disadvantages of this product:
Pros:
- It is very easy to swallow.
- It is gluten-free.
Cons:
It is not affordable.
NOW Supplements, Cranberry Mannose:
Description:
This product is a blend of cranberry and probiotics with a blend of probiotic bacterial strains. It is in capsule form. And contains cranberry and D-mannose which helps to treat UTI infection. It also balances the healthy microbial.
The following are the advantages and disadvantages of this product:
Pros:
- It contains no artificial colors or preservatives.
- It is a vegan product.
- Beneficial for both men and women.
Cons:
It is not an affordable product.
What Causes UTI Infection? FAQs:
1. What to drink for urinary infection?
Water is the best beverage for urinary infections. Dietitian recommends drinking 128 ounces of water daily. Water helps to flush the bacteria out of your body.
How to get rid of a UTI in 24 hours without antibiotics?
Following are the tips you have to follow to get rid of a UTI in 24 hours:
- First, you have to stay hydrated.
- Cranberry juice is the best option to relieve the symptoms.
- Increase the intake of vitamin C.
- Practice sexual hygiene.
3. How long does it take for a UTI to go away without the use of antibiotics?
20% or 40% of patients get better within a week. UTI will go by itself. But in some cases, you have to go to the doctor, and you have to eat antibiotics to treat UTIs.
Conclusion:
UTI can happen in every part of the urinary system. We can treat the UTI infection by drinking a lot of water because water can flush out the bacteria through your body. 20-40% of patients can get better within a week. But sometimes, you need antibiotics to treat the UTI infection.
What Causes UTI Infection? We discuss this question in this article. If you have questions about UTI infection, you can ask us in the comment section below.
