Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections in the specific region of the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, urethra, and their associated tubes. This condition can be unpleasant, upsetting, and irritating for an individual, thereby demanding prompt medical attention from a Urologist in Hyderabad. Although the infections can affect several parts of the urinary tract, mostly they are prevalent in the lower urinary tract, urinary bladder, and urethra.
Possible Causes of Urinary Tract Infection
The most common factors that cause urinary tract infections are as follows:
- Obstructions: Any obstruction that stops urine flow and does not allow the urinary bladder to empty itself can cause a UTI.
- Sexuality: Women are more likely to develop UTIs than men usually because they have shorter urethra.
- Washroom sanitation: Bacteria can often enter the urinary tract through the urethra because of poor sanitation in toilets. For instance, the use of dirty toilet seats in public or shared washrooms.
- Diabetes: Diabetes can render individuals more susceptible to UTIs due to its detrimental influence on one’s immunity.
- Prolonged use of bladder catheters: Catheters are small tubes inserted into the urinary bladder in patients who cannot pass urine normally. These include patients suffering from chronic prostatic enlargement, neurogenic bladder, postoperative conditions, and others. In such cases, if there is long-term catheter use, this may increase the possibility of having UTIs.
- Accidents: Patients with bladder nerve injuries have difficulty emptying their bladders. This can allow bacteria to grow in the urine that stagnates in the bladder.
Signs and Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infections do not always show symptoms, but when they do, they may include the following:
- Prolonged and urgent urge to urinate
- Urinating with a burning sensation
- Passing limited amounts of urine regularly
- Appearance of hazy urine
- Scarlet, bright pink, or coke-coloured urine- a sign of blood in the urine.
- A strong-smelling urine
- Itching in the gonad area
- Pain in abdomen with fever
- Pelvic discomfort in the centre of the pelvis and near the pubic bone (only in women with UTI).
If one is experiencing the above-mentioned symptoms and other urine-related issues they can contact the urinary infection treatment doctor in Hyderabad at Arete Hospitals.
Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infection
The following tests and procedures are performed by Best Doctors for Urinary Tract Infection Treatment in Hyderabad to detect UTIs:
Urine Tests in Hyderabad
A midstream, clean-catch urine sample is taken of the patient to check for infection. Urine tests are classified into two categories:
1. Urine dipstick
- This is a quick way to scan for infections of the urinary tract.
- It can check for levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and nitrites, commonly evident in the case of UTI.
- However, it cannot identify which bacteria has caused the infection.
2. Urine culture
- This is the most precise method of determining urine infection.
- In a urine culture test, the urine sample is examined under a high-powered microscope for bacterial cells.
- The bacteria are then isolated and identified by incubating them in a specific medium.
- Special tests are then performed to determine which antibiotics will be effective against those specific bacteria.
- Results are usually available within 3 to 5 days.
Blood Tests
- In more severe cases of infection, blood tests are performed.
- During infections, the white blood cell count and several inflammatory indicators may be raised in the blood. This can be checked by performing a blood test.
- A blood culture can also be used to isolate the bacteria.
Radiological imaging tests
Radiological imaging can be quite helpful, especially for severe infections.
1. Abdominal CT scan
It can detect kidney diseases, stones, abscesses (pupil collections), obstructions, and structural anomalies.
2. Ultrasound
- Ultrasound of the kidneys is not as accurate as a CT scan. It does not use radiation and can detect most urinary problems.
- A bladder ultrasound is frequently performed simultaneously and can provide information on how well the patient empties the bladder following a void.
- In men, the prostate volume can be measured, and the testicles can be examined for infection, if necessary, by performing an ultrasound.
3. Kidney nuclear scan
It is useful for determining the extent of kidney damage caused by previous infections.
It makes it possible to test for kidney function and blockage.
4. Voiding cystogram
- This test involves injecting contrast material into the bladder through a tiny tube and obtaining X-ray images as the patient urinates.
- It is performed to detect urine reflux up the ureters- the tubes that empty the kidneys to the bladder.
Cystoscopy
This test involves the use of a lens to see through the urinary tract. If an individual has a chronic UTI, the doctor can carry out a cystoscopy. It involves inserting a long, thin lens tube (cystoscope) into the bladder and urethra to get a detailed picture of the inside.
For more information on these test's benefits and their cost contact the Best Urinary Tract Infection Specialists in Hyderabad at Arete Hospitals.
Risk Factors For Urinary Tract Infections in Women
Factors that make women more susceptible to getting a urinary tract infection or UTI are as follows:
- The shorter the urethra, the less distance available for bacteria to travel and reach the bladder
- Using of diaphragms as contraception or spermicidal agents
- A drop in oestrogen level during menopause, causing alterations in the urinary tract
- Urinary tract abnormalities, urinary tract obstructions, a compromised immune system, urinary catheter use, and recent urinary surgery.
