Urinary tract infection (or urinary tract infection (UTI)) is an infection that affects the organs of the urinary tract, which includes the bladder and kidneys. Symptoms depend on the part of the urinary tract affected. UTI is one of the most common types of infection in humans and is more common among women. Therefore, you must know the symptoms of UTI in women for early treatment of this annoying condition. Let us learn in detail in this article the difference between the symptoms of urinary tract infections and gynecological infections, the causes of UTI and how to treat them.
أعراض التهاب المسالك البولية عند النساء
affect most عدوى المسالك البولية It affects only the urethra and bladder in the lower part, but it can include the ureters and kidneys in the upper part. Although urinary tract infections in the upper part are rarer than infections in the lower part, they are usually more serious, and depend on Symptoms of urinary tract infection On the affected part of the urinary tract, symptoms of urinary tract infection include:
Symptoms of lower urinary tract infection
Lower urinary tract infections affect the urethra and bladder, including: Symptoms of lower urinary tract infection ما يلي:
- Burning with urination.
- Increasing the number of times you urinate without having to excrete a large amount of urine.
- Urgent urge to urinate.
- A change in the color of urine and it appears dark, bloody, or cloudy.
- The presence of a strong odor of urine.
- Pelvic pain in women.
- Rectal pain in men.
Symptoms of upper urinary tract infection
An upper urinary tract infection affects the kidneys. This condition can be life-threatening if bacteria from the infected kidney move into the blood. This condition is called urine poisoning, which causes dangerous low blood pressure, shock, and death. It includes: Symptoms of urinary tract infection upper ما يلي:
- Pain in the upper back and sides.
- القشعريرة.
- الحمى.
- الغثيان.
- القيء.
قد يهمك معرفة : ما هي العلاقة بين التهاب المسالك البولية والجماع؟
Does urinary tract infection cause back pain in women?
Yes, UTIs can cause back pain in women, and women can also experience pelvic pain in addition to other common symptoms.
Book your consultation now at قسم المسالك البولیة At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital
What are the causes of urinary tract infection in women?
Most urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria, but some can be caused by fungi, and in rare cases they are caused by viruses. The urinary system consists of
- Kidney.
- Ureter.
- المثانة.
- Urethra.
Risk factors for urinary tract infection
Anything that reduces bladder emptying or irritates the urinary tract can lead to a UTI, and there are also many factors that can increase the risk of urinary tract infection. Risk of urinary tract infection, including:
- Age (the elderly are more susceptible to urinary tract infections, especially men, due to an enlarged prostate).
- حصوات الكلى.
- Having a previous history of urinary tract infection.
- Urinary tract obstruction due to prostate enlargement, kidney stones, or certain types of cancer.
- Prolonged use of a urinary catheter, which can make it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder
- مرض السكري.
- الحمل.
- Urinary structures develop abnormally from birth.
- ضعف جهاز المناعة.
Additional risk factors for urinary tract infection in women
It was widely believed that wiping from back to front after using the bathroom increased the risk of recurring UTIs, but older research has shown that this is not the case, and that there are some risk factors unique to the female anatomy that include:
- Shortening of the urethra
The urethra is very close to the vagina and anus, which increases the likelihood of urinary tract infections, as bacteria that may normally be present around the vagina and anus can lead to infection of the urethra and the rest of the urinary tract.
- التهاب المسالك البولية والجماع
Intercourse is one of the main risk factors that cause inflammation and the appearance of symptoms of urinary tract infection in women. Pressure on the female urinary tract during intercourse can transfer bacteria from around the anus to the bladder, and urinating after intercourse may help reduce the risk of infection.
- Low estrogen levels
A decrease in estrogen levels after menopause changes the normal bacteria in the vagina, and this can increase the risk of a urinary tract infection.
علاج التهاب المسالك البولية عند النساء
يعتمد علاج التهاب المسالك البولية Whether this inflammation is caused by an infection:
- Bacterial (most common).
- Viral.
- Innate.
The doctor will determine the cause through the results of urine tests and urine cultures to prescribe the appropriate medication to treat the condition, in addition to prescribing painkillers to relieve the pain resulting from the inflammation.
Read an article : علاج التهاب المسالك البولية عند النساء
أفضل مضاد حيوي لعلاج التهاب المسالك البولية
The type of antibiotic used to treat a bacterial UTI usually depends on which part of the system is affected. Lower urinary tract infections are usually treated with oral antibiotics, and upper urinary tract infections require intravenous antibiotics.
