Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

What Is a Urinary Tract Infection?

Definition: Also called urinary system infection, this condition is the inflammatory response of the urinary system (kidney, ureter, bladder, urethra) to bacterial attack. It is named according to the part of the urinary system it affects:

If the bladder is affected, it is called cystitis;
if the kidney is affected, pyelonephritis;
if the urethra is affected, urethritis.

The agents most often responsible for these infections are E. coli (70-95%), staphylococci (5-10%) and other enterobacteria (Proteus, Klebsiella, etc.). In addition, sexually transmitted agents such as gonorrhea, chlamydia and mycoplasma also cause urinary tract infections, particularly urethritis.

Symptoms

Burning and pain when urinating

Foul-smelling urine

Frequent urination

Dark or red-colored urine

Weakness and fatigue

Lower abdominal pain

If there is a kidney infection:

Fever

Nausea and vomiting

Flank pain

Urinary tract infections are among the most common bacterial infections in women. One in two women will have a urinary tract infection requiring antibiotic treatment during her lifetime, and 1/5 of these infections become chronic.

Urinary infections are more common in women because the urinary duct, called the urethra, is shorter, allowing bacteria to reach the bladder more easily. Because urinary tract infections are not very common in men, when they do occur the underlying cause should be investigated, prostate diseases in particular.

Diagnosis

When cystitis is suspected, urinalysis together with the clinical findings is sufficient. However, in some cases further tests such as urine culture, ultrasonography or other imaging methods and cystoscopy may be needed.

Treatment

Antibiotic treatment is always recommended for active infections. So what can we do to reduce how often these infections occur?

Thanks to the proanthocyanidin molecule it contains, cranberry juice prevents bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall, and its antioxidant properties strengthen the immune system. Drinking 1 glass a day reduces the frequency of urinary tract infections by up to 50%.

Probiotic yogurt, kefir and some cheeses lower urine pH, produce hydrogen peroxide, a powerful antibacterial, and regulate the flora of the genital area, significantly reducing the frequency of urinary tract infections.

Increasing daily fluid intake,

Breaking the habit of holding urine,

Getting enough vitamin C,

Paying attention to genital and sexual hygiene,

Wiping correctly after using the toilet are also important measures to take in this regard.

With the simple measures mentioned above, urinary tract infections can largely be prevented, and the side effects and resistance that may develop from antibiotic use can be avoided.