Urinary Tract Infection: Symptoms, Types, Home Remedies

Causes of Urinary Tract Infection

Given that UTI is an infection, there are numerous factors that can cause such a problem. Among them is a suppressed or weakened immune system and this is why there’s a high risk of a urinary tract infection in children or the elderly. As for the other factors, these are the 6 main causes you should know of.

Anatomical Abnormalities

Structural abnormalities in the urinary tract that first show up at an early stage can serve as a cause for UTIs. These are existent in children and in some cases, adults too. A good example of such an abnormality within the urinary tract is a bladder diverticulum. Diverticula are pouches in the bladder wall, and these can store bacteria in the bladder and lead to UTIs.

Birth Control

It was found that certain types of birth control mechanisms increased the risk of persons developing a UTI. For instance, women who used a diaphragm were at a higher risk as well those who used condoms with spermicidal foam or other forms of spermicides.

Menopause

Owing to the decline in estrogenic circulation through the body and the subsequent changes in urinary tract, women who are in menopause are more vulnerable to UTIs.

Catheter Use or Medical Procedures

Prolonged use of a catheter due to neurological problems, paralysis, or hospitalisation increases the risk of one developing a UTI. This is also the case with urinary tract exams or medical procedures that use medical instruments.

Sexual Activity

Those who are sexually active have a higher chance of getting a UTI. This is especially pertinent to those with new sexual partners as it increases the risk of infection.

Poor Hygiene

Improper hygiene, especially around the genitals, is also a cause of this infection. This is especially true for women as the urethra is close to anus, from which the E. Coli bacteria in the large intestine can get out. So, if proper hygiene isn’t maintained, this bacteria can travel through the urethra and into the bladder and lastly, the kidneys.

Besides these, there are several factors that increase the risk of developing a UTI. They are as follows.

• Pregnancy
• Bowel incontinence
• Immobility for extended periods of time
• Difficulty emptying the bladder
• Kidney stones
• Certain antibiotics

Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection

When it comes to the symptoms of a urinary tract infection, men and women have many similarities. However, based on whether it is an upper or lower urinary tract infection, the symptoms differ. For men and women, here are the common symptoms of a UTI.

Upper Tract Urinary Infection Symptoms

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Chills
• Fever
• Pain in the upper back

Lower Tract Urinary Infection Symptoms

• Cloudy or bloody urine
• Burning sensation when urinating
• Passing urine of strong odour
• Passing urine of a darker colour
• Increase need and urgency to urinate

For men with a lower tract urinary infection, another symptom is rectal pain. For women with a lower tract urinary infection, pelvic pain is also expected.

Treatment for Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection (UTI) can be excruciating. While several over-the-counter treatments are available, you must see a doctor if you think you have a UTI.

UTIs are caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract. The most common symptom is a burning sensation when you urinate. Other symptoms can include:

• Bloody or cloudy urine
• Strong-smelling urine
• Pelvic pain
• Frequent urination

If you have any of these symptoms, you must see a doctor. They can prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection.

You can also do some things at home to help relieve the pain. These include:

• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Urinating when you feel the urge
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
• Use a heating pad on your abdomen

If you have a UTI, it’s essential to see a doctor so they can prescribe the appropriate treatment. You can also do some things at home to help relieve the pain.

For a urinary tract infection, antibiotics are only administered to those in whom the infection is caused by bacteria. This is known only after diagnosis and testing, which is why you should prioritise healthcare rather than home remedies. In some cases, the infection can be caused by a virus or a fungus. With such a urinary tract infection, medicine is usually either an antiviral or antifungal. However, whatever the cause, UTIs should never go untreated as they can bring on adverse health complications.

In some cases, upper tract urinary infections can become life threatening after they enter the blood. Here, one may experience dangerously low blood pressure, shock, and even death.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) Diagnosis

There are many treatments for UTIs, and the best one for you depends on your infection's severity. For mild conditions, you may be able to treat your UTI with home remedies like drinking plenty of fluids and urinating often. For more severe infections, you may need antibiotics.

If you have a UTI, it's essential to see a doctor so that you can get the proper treatment. If you let your infection go untreated, it could lead to serious health problems.

Complications of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

The most common complication of a UTI is kidney damage. Bacteria entering the urinary tract can travel to the kidneys and cause an infection. It can lead to kidney damage and even kidney failure in severe cases. Other complications of UTIs include blood poisoning, kidney stones, and an increased risk of developing a bladder or kidney infection in the future. If you think you may have a UTI, you must see a doctor and start treatment immediately.

Home Remedies for Urinary Tract Infection

A UTI (urinary tract infection) is widespread, especially in women. UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary system and multiply. It can cause various symptoms, including pain, burning, and urgency when urinating. A UTI can lead to severe complications if left untreated, so you must seek medical treatment immediately if you think you may have one.

Fortunately, several home remedies can also help ease the symptoms of a UTI and speed up recovery. Here are some of the most effective home remedies for a UTI:

• Drink plenty of fluids
• Urinate often
• Wipe from front to back
• Wear loose-fitting clothing
• Avoid feminine hygiene products
• Take a probiotic supplement
• Drink cranberry juice