Last Updated on July 12, 2024 by admin22

Burning sensation when urinating and urinary incontinence are some of the main symptoms of a urinary tract infection. Let’s explore this condition in more depth, including its causes, types, symptoms, diagnosis, risk factors, and treatments.

What is a Urinary Tract Infection?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infectious condition caused by microorganisms, primarily bacteria and fungi. These pathogens can affect any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. UTIs are more common in women, and the main symptoms include a burning sensation when urinating, urinary incontinence, and a feeling of pressure in the abdomen.

Causes of Urinary Tract Infection

UTIs can be triggered by various factors and manifest differently depending on the type and area of the urinary system affected.

Main Causes

Infections typically occur due to an imbalance in the genital region’s microbiota, favoring the proliferation of harmful microorganisms like Escherichia coli, commonly found in the intestine. Some of the main factors that can cause this imbalance include:

• Inadequate intimate hygiene
• Holding urine for extended periods
• Low water intake
• Presence of kidney stones
• Prolonged use of internal absorbents

Types of Urinary Tract Infection

UTIs can be classified based on the affected area:

Cystitis

This is a bacterial infection of the bladder or lower urinary tract, often caused by the proliferation of Escherichia coli. Sexual intercourse can increase the risk, although one does not need to be sexually active to develop cystitis.

Urethritis

This involves inflammation or infection of the urethra, the canal that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. It can be caused by gastrointestinal tract bacteria and, in women, infections like herpes, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.

Pyelonephritis

Pyelonephritis is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that affects one or both kidneys. This condition typically begins in the urethra or bladder and travels up to the kidneys, leading to an inflammatory response. Pyelonephritis can be acute or chronic, with acute cases presenting symptoms such as high fever, chills, flank pain, nausea, and vomiting. Chronic pyelonephritis may develop over time, often due to recurrent kidney infections or underlying conditions like urinary tract obstructions. If untreated, pyelonephritis can result in permanent kidney damage, sepsis, or other severe complications, making prompt medical attention and appropriate antibiotic therapy essential.

Ureter Infection

A ureter infection is a less common type of urinary tract infection that specifically affects the ureters, the tubes responsible for carrying urine from the kidneys to the bladder. This type of infection can occur when bacteria from a kidney infection (pyelonephritis) spread downward or when there is an obstruction, such as a kidney stone, that facilitates bacterial growth in the ureters. Symptoms may include intense flank pain, fever, chills, and severe discomfort during urination. Due to its potential to cause serious complications, such as spreading to the kidneys or bloodstream, prompt medical diagnosis and treatment are crucial.

Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection

Symptoms vary depending on the part of the urinary system affected and may include:

• Intense burning sensation when urinating
• Urgent need to urinate even after just using the bathroom
• Dark or bloody urine
• Strong-smelling urine
• Pelvic pain
• Rectal pain (in men)
• Increased urinary frequency
• Urinary incontinence

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Diagnosis

Diagnosing a UTI should be done by a doctor and may include the following tests:

Urine Sample Collection and Analysis

Your health care provider may request a urine sample, which will be examined in a lab to check for the presence of white blood cells, red blood cells, or bacteria. You may be instructed to clean your genital area with an antiseptic pad and collect the urine midstream. This procedure helps prevent contamination of the sample.

Urine Culture

Lab analysis of the urine may be followed by a urine culture, which identifies the bacteria causing the infection. This test also helps determine which medications will be most effective in treating the infection.

Imaging of the Urinary Tract

Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) may be due to structural issues in the urinary tract. Your health care provider might order imaging tests such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to detect these problems. Sometimes a contrast dye is used to highlight structures in the urinary tract.

Cystoscopy

For recurrent UTIs, your health care provider may perform a cystoscopy. This test involves using a cystoscope, a long, thin tube with a lens, to look inside the urethra and bladder. The cystoscope is inserted through the urethra and advanced into the bladder, allowing for a detailed examination.

Risk Factors

Various factors increase the risk of developing a UTI:

• Weakened immune system
• Bladder issues that prevent complete emptying
• Bloodstream infections
• Shorter urethra (as in women)
• Pregnancy, due to physiological changes favoring bacterial colonization in the urinary tract

Seeking Medical Help

In cases of symptoms like a burning sensation when urinating, pelvic pain, blood in the urine, and frequent urination, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. Untreated UTIs can lead to severe complications.

Treatment

UTI treatment varies according to the type and severity of the infection. It generally involves the administration of antibiotics and, in some cases, pain relievers to alleviate discomfort.

Common Medications

The most commonly used medications for treating UTIs include:

• Amikacin
• Amoxicillin + Clavulanate Potassium
• Ciprofloxacin
• Cephalexin
• Nitrofurantoin

Home Treatment

Although home treatments cannot replace medical care, some drinks and foods can help in the healing process:

• Aroeira tea
• Cranberries
• Watermelon
• Basil tea
• Carqueja tea

Prevention

Certain measures can help prevent UTIs:

• Drink at least two liters of water per day
• Maintain proper hygiene after urinating
• Urinate after sexual intercourse
• Avoid prolonged use of internal absorbents
• Avoid douches and perfumed intimate hygiene products
• Wear cotton underwear and change them daily

Possible Complications

If untreated, a UTI can lead to severe complications, including:

• Recurrent infections
• Permanent kidney damage
• Sepsis
• Premature birth or low birth weight (in pregnant women)
• Generalized infection
• Death

With proper diagnosis and treatment, UTIs can be cured, and symptoms typically disappear within a few days after starting treatment. It is essential to follow medical advice and avoid self-medication to ensure effective treatment and prevent complications.