Urinary tract infection

A urinary tract infection is any infection (usually bacterial) that affects part of the urinary system. Normally, urine is sterile, meaning it does not contain microorganisms. However, when microorganisms enter the urinary tract, they can multiply and cause infections known as urinary tract infections.

The main factor responsible for urinary tract infections is the bacterium Escherichia coli, also known as coliform bacteria. The most common types of urinary tract infections are acute cystitis (in the bladder) and urethritis (in the urethra). However, infections of the upper urinary tract (pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis) are considered more serious. The main symptoms are frequent urination, discomfort during urination, and cloudy urine.

Despite their "noisy" symptoms, urinary tract infections are relatively easy to treat with a short course of antibiotics. Factors that favor their occurrence include inadequate hydration (especially during the summer months), the use of local antiseptics, poor hygiene, exposure to contaminated water, pregnancy, and sexual intercourse.

However, there are certain urinary tract problems that make women more vulnerable to infections, such as anatomical abnormalities and kidney stones. To prevent this, it is recommended that you drink plenty of water and visit the toilet frequently (especially after sexual intercourse) to flush bacteria out of the body before they settle in the bladder. Also, take care of the hygiene of the sensitive area—without exaggeration—and get into the habit of wiping from front to back. Most urinary tract infections caused by bacteria are treated with antibiotics.

The doctor will determine the appropriate antibiotic and duration of treatment based on the patient's history, the type of microbe, and the antibiogram. In some cases where there is a concomitant urinary tract condition, such as a stone or prostate hypertrophy, the cause must also be treated at a later stage. Most patients will be treated at home with oral medication. Severe infections with fever usually require hospitalization for intravenous treatment and hydration. Especially if pyelonephritis is found and a cause that blocks the flow of urine to the bladder is diagnosed, the doctor will recommend special treatment.

During pregnancy, urinary tract infections, even if there are no symptoms, should be treated because they can pose risks to both the mother and the baby. Under no circumstances should you take medication without a doctor's prescription, as some antibiotics are not safe to take during pregnancy.