Are You A Victim of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a disease affecting the urinary tract system in the body. Once you have this condition, it is necessary to obtain treatment immediately otherwise you will be at risk for other more serious complications that may possibly occur when you get this medical condition. The infection always involves the urinary tract but may spread as an infection affecting the other organs in the body in the long term if left untreated.
The Urinary System Overview
The ureters, kidneys, urethra and the bladder consist of the urinary system in the body. The kidney plays the most crucial role in processing the urination in the system. These are a pair of organs just below the ribs located in the middle portion of the back. It is responsible for the removal of the excess liquids and wastes found in the blood. The ureters form a long narrow tube connecting the kidneys to the bladder which is located in the lower abdomen where the urine is stored. Once the bladder is full of urine, it emptied with the urine through the urethra. Once these various parts of the urinary system are invaded by harmful organisms, the condition urinary tract infection occurs and it produces many discomforts and symptoms. Individuals who are taking Sildenafil Citrate are prone to getting a UTI because of an active sexual activity with different partners.
Urinary Tract Infection – A bacterial infection
UTI is an infection caused by harmful bacteria. The entry port of the bacteria is through the urethra and they may already be present in the body’s large intestines and stools. Once it gains entry on the urethra, the bacteria then travel to the bladder and affects the kidneys. Once the bladder is infected, it is possible to develop a condition called cystitis or more commonly known as bladder infection. If the kidney is mainly infected by bacterial invasion, pyelonephritis occurs. Women are more prone to urinary tract infection owing to the anatomical structure of their urinary system where the urethra is shorter than males which makes its bladder more easily susceptible to the bacterial organisms.
UTI symptoms that commonly occur
The most common complaint of individuals with UTI are painful and burning sensation during urination. More often than not the sense of urgency may be accompanied by very small quantities of urine. The urine is also characterized with a bad smell and cloudy consistency. In more serious conditions, that area of the body where the kidneys are located is also painful. With the infection, fever and chills are also common to occur and some may feel nauseated and want to vomit.
Diagnosing your condition
In order to accurately diagnose a urinary tract infection, you will be subjected to a urine test called a urinalysis. A urine sample will be collected and it will be subjected to a laboratory test. It is also possible to find pus in the urine which also signify the presence of a urinary infection. You will be taught on how to properly collect your urine in order to avoid its contamination during the collection process.
Treatment
Antibiotics are the first line of defense against bacterial infection. A sensitivity test is often undertaken in order to ensure that a particular medication is safe for an individual for treatment in the absence of allergy to its active compounds. This is similar precaution when taking Viagra where the patient should make sure that they are not allergic to its active components. Common antibiotics prescribed for UTI are amoxicillin and trimethroprim but it is best that your doctor makes a personalized evaluation of your condition and to provide a more appropriate and safe medication.
