Definition:

UTI is a condition where one or more parts of the urinary system i.e. kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra become infected.

Symptoms of UTI:

• Painful burning micturation
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Increased need to urinate at night
• Passage of foul smelling, cloudy or red urine.
• Fever – with chills and rigor
• Nausea, vomiting
• Discomfort or pressure in the lower abdomen
• Pain in the pelvic region or lower back

Signs of UTI:

May have-

•  Fever
• Pelvic tenderness
• Loin tenderness.

Causes of UTI:

1. Bacterial infection-

• Escherichia coli
• taphylococcus aureus
• Staphylococcus saprophyticus
• Klebsiella
• Proteus
• Enterococci
• Proteus mirabilis
• Ureaplasma urealyticum
• Mycoplasma hominis.

2. Fungal infection-

• Candida albicans
• Cryptococcus spp

3. Parasitic infestation-

• Trichomonas
• Schistosoma.

Investigations in UTI:

• Urine R/E- Pus cells are present in urinary infection
• Urine C/S- shows growth of causative organisms(if any)
• USG of KUB region- to know anatomical status of kidneys, ureters, bladder
• X-ray KUB- to exclude renal, ureteric or bladder stone
• Voiding cystourethrogram
• Cystoscopy
• CT scan of abdomen to exclude renal stone or any other type of obstruction
• Blood C/S – in severe cases.

Treatment of UTI:

Symptomatic treatment of UTI-

1. Analgesics
2. Antispasmodics
3. Antipyretics

Specific treatment of UTI–

UTI is treated specifically with antibiotics like –

•  Penicillins (e.g. Amoxicillin)
• Pivmecillinam
• Cephalosporins (e.g. cephalexin, cefadroxil, cefuroxime, cefixime etc)
• Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole
• Fluoroquinolones – e.g. ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, levofloxacin etc
• Tetracyclines- e.g. doxycycline, tetracycline, minocycline.
• Aminoglycosides- e.g. gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin
• Nitrofurantoin
• Fosfomycin.

Lifestyle modification to prevent urinary infection:

•  Don’t retain your urine when there is urge to void
• Clean the genital and urinary organs after each bowel movement
• Avoid tight-fitting pants and under wares
• Use sanitary napkins when needed
• Keep the genital organs and anal areas clean before and after sexual act.
• Urinate before and after sexual intercourse.
• Avoid sexual relation with multiple partners to avoid urinary infection
• Do not use perfumes or any other type of allergens near the genitalia.

Role of diet in UTI as preventive measure and as remedy:

• Drinking of plenty of fluids like- soups, juices, coconut water along with barely water daily
• Increased intake of vitamin C-rich foods such as guavas, bell peppers, lemons, limes,oranges etc
• Increased intake of wholesome foods like vegetables and fruits
• Intake of blueberries, cranberries, lignonberry as these are the home remedies for UTIs.
• Intake of herbal teas, mint and ginger is helpful
• Avoiding processed foods, cheese and other dairy products, tea, coffee, chocolates,spicy foods, beer and other alcoholic beverages.