Urine culture results can help your doctor choose the antibiotic treatment that will work best against the type of bacteria causing the infection, and determine the dosage of the medication.
There are some other factors on which determining the type of antibiotic depends, in addition to the type of bacteria causing the infection, and these factors include:
- The patient's age, as the types of antibiotics can differ if the patient's age exceeds 65.
- Having an allergy to certain types of antibiotics.
- The occurrence of side effects when using a type of antibiotic previously.
- The patient must be a pregnant woman.
Treatment period
The treatment period depends on the nature of the infection. If the infection is simple and uncomplicated, the patient often needs a treatment period of two or three days and may reach a period ranging from 7-10 days. However, if the infection is complex, the patient may need to take antibiotics for 14 days or more, and there may be a need for the patient to be admitted to the hospital.
علاج التهاب المسالك البولية في المنزل للنساء
There are no home remedies that can cure a UTI without an antibiotic, but there are some things that can be done that can help the medication work better and relieve the severity. أعراض التهاب المسالك البولية عند النساء، ومنها:
- Cranberry
Cranberries contain substances that prevent bacteria from adhering to the wall of the urinary tract, which can reduce the risk of developing a urinary tract infection, but there is still a need for more studies on the benefits of cranberries in treating or preventing urinary tract infections.
It is recommended to avoid sweetened raspberry juice when used to treat a urinary tract infection;
- Drink enough water
Drinking plenty of water and fluids helps you urinate more frequently and gets rid of harmful bacteria from the urinary tract, so it is recommended to drink plenty of water when you have a urinary tract infection.
- Take probiotics
Taking probiotics helps enhance the health of the digestive system and the immune system, as a urinary tract infection causes the beneficial bacteria in the vagina to be replaced by harmful bacteria, which can lead to a recurrence of a urinary tract infection. Therefore, the use of probiotics may be effective in treating a urinary tract infection naturally, because it works to restore the balance of beneficial bacteria in the vagina, which prevents the recurrence of a urinary tract infection.
- فيتامين ج
Vitamin C helps treat urinary tract infections, as it works to strengthen the immune system and increase the acidity of urine, which prevents the growth and multiplication of bacteria in the urinary tract. Therefore, eating vegetables, fruits, and vitamins that contain vitamin C helps prevent urinary tract infections.
- Banana
Bananas are known to be bladder-friendly fruits.
- Use warm compresses
Heat can be used to alleviate the symptoms of urinary tract infection in women, as the inflammation and irritation resulting from a urinary tract infection causes pain and burning in the pubic area, so using warm water compresses and heating pads can help soothe the area and relieve the pain, but one must be careful not to put hot things directly on the skin to avoid burns.
- خل التفاح
It is believed that taking apple cider vinegar may help treat urinary tract infections.
أقرأ أيضا : هل يمكن علاج التهاب المسالك البولية دون مضاد حيوي ؟
علامات الشفاء من التهاب المسالك البولية
The improvement of urinary tract infection symptoms in women and the following signs of recovery can be observed after taking appropriate treatment:
- A decrease in the frequency of urination, and the disappearance of pain when urinating.
- Disappearance of pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvic area.
- Return of the normal color and smell of urine, which is a return to its clear or light yellow color and light odor.
What is the difference between urinary infections and gynecological infections?
It is possible to differentiate between urinary infections and vaginal infections based on the symptoms present and some laboratory tests. The difference between the two cases includes the following:
In case of vaginal infections
There will be vaginal discharge accompanying the existing inflammation or a feeling of burning or pain in the vagina with an intense desire to itch.
In case of urinary tract infection
There is a burning sensation in the urine or a frequent need to urinate, especially during the night, two or three times during the night. The previous symptoms may also be accompanied by a high temperature.
To confirm the diagnosis of the condition in addition to the existing symptoms, a urine analysis and a culture analysis from the vagina can be performed. A specialist doctor must also be consulted in either case to correctly diagnose the condition and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
In conclusion, urinary tract infection is a relatively common condition, as it can involve an infection of the bladder, urethra, ureter, or kidney. The most common cause is bacteria, but it can also be caused by viruses or fungi. If, dear reader, you notice any of the symptoms of urinary tract infection in women mentioned above, and you believe that you have a urinary tract infection, it is important to consult your specialist doctor to obtain the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
