A urinary tract infection or UTI is an infection that can develop in the various parts of the urinary system such as the ureters, bladder, urethra, and kidneys. The chances of developing this infection are higher among women as compared to men. If left untreated, then it can lead to severe health complications and kidney damage.
Burning feelings during urination, a strong urge for urination, strong-smelling urine, and pelvic pain are some of the symptoms of UTI. If you’re having frequent infections or if the infection has reached your kidneys, then you must contact a kidney specialist in Siliguri.
Here are some of the prominent causes and effective treatment options for UTI.
Causes
Certain types of bacteria live around the vagina or rectum and on the skin. These bacteria can travel to the bladder through the urethra, which is then flushed out by the body naturally. However, in some cases, the body is unable to flush out the bacteria leading to a UTI.
Protus mirabilis, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, and Escherichia coli are some of the bacteria that majorly cause UTIs. Some other factors can cause UTI such as sexual activeness, UTI history, diabetes, difficulty emptying bladder, and poor hygiene.
In Male
Apart from the above mentioned factors, enlarged prostate is another major factor that can cause UTI among men. This is because this health condition usually obstructs or blocks the normal flow of urination and urinary retention is directly associated with UTI.
In Female
Females have a shorter urethra and this makes it more likely for the bacteria causing UTI to enter the bladder. Additionally, pregnancy, birth control pills, and menopausal state can cause UTI among women.
You must book an appointment with one of the best nephrologists in Siliguri if you suspect that you’re suffering from a kidney infection. Recurrent kidney infections can be extremely harmful since they can lead to kidney damage, septicemia, and several risks for pregnant women such as low birth weight and preterm delivery.
Treatments
Before starting a treatment plan, the doctor will diagnose the health condition with the help of various tests. The tests may include analyzing urine samples, seeing inside the bladder with a scope, and generating images of your urinary tract through MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound.
Normal Infection
During the initial stage of the infection, the doctor may recommend you certain antibiotics. The medications can include Fosfomycin, Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole, Ceftriaxone, and Nitrofurantoin.
Recurrent Infection
If you’re suffering from frequent UTIs, then the doctor may recommend you take the antibiotics for around 6 months or you can also be directed to take a single dose of UTI after sexual activity.
Severe Infection
The doctor will recommend you to take IV antibiotics from a reputed hospital if you have reached a severe stage of UTI.
Burning urination, vomiting, fever, flank pain, mental changes, increased urination, and vomiting are some of the complications that are associated with UTI. However, proper medication adherence can help in controlling the symptoms and complications but if the symptoms don’t decrease then contact a kidney specialist in Siliguri immediately.
It is always said that prevention is better than cure and for preventing UTI you can follow certain lifestyle improvements such as drinking enough fluids, practicing good hygiene, and wearing loss-fitting cotton undergarments.