Urinary tract infection: Causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

What is a urinary tract infection?

A UTI is an infection of the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra. The most common infections involve the bladder (cystitis) and occur mainly in women. It is important to treat it immediately as it can spread and cause more serious problems, such as pyelonephritis.

Diagnosis
The diagnosis is based on the patient's history and clinical examination. It can be confirmed by general examination and urine culture. Findings may include elevated pyocytes (white blood cells indicating infection) and the presence of the responsible microorganisms.

Urinary tract infections are mainly caused by bacteria entering the urethra. Women are more susceptible because of their smaller urethra, which facilitates the transfer of microbes to the bladder. In addition, factors such as poor hygiene of the area, sexual activity, insufficient fluid intake and hormonal changes increase the risk of urinary tract infections.

Symptoms
Symptoms of UTI include pain or burning sensation when urinating, frequent urination, cloudy or smelly urine, and pain in the lower abdomen or back, especially in cases of pyelonephritis. In more severe cases, fever and chills may occur, indicating possible spread of the infection.

Prevention and treatment
To prevent urinary tract infections, it is recommended to drink plenty of water, urinate regularly without delay and maintain good hygiene of the genital area. In addition, urinating before and after sexual intercourse can reduce the risk of infection. In terms of treatment, most UTIs are treated with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor, while in mild cases increased fluid intake and natural methods such as drinking cranberry juice can help. The choice of the appropriate antibiotic is based on the antibiogram, a test that determines the sensitivity or resistance of the microbe to the available drugs. The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the infection and is determined by the treating physician.