Treating and Preventing Urinary Tract Infections

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection of the urethra, kidneys, or bladder. They are fairly common in teens and adults. Women are especially prone to contracting them because women have shorter urethras. A UTI, although quite painful, is rarely serious or fatal. However, if gone untreated, it could lead to permanent kidney damage or an even more severe infection. It is good to know the symptoms of a UTI so it can be taken care of quickly.

A UTI is most commonly caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract. Bacteria in that area is usually from fecal matter that has been spread from the rectum, only a few inches away from the urethra. Sexual intercourse is also a trigger for a UTI in women, as bacteria is pushed up the urethra from penetration of the penis. The same kind of contraction is common when a catheter is placed inside a patient, causing bacteria to back into the urinary tract. None of these causes necessarily mean a person has bad hygiene, but certain hygienic practices can reduce the risk of infection.

Having a UTI means a person will probably suffer from several uncomfortable symptoms. The main symptom is pain and burning during urination, which can range from mild to severe. A feeling of urgency while urinating is also common. The urine is usually darker than usual, as well as cloudy and foul-smelling. Occasionally, a UTI can go unnoticed long enough for a person to begin urinating blood. Pain in the ribcage, abdomen, and back is not uncommon and a person may also experience fever, nausea, and chills.

If a UTI is detected in its early stages, it may be treatable from home. Forcing fluids, such as water and cranberry juice, may be enough to flush out the infection. However, if a person has never had a UTI before or if it is more severe than usual, then it is probably best to consult a physician. There are other conditions with similar symptoms to a UTI, so a doctor may want to examine and rule out all other possibilities. A doctor will be able to give the patient something to numb the pain in the urethra as well as antibiotics that will clear up the UTI in a few days.

It is rare that a UTI is dangerous or fatal. That would only occur if symptoms are ignored and lead to further complications. Treatment must be sought at the first sign of infection. For the prevention of future infections, always remember to maintain good hygiene: urinate before and after intercourse, wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom, and drink plenty of water. These little precautions will save a person a lot of discomfort in preventing UTIs.