The causes of urinary tract infections must be understood so that prevention and treatment measures can be carried out appropriately. But do you know what urinary tract infection is?
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a condition when an organ that belongs to the urinary system becomes infected. These organs can be the kidneys, ureters, urethra or bladder.
However, it is most common in the bladder and urethra. The cause of urinary tract infections is that bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra. After that, the bacteria multiply in the bladder. If left untreated, the bacteria can cause infection to the kidneys.
Urinary tract infections are divided into several types, depending on which part of the urinary tract is infected. Here is the explanation:
It is a urinary tract infection of the urethra, the hollow tube that drains urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.
It is a bacterial infection in the bladder that likes to migrate from the urethra.
It is an infection that occurs in the kidneys, which usually results from an infection that has spread to the urinary tract, or from an obstruction in the urinary tract. The obstruction in the urinary tract causes urine to flow back into the ureters and kidneys.
The cause of urinary tract infections is generally bacteria that enter the urinary tract through the urethra and then develop in the bladder. The most common type of bacteria that causes urinary tract infections is E. Colli. However, there are also other types of bacteria such as Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus.
The way it works is that this bacteria can enter through the urethra when the sufferer urinates, then rise to the bladder and kidneys. If this bacteria survives and continues to grow, it will cause a urinary tract infection.
Apart from bacteria, another cause of urinary tract infection is kidney problems such as kidney stones.
Symptoms of urinary tract infection are characterized by pain during urination in frequent cases, then increased frequency of urination, and cloudy urine color and even blood. This condition also causes the lining of the urinary tract to become inflamed and red.
In addition to these signs, urinary tract infections can also be accompanied by the following symptoms:
1. Intimate organs burn when urinating
2. Lower back or abdomen pain and pressure
3. Urine has a pungent odor
4. Little urine is passed
5. Feeling tired and shaky
6. Fever and chills
1. Frequent in girls and women, due to the shorter female urethra which allows contaminating bacteria easier access to the bladder
2. Recently undergone medical treatment or surgery on the urinary tract
3. Long-term use of urinary catheters
4. Abnormalities of the urinary tract since birth
5. Injury to the nerves around the bladder that impedes urine output
6. Injury to the nerves around the bladder that impedes urine output
7. Blockage in the urinary tract
8. Weak immune system
9. Menopause
If a urinary tract infection is not treated promptly, it can lead to complications such as urosepsis, which is a condition where bacteria in the infected kidney spread throughout the blood.
This can result in shock and even death. In addition, in some cases this disease can also cause:
1. Premature birth, if the disease occurs in pregnant women.
2. Permanent kidney damage when the bacteria spread to the kidneys.
3. Narrowing of the urinary tract.
Therefore, immediately treat urinary tract infections if you feel the symptoms mentioned above.
The doctor will perform a diagnosis in order to get the right treatment for urinary tract infection. Some of the procedures to diagnose a urinary tract infection include:
Urinalysis is a procedure that involves analyzing a urine sample to identify red blood cells, white blood cells, or bacteria.
This procedure aims to determine the type of bacteria so that the right antibiotic can be given.
In the imaging test procedure, the doctor will recommend an ultrasound, CT scan or MRI to observe the condition of the urinary tract.
Cystoscopy is an examination using special medical equipment inserted from the urethra to look inside the bladder.
Generally, treatment of urinary tract infections is done by giving antibiotics to the patient. Antibiotics aim to kill the bacteria, so that the infection will stop.
Patients are also advised to finish their prescribed antibiotics so that the body does not develop drug resistance.
Some of the following ways can be done to avoid urinary tract infections, such as:
1. Always clean the genital area after defecating or urinating.
2. Avoid holding back urination.
3. Drink more water so that urination can be regular.
4. Avoid using feminine cleansing products that may cause irritation such as those containing perfume.
5. Avoid wearing the same pair of underwear for days on end.
6. Clean the genital area before intercourse.
7. After intercourse, urinate immediately. This helps to get rid of any bacteria that may have entered the urethra.
8. Do not wear tight-fitting underwear as it will increase moisture
Also Read: Get to Know Benign Prostate Enlargement, a Health Disorder that Lurks Men
Urinary tract infection cannot be taken lightly, aside from the annoying taste, it can also lead to complications. It is important to recognize the symptoms and causes of urinary tract infections so that they can be avoided.
For Friends of Persada who find symptoms of urinary tract infection as in the article above, do not panic. Supported by the latest technology, experienced doctors, and a qualified team, urinary tract infections can be treated. Of course, with collaboration with the patient's family for moral support.
You can visit the Urology clinic of Persada Hospital Malang to get the right and fast treatment of urinary tract infections. Check the schedule of Persada Hospital Urology Specialist doctors to conduct proper consultation and action. Also learn the latest health information through the Persada Hospital article page. For more information about medical treatments, please call the Persada Hospital hotline at 0811-3058-8585.
Bahasa Indonesia
English