Are you looking for the causes of urinary tract infection? It is a very common disease of the urinary system.

Women are more susceptible to this disease than men, as 50% of women become infected with it in their lifetime, and they can become infected repeatedly.

So if you are interested in knowing more information about this disease, such as symptoms, causes, and how to treat it, follow this article with us.

What is a urinary tract infection

Urinary tract infection is an infection that affects the organs of the urinary system, which includes: –

• The lower organ, such as the bladder and urethra (urethra).
• And the upper system, such as the ureters and kidneys.

Most urinary tract infections are caused by E.coli bacteria, but they can also be caused by fungi, and rarely by viruses.

Although upper tract (ureter, kidney) involvement is rare, it is usually more serious.

Symptoms of urinary tract infection

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection depend on the affected part, and symptoms of a bladder infection include the following: –

1. Pressure or cramping in the lower abdomen or back.
2. Frequent or intense urge to urinate.
3. Dysuria (feeling pain or burning when urinating).
4. ارتفاع درجة الحرارة.
5. Dark, bloody, or foul-smelling urine.
6. Urinating frequently, especially at night.

If the infection spreads to the kidneys, symptoms may include the following: –

1. Feeling tired.
2. الغثيان.
3. القيء.
4. Pelvic pain (in women).
5. Rectal pain (in men).
6. الحمى.
7. The shiver.
8. Pain in the side, thigh, or back.
9. Mental changes or confusion in older people.
10. Severe abdominal pain.
11. Night sweats.

Causes of urinary tract infection

Most urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria. Bacteria in the large intestine (E.coli) can move from the anus to the urethra (urethra) and cause inflammation. The infection then progresses and reaches the bladder.

If the infection is not treated, it can progress and reach the kidneys.

Most of the time, your body can get rid of these bacteria, but your risk of infection may increase if you suffer from any of the following conditions, such as: –

• داء السكري.
• التقدم بالعمر.
• Alzheimer's disease.
• Problems emptying the bladder.
• The presence of a urinary catheter.
• Prostate enlargement.
• Urethral stricture.
• Kidney stones.
• الحمل.
• Surgery.
• Previous urinary tract infection.
• ضعف جهاز المناعة.
• Not drinking enough water.

Causes of urinary tract infection in women

Women tend to get this infection more than men, for the following reasons: –

1. Shorter urethra: –

The urethra is located near the vagina and anus in women, and this allows bacteria around the anus to easily move to the urethra and then to the bladder.

Therefore, doctors may advise some women to wipe in the direction from front to back, after finishing the bathroom.

2. Low estrogen level: –

The decrease in estrogen levels after menopause causes a change in the normal bacteria in the vagina, resulting in a urinary tract infection.

3. Using the diaphragm to prevent pregnancy: –

The diaphragm can put pressure on the urethra, reducing bladder emptying, increasing the risk of bacterial growth and infection.

4.الحمل: –

Hormonal changes occur during pregnancy, and these changes may increase the risk of infection.

The pressure on the bladder also increases as the child grows, and this may lead to reduced urine flow and the occurrence of a urinary tract infection.

5.Not drinking enough water: –

Regular urination helps flush out bacteria and prevent infection, but if you are dehydrated, this may result in not urinating as often, and infection will result.

Urinary tract infection in men

Urinary tract infections are very rare in young men, but are more common in men over 50 years of age, due to an enlarged prostate (a gland near the bottom of the bladder).

An enlarged prostate prevents the normal flow of urine from the bladder, resulting in this infection.

Urinary tract infection and sexual intercourse

Intercourse is a common cause of urinary tract infections, especially in women.

The causes of urinary tract infection after intercourse are as follows: –

• Penetration can cause bacteria to enter the urethra and bladder, increasing the risk of infection.
• Oral sex can cause bacteria to enter the urethra.
• The use of zoster (spermicide) can destroy the vaginal microbiome.
• Using condoms without water-based lubricants can cause friction and skin irritation.
• The diaphragm may press on the urethra, causing infection.

Diagnosis of urinary tract infection

If you suffer from any of the symptoms of a urinary tract infection, you should go to the doctor immediately, in order to undergo the necessary tests and examinations to confirm the infection.

Tests and examinations include the following: –

• Urinalysis: –

This test can diagnose infection, and is done to look for the following: –

1. White blood cells.
2. Red blood cells.
3. Bacteria.

• Urine culture: –

Through this culture, the type of bacteria can be determined, and thus the best antibiotic for treatment can be determined.

