Urinary Tract Infection – UTI

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The infection of the urinary tract normally takes place due to the attack of microbes. Most of the infections are caused by bacteria but fungus and virus may also be the cause of infection in the urinary tract.
The infection may occur anywhere in the entire urinary tract starting from the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra. However, the upper tract infection which includes the kidneys and the ureters are less common than the lower tract that includes the bladder and urethra. If at all the upper tract is infected, it is very severe.

1. Symptoms Indicating  UTI of the Lower Tract

The symptoms of UTI depend on the part of the urinary tract that is infected. Lower tract infection shows the symptoms of –
  • Burning sensation while urination.
  • Increase in frequency of urination along with the reduction of the amount of urine passed.
  • Increased urgency of urination.
  • Urine emits a foul smell and the sample looks red and cloudy.
  • The patient suffers from pelvic pain.

2. Symptoms of Upper Tract Infection

In the case of upper urinary tract infection, the kidneys are mainly infected by the bacteria which move from the kidney to the blood causing urosepsis which can lead to extremely low pressure, shock and death. The symptoms include
  • Pain in the upper back and sides accompanied by tenderness.
  • Fever along with chills.
  • Nausea leading to vomiting.
  • Treatment for UTI.
The treatment for UTI depends on the kind and place of infection. If the infection is caused by bacteria that infect the lower tract, the doctor prescribes some antibiotics which are taken by the patient orally. If the infection is of the upper tract, the antibiotics are administered intravenously.
Viral infection of the urinary tract is checked by antiviral cidofovir and fungal infection is treated by antifungal medication.

3. Dangers of Untreated UTI

If timely medication for UTI are not taken, it may turn severe and may even be the cause of death. The infection in the lower tract should be checked first as it is from there that the infection spreads to the upper tract and causes sepsis which is life-threatening.
If your body shows any of the symptoms of the UTI, you should consult your doctor immediately who would ask for a urine and blood examination and start your medication course.