UTI means urinary tract infection. It is one of the most common infections worldwide. UTI is common in women, older people, and diabetics. It is the most common side effect of SGLT2 inhibitors.
UTI is further classified as:
- Complicated UTI
- Uncomplicated UTI
A complicated UTI is UTI in the following situations:
- UTI affecting men
- Urinary tract infections in pregnant women, diabetics, and immunocompromised individuals (HIV and those on corticosteroids)
- UTI in individuals who have anatomical urinary tract problems such as stones, hydronephrosis, and bladder outlet obstruction
- UTI developing in individuals after instrumentation such catheter or a stent
- Recurrent UTI and UTI caused by atypical or resistant organism
- UTI in patients after renal transplant and those on renal replacement therapy like hemodialysis
An uncomplicated UTI is a simple infection of the bladder affecting non-pregnant women who do not fulfill any of the above criteria for complicated UTI.
UTIs have the potential to disturb your sleep and cause embarrassment in social settings or at work. Uncomplicated UTIs can also become complicated and may need hospitalization.
Therefore, it is best to prevent UTIs. You can follow these tips to prevent the risk of uncomplicated UTIs and keep your urinary tract healthy.
1. Flush it Out:
If you are exercising often, then drink more than 8 glasses of water, otherwise 8 is enough. When you are properly hydrated, you dilute your urine, which can flush out harmful bacteria before they get a chance to establish a community and multiply in your bladder.
Moreover, you should monitor the colour of your urine. A pale yellow indicates good hydration, while a dark yellow or amber-coloured can be a sign that you need to increase your fluid intake.
2. Wipe Wisely:
The rectum area is a hub for more bacteria than the genital region. Wiping from front to back after using the toilet will help prevent the migration of pathogens to the urethra (opening point of the bladder) and thereby prevent infections.
3. Post-Sex Pee Power:
After any sort of sexual activity, you should take a bathroom break, which will help flush out bacteria that might have stuck to the skin.
4. Cotton Underwear Wins
Any tight-fitting clothing or undergarments made from synthetic material can trap moisture. This will irritate the urethra and create a humid/warm environment, which the bacteria love.
So, go for loose-fitting, breathable materials like cotton. It makes room for better airflow, keeping the genital region cool and dry, which will restrict any type of bacterial growth.
When to See a Doctor: Don't Wait Until It Gets Worse
Even though uncomplicated UTIs can be treated rather easily with antibiotics, there can be times when seeking medical attention is necessary.
Consider the following situations a red flag and contact a doctor ASAP.
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Lingering or Worsening Symptoms:
Once you have initiated a treatment plan, you should see some sort of improvement. However, if your symptoms are not improving or are exacerbating, then it is vital to contact a physician. This can indicate bacterial resistance or some worse conditions.
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Blood in the Urine (Hematuria):
You should not be bleeding at all, but blood in urine is a sign of something much worse than an uncomplicated UTI. It could be an indication of bladder infections or even kidney stones. Talk to your doctor to get immediate help for any urological issue in this case.
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Fever, Chills, and Flank Pain:
If your UTI has developed into a kidney infection, then symptoms like chills, fever, or pain will appear. You should inform any physician about all symptoms and the medications you are taking so they can decide what was the root cause.
Some food advice to Prevent UTI:
Focus on foods rich in vitamin C and cranberries:
These are an incredible source of vit.C that can acidify the urine and create a less beneficial environment for pathogens.
- Grapefruits
- Oranges
- Strawberries
Furthermore, cranberries have been linked to UTI prevention. However, some research has not found conclusive evidence in its favor; there is still proof that cranberry juice can offer benefits.
Foods to limit:
Any caffeinated or alcoholic drinks can irritate the bladder and dehydrate you, making the UTI even worse. Likewise, spicy foods are an enemy to your bladder health. It will be wise if you can tone down the chili pepper in your next dinner.