• Analysis of complete blood count and blood culture.
• CT scan of the abdomen.
• Intravenous pyelogram.
• Ultrasound of the kidneys.
• Image of the bladder and urethra.
• التصوير المقطعي المحوسب.
• Cystoscopy.

Book your consultation now at قسم المسالك البولیة At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital

Treatment of urinary tract infection

Treatment of urinary tract infection depends on the type of microbe causing the infection, such as: –

1. Bacteria.
2. Viruses.
3. Fungi.

The doctor can determine the type of microbe based on the results of the tests and examinations performed on you.

If the infection is caused by viruses, the doctor may recommend medications called antivirals, such as cidofovir, which is the ideal option for treating urinary tract infections.

If the infection is caused by fungi, your doctor may prescribe medications called antifungals.

If the infection is caused by bacteria, the doctor may prescribe you antibiotics. The doctor determines the type of antibiotic and the duration of treatment according to the following: –

• Type of bacteria.
• Degree of injury.
• Causes of urinary tract infection.

In the event of minor infections of the bladder or kidneys, the doctor may recommend that you take antibiotics for a period ranging from 3 to 14 days, and you must follow the doctor’s instructions during the treatment period, such as: –

1. Drink plenty of water to get rid of the infection.
2. Do not stop taking the antibiotic even if you feel better, because if you stop taking the medication, the infection may come back again, and be more severe than the first time.
3. Avoid holding urine for long periods.
4. Limit intake of drinks and foods that help irritate the bladder, such as coffee and soft drinks.
5. Take pain relievers when needed.
6. Place a hot water bottle to reduce bladder discomfort.

In the case of recurrent infection, your doctor may prescribe a low dose of antibiotics daily for a short period, or prescribe a single dose of antibiotics after intercourse, to prevent infection.

The doctor may admit you to the hospital and recommend that you receive treatment there with intravenous antibiotics if you suffer from a severe case of infection.

The best antibiotic to treat urinary tract infection

Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat infections caused by bacteria, including the following: –

• Nitrofurantoin.
• Sulfamethoxazole.
• Amoxicillin.
• Cephalexin.
• Doxycycline  Doxycycline.
• Fosfomycin.
• Floxacin.
• Levofloxacin  levofloxacin.

Drinks that treat urinary tract infections

There are some drinks that can help treat urinary tract infections, but they do not replace taking the antibiotics that your doctor prescribes for you. They include the following: –

1. Drink plenty of water: –

Drinking large amounts of water helps reduce the risk of this infection, because a lot of water will make you urinate more, thus helping to get rid of bacteria in the urinary tract.

2. Cranberry juice: –

Unsweetened cranberry juice is one of the best natural remedies to treat this infection, thanks to its properties that prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract, which leads to the prevention of urinary tract infection.

Frequently asked questions about urinary tract infections

There are many questions that you can think about if you have a urinary tract infection, such as: –

Does urinary tract infection cause dizziness?

Yes, it happens if the infection caused by is not controlled Urinary tract infectionThis leads to the infection spreading to the bloodstream and then to the rest of the body.

Accordingly, a life-threatening condition is created, called sepsis, and its symptoms include the following: –

• الحمى.
• الدوخة.
• القشعريرة.
• الارتباك.

Does a urinary tract infection cause flatulence?

Yes, this happens as a result of the following reasons: -

1. Abdominal bloating may occur as a result of the body's immune response to this infection.
2. Abdominal bloating may occur as a side effect of the antibiotics that the doctor recommends to treat this infection.

Is urinary tract infection contagious between spouses?

Yes, as sexual intercourse is one of the most common causes of urinary tract infection, due to the following: –

• Use condoms.
• Oral sex.
• Pressure of the diaphragm on the urethra.
• Use a scale repeller.

How do I know that I have a urinary tract infection?

You can know that you have this infection if you experience any of the following symptoms: –

1. Frequent need to urinate.
2. Dark or foul-smelling urine.
3. Feeling pain or burning in urine.
4. Lower back painOr the abdomen.

Conclusion

Now, dear reader, you realize what the causes of a urinary tract infection are, and what are the symptoms that indicate that you have this infection.

So if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should go immediately To Al-Mousa Hospital The specialistThis is to conduct all tests and examinations to confirm the infection, and also for the doctor to prescribe the appropriate medication for your condition and the duration of treatment necessary for you.

Dear reader, do not forget to take the antibiotic for the specified period of time, and you should not stop even if you feel better.

Sources and references

National Health Service

MedlinePlus