What is a UTI?
Before we discuss the symptoms of this condition, it
is important that we know and define what the urinary tract is. The urinary
tract simply comprises of the kidneys, the bladder, ureters and the urethra. An
infection of the urinary tract can be an infection that affects either of the
above mentioned parts. These infections are usually caused by bacteria or
parasites. This is just the general term as there are different terms that are
meant for the different parts of the urinary tract. Examples may include
cystisis and ureter infection. Sometimes, areas that are not really associated
with the urinary tract are sometimes mentioned when it comes to the discussion
of UTI’s. This has to do with the fact that they may cause the UTI’s
themselves.
It is said that this condition is more likely to
affect women than it does men. It can also go unnoticed. There are mild cases
where the patient might feel slight discomfort while they urinate. The worst
case of a UTI can damage your internal organs pretty bad.
Symptoms
The symptoms that are associated with UTI’s vary
according to a different number of factors. The age of the person, his/her sex
and the exact location of the infection are what determine the kind of symptoms
you are likely to experience.
In some people, the symptoms may be too mild for
them to be felt and the infection can clear up by itself in less than a week;
though not all the symptoms may clear up at once. The most common symptom is
the need to urinate a lot. Aside from that a burning sensation is felt while
you urinate. If looked at, the urine itself does not appear clear as it may be
either cloudy or red in color hinting the presence of blood. The odor is also
pungent and unpleasing.
In addition to that women will feel constantly
bloated and have mild abdominal pains. If the urethra of the woman becomes
infected than vaginal discharge may be present. Men on the other hand will also
complain of the frequentness of which they have to visit the toilet.
Accompanying that symptom is pain in the testicles, abdomen, penis and rectum.
When it comes to children suffering from UTI then
the symptoms will be high fever, vomiting and pain. The pain will especially be
felt as they urinate accompanied by the feeling of urgency. More often than
not, when it comes to older people and babies, it becomes harder to isolate the
infection and determine if it is the one causing the symptoms or if it is
something else that they may be ailing from.
Prevention
Water is a major component of our bodies but not
only that as it can be used as a natural cleanser. To keep your urinary tract
clean and flushed out, it is important that you drink plenty of water.
Avoid holding in your urine for long periods of
time. This is because if there is any bacteria present in your urine it will
have an opportune time to attach itself then develop into the infection.
When you clean yourself it is important that you use
a front to back movement as this will ensure no bacteria from your anus will
enter your vagina.
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