Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

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URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS (UTIs)

Description
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is defined as an infection of any part of the urinary tract. UTIs are common bacterial infections managed in general practice, particularly in sexually active women except in first year of life and in elderly. UTIs represent the most frequent bacterial infections encountered in the community settings. One per cent boys and 3-5% girls below 14 years develop UTI. Risk of UTI is also higher in children with congenital urinary tract anomalies, chronic diarrhoea and malnutrition.
Urine does not normally contain microorganisms, but if it is obstructed leaving the body or retained in the bladder, it provides a good environment for bacteria to grow. UTIs are characterized …show more content…

• A urinary tract infection may involve only the lower urinary tract, in which case it is known as a bladder infection or cystitis. It can be present with pain and burning during micturition, increased frequency of micturition, urgency, dysuria, pyuria or sometimes even haematuria. Fever is usually absent in lower UTI. Acute cystitis may present with suprapubic pain or discomfort.
• Alternatively, it may involve the upper urinary tract, in which case it is known as pyelonephritis. The symptoms usually develop rapidly, sometimes within a few hours. In addition to symptoms of lower UTI, these patients may have high fever, chills, rigours and pain in the loins, nausea and vomiting.
• If the urine contains significant bacteria but there are no symptoms, the condition is known as asymptomatic bacteriuria. It is detected accidentally when the urine is tested. Asymptomatic infections are more common in pregnant women and the elderly. Untreated, asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy can progress to upper UTI which can further lead to premature delivery and poor foetal …show more content…

The symptoms usually develop rapidly, sometimes within a few hours. In addition to symptoms of lower UTI, these patients may have high fever, chills, rigours and pain in the loins, nausea and vomiting. Sometimes UTIs may be asymptomatic, and are detected accidentally when the urine is tested. Asymptomatic infections are more common in pregnant women and the elderly. Untreated, asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy can progress to upper UTI which can further lead to premature delivery and poor foetal outcome.

Precaution/Prevention
• Drink plenty of water every day, especially before 2-3 hours of breakfast, to flush out the urinary system.
• Holding of urine is not advised for extended periods of time.
• Proper hygienic conditions should be maintained especially in cleansing the genital areas.
• Avoid use of irritants in the genital region. Bubble bath should be avoided in case of recurrent UTIs, take showers instead of baths, and rinse soap off thoroughly.
• Urinating after sexual intercourse may help in rinsing out any bacteria that may have come in contact with the

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