URINARY TRACT INFECTION

WHAT IS URINARY TRACT INFECTION (UTI)
   Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that can occur in any part of the urinary system, which are the bladder, the kidneys and urethra. These are the structures that urine passes through before being eliminated from the body. Most UTIs involve the bladder and the urethra and they  can be painful and uncomfortable,  but when the kidneys are involved, they can be life threatening.
   Urinary tract infections are the second most common type of infection in humans, but women are at greater risk of developing it than men are. Some women experience them regularly (called recurrent UTIs). Urinary tract infections also affects children. It is the most common urinary tract problem in children besides bedwetting and are more likely to be serious than those in adults (especially in younger children).

WHAT IS THE URINARY TRACT?
   The urinary tract consist of the Kidneys, the Bladder and the Urethra. The upper urinary tract is composed of the kidneys and ureters, while the lower urinary tract consists of the bladder and the urethra.

The Kidneys
   The kidneys are two small, bean-shaped organs that are located on either side of the spine at about waist level. The function of the kidneys is to filter the blood to remove excess water, salt, urea, potassium and other waste from the body and eliminating them as urine.  Urine are carried from the kidneys to the bladder through the uterers.

The Bladder
   The bladder is a small, balloon-shaped organ, that collects and stores urine. In men, the bladder is located just above the prostate gland, while in women, the bladder is located in front of the uterus.

The Urethra
  The urethra is a tube through which urine exits the bladder. A muscle called the urinary sphincter, that is located at the junction of the bladder and the urethra, must relax at the same time the bladder contracts to expel urine. The urethra in men is longer than that in women as it has to pass through the prostate and the penis.

CAUSES OF URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
   Urinary tract infections typically occur when the urinary tract becomes infected, usually by bacteria. The bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply in the bladder. Although the urinary system is designed to keep out microscopic invaders, but these defenses do fail sometimes, usually when wiping your bottom or having sex, and then, bacteria may take hold and grow into a full-blown infection in the urinary tract. Fungi or viruses can also cause urinary tract infections.

TYPES OF URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
   The most common urinary tract infections occur mainly in women and affect the bladder and urethra.
1. Infection of the bladder (Cystitis): This type of urinary tract infection is usually caused by a type of bacteria commonly found in the urinary tract called Escherichia coli (E. coli). All women are at risk of cystitis because of their anatomy. Although sex may lead to cystitis, but you don't have to be sexually active to develop it.
2. Infection of the urethra (Urethritis): This type of urinary tract infection can occur when gastrointestinal bacteria spread from the anus to the urethra.
3. Infection of the kidneys (acute pyelonephritis)

SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
   Symptoms of urinary tract infections depend on the part of the urinary tract that is infected.
  Lower UTIs are infection of the bladder (Cystitis) or urethra (Urethritis). Their symptoms include:
- A need to urinate more often than usual.
- A burning sensation or discomfort when urinating.
- Sudden urges to urinate.
- Increased frequency of urination with small amounts of urine.
- Strong-smelling urine.
- Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-colored.
- Feeling as though you're unable to empty your bladder fully.
- Urine that's cloudy or contains blood.
- Pelvic pain in women.
- Rectal pain in men.
  Upper UTIs are infections of the kidneys (Pyelonephritis). Their symptoms include:
- High fever
- Shivering and chills
- Pain in the upper back and sides
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Agitation or restlessness
- Confusion

RISK FACTORS OF URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
1. Gender- The femal anatomy, makes women more likely to get UTIs. A woman urethra is shorter than a man's and is closer to their anus (back passage), which shortens the distance that bacteria must travel to reach the bladder. However, UTIs in men are more serious.

2. Sexual activity- Sexually active women tend to have more UTIs than women who aren't sexually active. During sex, the pressure on the urinary tract  can move bacteria from the colon into the bladder.

3. Blockages in the urinary tract- Obstructions or blockages that make it difficult to empty the bladder can cause a UTI. They can be caused by kidney stones or an enlarged prostate.

4. Certain types of birth control- Women who use diaphragms for birth control may be at higher risk. Diaphragms put pressure on the urethra, which can decrease bladder emptying. Spermicides may cause skin irritation in some women and this increases the risk of bacteria entering into the bladder. Latex condoms can cause increased friction during sex which may also irritate the skin and increase the risk of UTI. However, condoms are important for reducing the spread of sexually transmitted infections.

5. Urinary tract abnormalities- Babies born with urinary tract abnormalities that don't allow urine to leave the body normally or cause urine back up in the urethra have an increased risk of UTIs.

6. Menopause- After menopause, a decline of estrogen changes the normal
bacteria in the vagina. This can increase the risk of UTI.

7. Bathroom Hygiene-  The right way to wash or wipe after going to the bathroom is from front to back.Wiping from back to front can lead to a UTI. This motion drags bacteria from the rectal area towards the urethra.

8. A recent urinary procedure-  Urinary examination or surgery  of the urinary tract that involves medical instruments can increase the risk of developing a UTI.

9. A suppressed immune system- Some diesases like diabetes and HIV that impair the immune system can increase the risk of UTIs.

10. Catheter use- A urinary catheter is a tube in the bladder that is used to drain urine. It is usually used for people with neurological problems that can not control their ability to urinate, people who are hospitalized and people who are paralyzed who cannot urinate normally. Long term  use of bladder catheter can increase the risk of UTI. They make it easier for bacteria to get into the bladder.

TREATMENT OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION
   Urinary tract infections can be painful and uncomfortable, but usually pass within a few days and can be easily treated with antibiotics. They are normally treated with a short course of antibiotics. Lower UTIs can be treated with oral antibiotics, while upper UTIs are treated with intravenous antibiotics. Over-the-counter painkillers  can help with any pain. Drinking plenty of fluids may also help you feel better.

COMPLICATIONS OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION
   Urinary tract infections may be overlooked or mistaken for other conditions in older adults, and when left untreated, a UTI can have serious consequences. Complications may include:
1. Recurrent infections.
2. Permanent kidney damage.
3. Urethral narrowing (stricture) in men from recurrent urethritis.
4. Risk of delivering low birth weight or premature delivery in pregnant women.
5. Sepsis, a life-threatening  condition that can can cause dangerously low blood pressures, shock, and even death.

PREVENTION OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION
   For women who experience recurrent urinary tract infections they are some things you can try that can help prevent UTIs. These measures include:
- Emptying your bladder as soon as possible after having sex.
- Wiping from front to back after urinating or having a bowel movement.
- Going to the toilet as soon as you need to urinate. 
- Avoiding tight jeans and trouser
- Wearing underwear made from cotton, rather than synthetic material such as nylon.
- Taking showers instead of baths.
- Avoid using perfumed bubble bath, soap or talcum powder around your genitals.
- Cleaning your vaginal and rectal areas daily.
- Staying well hydrated by drinking six to eight glasses of water daily and drinking water after having sex.
- Not using a contraceptive diaphragm or condoms with spermicides on them.