Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary Tract Infection or commonly referred as UTI is an infection of a person’s urinary tract area. This infection can spread and affect several parts of the urinary tract.
Urinary Tract Infection occurs in a person’s body when a bacterium from the skin or the gut enters the urinary tract from the Urethra. In normal condition, the urinary system excretes the bacteria out. However, if this excretion system happens to fail, the bacteria remains inside the urinary system and result in a severe urinary tract infection.
Types of Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary Tract Infections can be classified in three types. These types are based on which part of the urinary tract system is affected by the bacteria.
▪ Urethritis: It is also termed as the infection of the Urethra. Urethra is a tube that excretes urine out of a person’s body.
▪ Cystitis: It is the infection of the bladder. This infection is the most common lower urinary tract infection and is often caused by E.coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria.
▪ Pyelonephritis: An infection of the kidneys is termed as Pyelonephritis. This is usually caused from an obstruction in the urinary tract, resulting in reverse flow of urine into the urinary tubes and kidneys.
What are the symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection?
Symptoms of UTI can be categorized based on the type of urinary tract infection occurring in the person’s body.
❖ Symptoms of UTI in Urethra (Urethritis)
- Burning sensation while urination
- Discharge
- Frequent need of urination
❖ Symptoms of UTI in Bladder (Cystitis)
- Pain or burning sensation during urination
- Frequent urge for urination
- Small amount of urine passed (sometimes only drops)
- Urine which is cloudy, contains blood and has a foul smell
- Lower belly discomfort
- Pressure on the pelvic region
❖ Symptoms of UTI in Kidneys (Pyelonephritis)
- High fever (temperature upto 38ºC {100.4ºF} or above)
- Back pain or pain on sides
- Shivers and chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Feeling restless and lethargic
How is Urinary Tract Infection treated?
Antibiotics are the most common form of treatment for urinary tract infections. Early treatment of UTIs can prevent from the infection to spread and reach the other parts of the urinary tract. If your physician advices you on antibiotics, it is crucial to take these medications on time and as prescribed by the health physician. Even when you start feeling better, it is necessary to complete the course of prescribed medication to prevent the infection from coming back and to avoid rare but serious complications such as kidney damage and sepsis.
Get Help with Your UTI Today
Urinary tract infections can be pain staking and waiting to get appointment for its treatment can only add more pain to the situation. This is where our Telemedicine services come in handy. We offer you UTI telemedicine appointment with professional and experienced healthcare physicians to diagnose and treat your UTIs effectively.
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