Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system — kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract, the bladder, which is called CYSTITIS and the urethra which is called URETHRITIS.
What are the symptoms:
- Burning sensation whenever you go to the bathroom for urinating
- Passing frequent, small amounts of urine, feeling like you need to pee all the time
- Pressure or pain in the lower back
- A strong, persistent urge to urinate
- Cloudy urine or Urine that appears red or cola-colored
- A sign of blood in the urine
Urinary tract infection happens either when outside bacteria get pushed into the urethra, or when bacteria already in the bladder multiply to unhealthy levels. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria that’s already in the bladder, therefore, urine flow and voiding frequency is the most important way to prevent infection.
Cases of urinary tract infections (UTIs) spike every summer. The researchers found a relationship between temperature and UTI cases, meaning the warmer the weather, the more UTI cases. Despite dehydration, in the summer when it’s warm outside, it’s not abnormal to sweat around the groin area. This, however, can create a moist, warm environment for bacteria such as E-coli to grow and survive. E. Color is the most common bacteria, resulting in Cystitis and other forms of UTI.
How to prevent UTI?
- Do not hold your urine
- Drink plenty of liquids, especially water. Any liquids which mostly contain water is recommended. Drinking fluids and water helps dilute the urine and ensures that you’ll urinate more frequently. As I am always recommending my patients fruits such as watermelon, cucumber, tangerine or orange contains a good amount of water and are good alternate with water (if you do not have Diabetes).
- Increasing vitamin C intake may reduce the risk of UTIs by making the urine more acidic, thus killing off infection-causing bacteria.
- Avoid or limit drinking Coffee, spicy foods and Alcohol
- Avoid tight and nylon underwear and pants
General Practitioner
Aster Clinic, Arabian Ranches
