What is a Urinary Tract Infection?
Urinary tract infection is a disease that results in infection of the organs in the urinary system, such as the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. In general, urinary tract infections attack two areas, namely the urethra and bladder. Initially, the kidneys will filter waste products in the blood and later excrete them in the form of urine.
Then, the urine that is passed by the kidneys will go through the ureters leading to the bladder. After the urine is collected in the bladder, the urine will then be excreted by the body through the urethra. Finally, urine will empty through the urinary hole. Based on the infected area, urinary tract infections are divided into lower UTI and upper UTI.
Upper UTI is a type of infection that occurs in the upper bladder, namely the kidneys and ureters. Meanwhile, lower UTI is a type of infection that occurs at the bottom of the bladder, namely the bladder and urethra. Of these types of UTIs, upper UTI is the most dangerous type of UTI and can trigger urosepsis.
Urosepsis is a condition in which bacteria present in the infected kidneys spread into the blood. Urosepsis can result in a drop in blood pressure and even shock and death.
Causes of urinary tract infections
The cause of UTIs is caused by bacteria that enter the urinary tract through the urethra. Women will be more often infected by this disease. If a woman does not wipe the feminine area after BAK in a front to back direction, she is likely to be at risk for this UTI. This is because the urethral area is close to the anus.
If women do not make it a habit to clean the area, it is possible that bacteria from the large intestine such as E coli can enter the urethra. E coli bacteria will enter the bladder. Things that are more severe such as kidney infections will be prone to occur, if not immediately given treatment. Another cause that can trigger this condition is having sex.
Having sex can cause bacteria to enter the urinary tract. Cleaning the pubic area after BAK and after intercourse is mandatory.
Symptoms of urinary tract infection
If a person has contracted this infection, it will cause several symptoms. Symptoms caused by each person are different. However, here are the common symptoms caused by this type of infection.
- Burning feeling in the pubic area when urinating
- The frequency of urinating is frequent
- Urine is low
- Pain and pressure on the back and lower abdomen
- Bloody urine and darker urine
- The body will feel tired and trembling
- The body will feel cold, even fever if the infection has entered the kidneys
Treatment and prevention of urinary tract infections
This condition must immediately get treatment and treatment, so that permanent kidney damage does not occur. The main treatment is given antibiotics for UTIs. The type of drug given must be in accordance with the condition of the body of each sufferer. Antibiotic drugs function as bacteria remover.
Eliminating bacteria in the urinary area is an important treatment to do. This is because, if not done completely, the bacteria will become susceptible to infection again. Even the bacterial attack will be stronger, so that antibiotic resistance can occur. One of the next ways is to consume lots of water.
Drinking lots of water can get rid of the bacteria found in the urinary system. If there are complaints of pain and even fever, the doctor will usually prescribe a reliever. Some of the treatments that you can run include:
- Taking low doses of antibiotics. This is done to prevent recurring infections over a long period of time.
- Taking a single dose of antibiotics. This is done after sexual intercourse.
- Take antibiotics for 1-2 days when the person feels symptoms.
Also Read: Urinary Tract Infection in Pregnancy
How to prevent this infection?
There are several ways to prevent this infection. Here’s what you can do.
- You should not hold back urinating
- Get used to always cleaning the pubic area in the direction from front to back.
- Consume lots of water
- Avoid feminine cleansing products
- Get used to cleaning the female area before and after sex
- Change underwear regularly, don’t leave it for days
- Avoid wearing tight pants
Why do UTIs come back?
One of the risk factors for this condition is the lack of maintaining cleanliness in the pubic area. Another risk factor that can cause UTIs to recur in women is a weak immune system. For example, women with diabetes, cancer and menopause. This group of people is expected to be more alert.
Natural way to treat Urinary Tract Infections
In addition to treating this infection with medical means, this type of infection can also be treated in a natural way. So what are the natural ways that can be done? Here are the points.
Take probiotics
Probiotics are a type of bacteria that are very good for the digestive system. We can find these bacteria in food or supplements. One type of probiotic is lctobacillus which can prevent infection of the female urinary tract. Some foods that contain these bacteria are yogurt, kimchi, kefir and kombucha.
Cranberry juice
You can try cranberry juice made without adding sugar. Cranberry juice is a juice that can fight infections that occur in the urinary tract. Cranberries will work by preventing bacteria from entering the urinary tract. This is so that the infection that occurs can be resolved.
Consume Vitamin C
Get used to consuming lots of Vitamin C is the next way that can be tried. This method is able to prevent infections that occur in the urinary tract. Vitamin C can increase the acidity level of urine, so the bacteria that cause infection can be killed by it. Vitamin C content can be found in types of fruits. Types of fruits that contain Vitamin C include oranges, grapes, and kiwi. You can consume it directly or make juice without sugar.
Green tea
Green tea is a natural treatment for infections that occur in the urinary tract. Green tea has antimicrobial properties. This content is able to ward off bacteria that cause UTIs, such as E coli bacteria. In addition, green tea also contains antioxidants. This content can reduce inflammation that occurs in the bladder.
Also R
ead: 10 Health Benefits of Green Tea
Consume lots of water
Consume water regularly every day. This is the first step that must be taken to prevent and treat UTIs. During this infection, you are advised to avoid soft, caffeinated drinks and drinks that are too sweet.
Use a hot compress
Using a warm compress pillow can relieve the pain that occurs. Do not apply it directly to the skin, you must first coat it with a cloth. This method can be done for about 15 minutes. This is done so that the skin does not feel burning.
Hope it is useful.
