Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur in the urinary system, i.e., ureters, bladder, urethra and kidneys. The infections are caused by the microbes such as bacteria that overpowers the human body’s defences in the urinary tract. Majority of the UTI cases occur in the lower urinary tract, i.e., the urethra and the bladder.Women are more prone to acquiring this condition as compared to men; also, infection which is severe in the bladder is most painful. Nevertheless, if urinary tract infections spread to the kidneys, the effects can be severe.According to a survey done on urinary tract infection treatmentmarket, this is one of the most commonly occurring infection and is responsible for nearly 8.1 million cases each year.The urinary tract has one of the most vital functions in the body, it eliminates excess water and waste from the body through urine. UTIs are given different names, depending upon where they occur, such as kidney infection – pyelonephritis, urethra infection – urethritis, bladder infection – cystitis. Most UTI cases are not severe, however some result in serious problems, especially with upper urinary tract infections. Prolonged and persistent kidney infections can cause permanent damage. A few acute kidney infections can be fatal, in case of septicaemia, wherein the bacteria enters the bloodstream.
Urinary tract infection treatment:
Healthcare providers treat UTI with antibiotics, as they are the first line of treatment for UTI. Which drug does a doctor prescribe and for what duration a patient has to take the medication solely depends upon the health condition and the kind of bacteria that has been detected in the urine. The most common drugs prescribed for simple infection are:
• Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
• Cephalexin (Keflex)
• Fosfomycin (Monurol)
• Azithromycin (Zithromax, Zmax)
• Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra, others)
• Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)
• Doxycycline (Monodox, Vibramycin, others)
• Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Macrobid)
• Levofloxacin (Levaquin)
After starting the treatment, in most cases, the UTI symptoms clear up within a few days. Nonetheless, a patient may have to continue the antibiotics for probably more than a week.
Potential symptoms of UTI, which an individual need to keep an eye on:
• Constant urge to pee, even when the bladder is not full
• Burning sensation while urinating
• Dark, cloudy, smelly urine
• Feeling exhausted and shaky
• Pressure or pain in the lower abdomen or back
• Chills or fever (mostly in severe cases)