Risk Factors For Urinary Tract Infections in Men
Factors that can increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in men include:
- An enlarged prostate can lead to urinary retention, making it harder to empty the bladder and hence increasing the risk of infection
- Any type of structural abnormalities in the urinary tract can create sacks where bacteria can collect, increasing the likelihood of infection
- Urinary tract obstructions like stones or tumours can interrupt the normal flow of urine and can contribute to UTIs
- Conditions like HIV/AIDS or consuming immunosuppressive medications can make the immune system weak and lessen the body’s ability to fight off infections
- The use of urinary catheters, especially over an extended period, can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract
- Undergoing surgery that involves the urinary tract can increase the risk of UTIs during the healing process.
Best Treatments for Urinary Tract Infections
Mild to Moderate Infections
In mild to moderate situations, oral antibiotics that can range from 3 days in women to 14 days in men or those with immune-compromising medical issues are frequently prescribed to the patient. All patients are recommended to stay hydrated. Painkillers or powdered drinks may be provided to alleviate some of the pain associated with urinating.
Recurring Mild Infections
The following options may be considered for patients with recurring mild UTIs:
- Antibiotics at a low dose every day.
- In patients who frequently get infections after sex, a single antibiotic dose after sexual activity.
- When the patient suspects a UTI, the patient must self-start a 3-day course of antibiotics.
Severe Infections
In extreme circumstances, most individuals get hospitalised to receive antibiotics through an IV drip. While treating severe UTIs, the underlying cause must also be addressed. Some people may require surgery, from merely unblocking a blocked kidney to extensive procedures such as removal.
For more details contact urologists at Arete Hospitals for Urinary Tract Infection Treatment in Hyderabad.
Ways to Prevent Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
Several routine habits can be adjusted to make an individual less prone to recurring UTIs:
- Water consumption: Drinking plenty of water can help flush infectious bacteria out of the bloodstream. It is advised to keep the body well hydrated by drinking adequate amount of water daily.
- Urination patterns: A person should urinate regularly and only hold the urine briefly when an urge arises. Bacterial growth occurs in the bladder if urine is controlled for an extended period. After having sex, one must urinate soon to flush out bacteria that may have entered the urethra during sexual activity.
- Clothes: Cotton pants and loose-fitting clothes are still recommended. Cotton increases aeration and reduces moisture in the genital area. Tight-fitting and polyester pants should be avoided since they can absorb moisture and promote bacterial growth in the genitals.
Contact Arete Hospitals experts for more information on Urinary Infection Treatment Cost in Hyderabad.
1. When should I seek treatment for a urinary tract infection?
If an individual experiences these symptoms, they should consult a primary doctor or urologist for urinary tract infection treatment. This includes the urge to urinate frequently or severely, urine appears cloudy and has blood spots, urine that smells strange, feeling drained and weak, and suffering from chills or high fever.
2. What is the most common reason for a urinary tract infection?
UTIs occur when bacteria infiltrate the urinary tract and develop infection. The most common cause of UTIs is bacteria, while fungi can also impact the urinary tract. Most UTIs are caused by cold bacteria living in the intestine.
3. What is the most effective approach to managing a urinary tract infection?
Drink lots of water. Water aids in diluting urine and washing away bacteria. Avoid consumption of liquids that may irritate the bladder. Stop drinking coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks containing fruit juice or caffeine until the infection is completely cured.
4. What medications are best to treat urinary tract infections?
Antibiotics are medications that kill bacteria and fight bacterial infections. As UTIs are commonly caused by bacteria, antibiotics are used for their treatment. The physician will choose the antibiotic that best controls the bacteria that cause the condition.
5. How long does a urinary tract infection last?
Antibiotics can treat urinary tract infections and full recovery from the UTI can be predicted in two weeks.
6. Can a urinary tract infection resolve on its own?
Antibiotics are an effective treatment for UTIs. However, the body can treat mild, uncomplicated UTIs without antibiotics. According to specific statistics, 25–42% of essential urinary tract infections heal independently. Patients should try a combination of home remedies in such situations for faster recovery.
7. What causes a female urinary tract infection?
Both men and women are susceptible to UTIs. However, women tend to be more vulnerable to this infection because a woman's urethra is thinner and closer to the genitals, allowing bacteria to penetrate, invade, and develop an infection in the urethra very easily. This is the case mostly seen after having sexual intercourse. That’s because bacteria from the partner's genitals may find it easier to permeate the urethra and so women are more likely to contract UTI.
Get in touch with the experts at Arete Hospitals for the Best Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Treatment in Hyderabad.
