Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when harmful microorganisms enter the urinary system and cause infection. Bacteria are the most common cause, however, fungi can also trigger this infection.
More than 85% of urinary tract infections are caused by intestinal or vaginal bacteria. Generally, the cause is E. coli, which lives in the intestines and is important for digestion. However, in the urinary tract, this bacteria can infect the urethra (urethritis), bladder (cystitis), or kidneys (pyelonephritis).
Women are generally most at risk for UTIs because their urethras are shorter than men’s, which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder and form an infection commonly known as cystitis. Read: Urinary tract infections: Experts clear up 4 common and misconceptions
Regardless, men can also contract it, especially if there is associated prostate disease.
Symptoms of urinary tract infection
In order to resolve this type of infection, it is important to recognize the main symptoms that may occur with a urinary tract infection:
• Pain or burning when urinating.
• Urinating frequently.
• Feeling the need to urinate even when the bladder is empty.
• Pressure or pain in the lower abdomen.
• Most of the time there is no fever. What may occur, although not always, is a change in the smell, appearance, and color of the urine. Read: What’s good for cystitis?Home remedies to relieve cystitis
How to prevent urinary tract infections?
• Drink enough fluids during the day, two liters of water per day if possible.
• Do not retain urine for long periods of time.
• Wear appropriate clothing, preferably cotton.
• Pay extra attention to personal hygiene
• Avoid products that may cause irritation.
• Be careful with food and drinks, caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods tend to add some discomfort. Read: This is what happens when you resist the urge to pee
diagnosis
“Patients who experience some or all symptoms suggestive of UVI are advised to see a doctor. Diagnosis consists of two stages: history analysis, in which symptoms, medical history, and any risk factors for urinary tract disease are analyzed. The second stage is referral to a laboratory A simple urinalysis (which shows changes suggestive of a urinary tract infection) and a urine culture (which confirms a urinary tract infection and determines the presence of bacteria in the urinary tract) are performed,” commented Hélida Silva, Director of the Center. Medical Affairs for Siemens Healthineers.
“Patients who experience some or all of the symptoms suggestive of UVI are advised to see a doctor.”
Hilida Silva.
Although these recommendations may help prevent infection, the importance of avoiding self-medication must be emphasized, especially if symptoms worsen. Seeking medical help is the best option, and urinalysis provides laboratories and doctors with a broad clinical understanding of a patient’s health, allowing them to detect the stage of infection and the best treatment that should be considered.
When these infections become chronic, laboratories need to have the necessary tools to detect and monitor them, including monitoring public health in each region, country, or city. These controls allow for more precise and reliable estimates from the detection of urinary tract infections.