Urinary tract infections are now a common problem due to uncontrolled eating habits and pollution. Before knowing the cause and remedy, let’s know about kidney function and urinary system.
The waste that is constantly generated in the human body is excreted through feces and urine. Urine is made by filtering blood through the kidneys. Two human kidneys are sucking more than 1 liter of blood per minute. Through this filter, harmful wastes like creatinine, uric acid, ammonia etc. are removed from the body. If there is a kidney infection for any reason or if there is kidney disease, creatinine and uric acid in the blood cannot filter these kidneys.
Urinary tract: Urine is mainly made up of kidneys but urinary tract refers to 4 parts:
Kidney: 1200 ml of blood is filtered every minute and 1-2 ml of urine is produced.
Ureter: This is a narrow duct from the kidneys to the bladder, through which the urine produced in the kidneys travels to the bladder.
Bladder: Where urine is stored.
Urethra: The passage of urine out of the bladder.
What is a urinary tract infection?
If any part of the 4 parts of the urinary tract is infected with germs, it is called urinary tract infection or urinary tract infection. It can happen to men and women. However, the rate of infection is higher in women. Because their urethra is very close to the anus. So the germs enter and increase the risk of infection.
Symptoms of a urinary tract infections
1. Urinary incontinence or pain during urination.
2. There will be fever on the body. Fever may come with shivering. If there is an infection in the kidney, fever will come with shivering. Infections in other parts of the urinary tract, such as fever, usually do not cause shivering. Many women say they have a fever for a long time. It also burns in the urine. In this case, the test shows that they have a urinary tract infection.
3. There will be pain in the lower abdomen or pain during urination.
4. The color of the urine will change.
5. After a while the speed of urination will be and even after urinating it will feel again.
. There will be nausea. May cause vomiting. Appetite will decrease. The body will feel weak.
. Unusual odor can be found in the urine.
Causes of urinary tract infections
Urinary tract infections are due to many reasons. The main cause is a bacterial infection in the urinary tract. Other reasons are:
1. When bacteria enter the urethra from the anus during defecation.
2. Using toilet tissue from the back to the front of the anus after defecation can cause bacteria to enter the tissue.
3. Even during sexual intercourse, bacteria can enter even if the safety rules are not followed.
4. Having constipation (especially in children) increases the risk of urinary tract infections.
5. People who have low immunity, or who have diabetes or cancer, or who are taking cancer drugs are also at higher risk of infection.
. Those who use high commodes are also at higher risk. This is because bacteria attached to the seat of the commode can enter the urethra.
. For those who hold their urine for long periods of time, the number of bacteria may increase and cause a urinary tract infection.
. Drinking less water reduces urine output. In this case also bacterial accumulation can cause infection.
9. Catheter implants can also cause urinary tract infections. In addition, those who develop urinary stones or enlarged prostate glands have a higher risk of urinary tract infections.
10. Bacteria from sweat also cause infections due to tight clothing. In addition, regular bathing, cleanliness, even if the disease is not maintained.
11. Infections can occur during pregnancy.
12. Infections can occur if the sanitary napkin is not used properly on the menstrual path or when menstrual waste comes in contact with the urethra.
Remedies of urinary tract infections
1. Caution should be exercised in the use of toilet tissue. Be careful when using water.
2. You need to drink 3-4 liters of water a day. Drinking more water will increase urination. The germs will be out of the body. Reduce the risk of infection.
3. Bathing in lukewarm water greatly reduces the risk of infection.
4. People who have recurrent infections should refrain from bathing in pond water or dirty water.
5. Urine cannot be retained for long.
. It is better to urinate before and after sexual intercourse. In this case cleanliness is much more important.
. Loose cotton clothes should be worn. Wearing tight clothes can make the urethra and its surroundings sweat more.
. Bathing should be done regularly and women should use sanitary napkins properly during menstruation.
9. People who have recurrent infections can take antibiotics on the advice of a doctor.
10. Diabetes must be controlled.
11. Eat foods rich in vitamins A, E, C. Eat pickled fruits, mangoes, guavas, cucumbers and lots of vegetables.
Treatment of urinary tract infections
- Since urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection, it is important to see a doctor immediately if it occurs. If the treatment is delayed, the infection can spread to the kidneys.
- Antibiotics must be taken after examining urine microscopic and urine culture sensitivity. Repeated infections may require long-term antibiotics.