Urinary Tract Infections: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention.

Urinary tract infections (UTI) account for the majority of hospital visits globally. Sound knowledge of factors associated with UTIs may allow you timely intervention to easily bring the infections under control.

Let’s start with understanding the anatomy of the urinary tract.
The urinary tract is composed of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Is divided into the upper and lower urinary tract. The upper urinary tract is comprised of kidneys and ureters. The lower urinary tract is comprised of the bladder and urethra.

Urine is produced by the kidneys and through the ureter, is transported and stored in the bladder until one needs to pass urine. Urine is then passed out of the body through the urethra.

What is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?

It is an infection in any part of the urinary tract. Can be divided into;

  • Acute simple cystitis: infection of the lower urinary tract i.e in the urethra and bladder.

What causes UTI?

The most common cause of UTIs is a bacteria called E.coli. It is a normal bacteria in our intestines but when it gets access to our Urinary tract, an infection arrises.

Risk factors for UTI:

In women; Women are at a higher risk of contracting UTIs because of the short urethra (measuring 4cm), compared to men who have a longer urethra(15–25cm). Therefore, the bacteria have a short distance to travel from the anus to the urethra.

In Men; Men rarely get symptomatic UTIs, because they have long urethras of about 25 cm long. As a result, organisms that cause infection have a longer distance to travel to the urinary tract. When they get a UTI, some of the symptoms may include; pain or burning sensation when passing urine, the need to urinate often, need to urinate suddenly or in a hurry, blood in the urine.

In children;

UTIs are a common problem among children, with a prevalence of 7%.

  • Sex: Girls are still at a higher risk compared to boys, because of the short urethra.

Symptoms and signs of UTI:

  • Lower abdominal pain.

Diagnosis of UTI:

  • A UTI is a clinical diagnosis in those with the above symptoms.

Differential diagnosis:

  • Pelvic inflammatory disease, vaginitis, urethritis in women.

Treatment of UTI:

  • Our doctor will prescribe antibiotics if you have a positive UTI test.

Prevention of UTI:

  • Drink plenty of fluids to prevent bladder infections.

Are you feeling similar symptoms? Speak to our doctor today for diagnosis and treatment.

Call 0800277015 to order a test.

Author: Dr Gloria Nakiboneka Lutalo

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Consult with the Doctor anytime without leaving your home or office. We are a licensed and registered clinic, laboratory and pharmacy.