Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infection is not only observed in females but also in males and children. Read on to know about the symptoms of urinary tract infection, the causes of urinary tract infection and tips for preventing it.

A urinary tract infection is caused due to inflammation of the urinary bladder or urethra. In majority of cases, this common infection is caused because of a bacterial infection. Urinary tract infections are also referred to as bladder infection, cystitis or a UTI. This infection affects more females than men. It is common in women because the urethra is shorter and closer to the anus and thus easily prone to infection. Usually males who develop urinary tract infections are boys who are uncircumcised.

Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection

Have a look at some of the common symptoms of a urinary tract infection.

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection may vary from person to person. In fact small children suffering from this infection may only have fever or absolutely no symptoms at all. Some of the common symptoms of this infection in adults include:

• Pressure in the lower pelvis
• Painful urination
• Urgent need to urinate
• Cloudy urine
• Blood in the urine
• Painful sexual intercourse
• Frequent need to urinate
• Chills and fever
• Vomiting
• Foul or strong urine odour

Causes of Urinary Tract Infection

Here are some of the known causes of a urinary tract infection. A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria enter the urethra and bladder causing inflammation and infection. In normal healthy people, the urethra and bladder have no bacteria. Whenever bacteria enter the bladder it automatically gets eliminated at the time of urination.

The most common factor responsible for UTI especially in women is medical instruments inserted into the urinary tract during certain medical procedures like cystoscopy or catheterization in case of women who are:

• Pregnant
• Diabetic
• Have a medical history of analgesic nephropathy or reflux nephropathy.

Tips for Preventing Urinary Tract Infections

Have a quick look at the tips for preventing urinary tract infection.

Maintain Personal Hygiene- The single most important thing to bear in mind is to maintain personal hygiene so as to stay away from urinary tract infections, bladder, and kidney infections. Simple things like ensuring that you always wipe from front to back after a bowel movement or urination, and washing the skin around and between the rectum and vagina everyday can long way in ensuring that you do not contact any bacterial infection.

Drink Plenty of Water - To flush out infection causing bacterium from the system drinking plenty of fluids particularly water is very useful

Do Not Hold Back Urine - Never make the mistake of holding back urine. It is important to empty the bladder as soon as you feel the urge to urinate. This can significantly decrease the risk of bladder infection or UTI.

Include Vitamin C in Diet - Including natural sources of vitamin C in your daily intake will ensure that the urine is acidic thereby reducing the number of potentially harmful bacteria in the urinary tract system.

Use Cotton Panty or Underwear – Panty or underwear made of synthetic material makes you sweat more and trap the moisture and create an ideal environment for infection causing bacteria to breed and multiply. Therefore, it is essential to wear cotton panties which can absorb well and ensure good air circulation in the vaginal area.

The above are some simple self care tips to prevent UTIs. However, despite following these tips do not be surprised if you still get a UTI. In fact if you are prone to UTIs, it is best to consult a doctor about your treatment options. You may be required to take a small dose of medicine every day so that the infection is prevented.