Urinary Tract Infection: Signs, Risk & Treatment

What is a Urinary tract infection?
A UTI, or Urinary tract infection, is a term used to describe an infection that may occur in some part of your urinary system. This includes your kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra.

What factors make you vulnerable to a UTI?
Urinary tract infections typically occur when bacteria enter your urinary system. Following risk factors increase the chances of bacteria to enter your urinary system.
If you are Diabetic
If you are sexually active
Poor Hygiene
If you are pregnant. Pregnant women should get this treated immediately to avoid any complications.

What are the symptoms of urinary tract infection?
When you have urinary tract infection, you may experience the following symptoms:
A strong, persistent urge to urinate
A burning sensation when urinating
Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
Urine that appears cloudy and/or red in colour
Strong-smelling urine
Pain in your lower abdomen
Fever

How to manage urinary tract infections?
If you have any of the above symptoms, consult a doctor immediately who may advise the following tests to identify urinary tract infection:
Complete urine examination (CUE)
Culture and sensitivity of urine

Your doctor will advise appropriate medication to treat your urinary tract infection.

What if urinary tract infection is not treated promptly?
Repeated urinary tract infections
Narrowing of urinary tract
Permanent kidney damage
Spread of infection to the whole body

Always Remember:
Keep yourself hydrated adequately by drinking a lot of water.
Try to empty the bladder at least every 4 hours during the day while awake.

Article by Dr. Vighnesh Y, M.D (Internal Medicine)
Consultant Physician, CallHealth