UTI Full Form

UTI stands for Urinary Tract Infection. UTI can affect any part of the Urinary system. It is an infection caused by microbes. The urinary tract is divided into the upper urinary tract and the lower urinary tract. If the lower urinary tract is infected then it is called the bladder infection and if the upper urinary tract is infected then it is called the kidney infection.

Cause and Symptoms:

The Urinary tract is mostly affected by the bacteria Escherichia Coli. This Bacteria is mostly found in the digestive tract. However, there can be other bacteria and fungi that can cause a UTI. UTI can also happen after sexual intercourse if hygiene is not maintained or if either of the partners is already suffering from urine infection. However, UTI is not classified under sexually transmitted diseases. Some other causes for UTI include suppressed immune system because of the diseases like Diabetes, any abnormality in the Urinary tract, use of unsterile catheters, any blockage in the urinary tract that might restrict the passage of urine properly accumulating urine in the bladder thus increasing the chances of UTI.

Symptoms of UTI include:

1. Frequent and painful micturition.

2. Though the bladder is empty still the patient feels like passing urine again and again.

3. Fever with chills.

4. Lower abdominal pain.

5. Change in the colour of urine. Either yellow or cloudy.

6. Urine is mixed with blood when the infection is severe.

Generally, a UTI is easily managed by antibiotics provided the patient is not antibiotic-resistant. In much-complicated cases, intravenous injections are administered. 

Pathogenesis:

UTI is caused by bacteria. Usually, the bacteria enter the bladder through the urethra. The bacteria travels into the urethra through the intestines and starts multiplying. Because of the anatomy of the females, they are more prone to urine infections when compared to males. Once the bacteria enters into the bladder it adheres to the internal lining of the bladder. 

Some of the forms of UTI include:

1. Cystitis: This is the infection of the bladder generally caused by the bacteria E.coli. The infection can also take place through sexual intercourse. Females are more prone to cystitis when compared to males.

2. Urethritis: This is the infection and inflammation of the urethra. The bacteria generally spreads from Anus to the Urethra. And since in females the urethra is closer to the vagina, the bacteria responsible for sexually transmitted diseases might also cause Urethritis.

3. Pyelonephritis: It is the infection and inflammation of the kidneys. The infection starts from the lower urinary tract and if left untreated the infection spreads to the kidneys and causes pyelonephritis.

4. Vaginitis: It is the infection and inflammation of the vagina. This can be because of organisms like bacteria and even yeast. 

Diagnosis and Treatment: 

The physician will take the history of the patient to check whether the patient was exposed to any infection earlier which was left untreated. The physician also tries to note whether any episode of sexual activity has triggered the symptoms to rule out the cause of the infection. A UTI can be diagnosed after the testing of the urine sample. The urine is tested under a microscope for the presence of any bacteria, yeast, pus cells, or any blood cells. If the condition of the patient worsens and blood is seen in the urine then the patient is also advised to do a pelvic scan to record any bladder and kidney changes and to note the probable cause of the infection.

Treatment includes the administration of antibiotics orally or intravenously depending upon the condition of the patient along with analgesics for pain management. The patient is asked to take plenty of fluids to flush out the toxins from the urinary system. UTI can be easily prevented by following healthy eating habits and maintaining the hygiene of the private parts by washing the private parts properly after excretion and always using clean undergarments. While urinating one should never be in a rush to finish. Rather, the stop, and start method is recommended to empty the bladder properly. Drinking cranberry juice helps to prevent UTI.

Hazard Factors

Urinary lot contaminations are normal in ladies, and numerous ladies experience more than one disease during their lifetimes. Hazard factors explicit to individuals for UTIs include:

• Female Life Systems: A lady has a more limited urethra than a man does, which abbreviates the distance that microbes should go to arrive at the bladder.

• Sexual Action: Physically dynamic ladies will generally have more UTIs than do ladies who aren't physically dynamic. Having another sexual accomplice additionally expands your danger.

• Specific Kinds of Contraception: Ladies who use stomachs for contraception might be at higher danger, just as ladies who utilize spermicidal specialists.

• Menopause: After menopause, a decrease in flowing estrogen causes changes in the urinary lot that make you more helpless against contamination.