We Know: All About Urinary Tract Infections

What is a urinary tract infection?

Often referred to as a UTI, a urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria invades the urinary tract, which includes the bladder and urethra, and causes painful and burning urination. UTI's are typically just painful but they can lead to more serious conditions, such as a kidney infection.

 

BLADDER INFECTIONS are the most common types of urinary tract infection. They are also known as Cystitis.

 

KIDNEY INFECTIONS is another type of UTI. They are also known as pyelonephritis.

What causes a urinary tract infection?

Urinary tract infections occur when e-coli bacteria are pushed into the urethra. This can happen sometimes for no apparent reason. Women are the most affected by this condition because their urethra is much shorter, making the occurrence of bacteria traveling into the urinary tract and bladder much more likely. Wiping from the back to front after going to the bathroom can cause bacteria to invade. Likewise, not drinking enough water and holding it, rather than going to the bathroom when you need to can irritate the bladder. Sex can also sometimes push bacteria into the urethra.

What are symptoms of a urinary tract infection?

Urinary tract infections can be very uncomfortable and painful. Typical symptoms include painful urination, burning urination, the feeling of having to go to the bathroom frequently and only a few drops of urine are expelled, pain near the pubic bone, cloudy urine and blood in the urine.

What are treatments for a urinary tract infection?

The surest treatment for a urinary tract infection is antibiotics. A course of antibiotics will clear up the infection quickly. Many times, the medication contains a pain reliever in it as well that turns the urine orange. Other treatments also work as preventative measures such as urinating whenever you feel the need, urinating right after sex, drinking the recommended 8 8-ounce glasses of water a day and drinking cranberry juice.



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