6 Symptoms Uninary Tract Infection And Treatments
If you are a woman, and it hardly matters how old you are, you’ve probably been or will be a victim of both the uncomfortable and sometimes painful urinary tract infections.
According to statistics from the National Kidney Foundation, urinary tract infections are the cause because 10 million people go to the doctor every year, and 1 in 5 women have or will have an infection of this type during their lifetime.
It is extremely important that you know how to identify the symptoms to receive the proper treatment and avoid the complications that can even affect the functioning of your kidneys.
What is a urinary tract infection?
This type of infection occurs when bacteria (germs) enter the urinary system (the bladder), multiplying. Although most of these infections only affect and are located in the bladder (the organ that collects urine once produced by the kidneys), sometimes, if the infection is not treated, the bacteria can travel to the kidneys.
Complications
If the infection is not treated properly, the bacteria infect the kidneys causing a condition called pyelonephritis. This type of infection can be dangerous and can result in fever and back pain.
What are the causes of urinary tract infections?
Although not all urinary infections are caused by the same bacteria, approximately 80 and 90 percent are caused by a bacteria that lives in the intestines.
According to WebMD, the symptoms are:
A burning sensation when urinating.
A Greater urgency to urinate, even when leaving only a few drops or a minimal amount.
Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen or back.
Dark urine, with blood or stench.
Fatigue or tremors.
Fever or chills (this is a sign that the infection has reached the kidneys).
What to do if you have all or most of these symptoms?
The first thing you should do is go to the doctor. This type of infection should be treated with antibiotics in most cases, and your doctor will determine your condition through a urinalysis.
How to avoid this type of infection?
Women are more likely to have urinary tract infections since the female urethra is much smaller than that of men. The bacterium E.Coli, which lives in the intestines, can be transported to the urethral area and cause infection.
To prevent this infection according to WebMD, you must:
Empty your bladder as often as you feel the need to go to the bathroom. It is very important that you take the necessary time to ensure that you have left your bladder empty.
Wipe from front to back.
Make sure you drink plenty of water.
At bath time, it is preferable that you take a shower (using the shower) instead of taking a bath.
Cleanse your genital area before you become intimate.
Use the bathroom soon after having intimacy to get rid of all the bacteria that have left the place.
When choosing your underwear, it is preferable to use cotton instead of nylon. Keeping the genital area clean and dry is essential to avoid these types of infections.
Some studies suggest that drinking one glass of cranberry juice per day can be beneficial when it comes to avoiding these infections. Cranberry counteracts the proliferation of e. Coli (the bacterium responsible for the infection in most cases).