Your Health Q&A:Urinary Tract Infections.

Urinary tract infections or UTI, in short, are the most common lower abdominal discomfort, female affected more compared to the man. However, this condition is treatable without any invasive methods if detected earlier. Bacterial invasion in the urinary tract results in such condition and treatment primarily involves the eradication of those bacteria with an antibiotic.

Can UTI resolve on its own?
Uncomplicated UTI may resolve with the help of a strong immune system, this happens around 25% to 42% of cases.

What are the causes of UTI?
The common causal bacteria are E.Coli (Escherichia Coli) but this is not the only one. There are many other bacterial organisms contributes to UTI too via several modes of transmission as listed below:

• poor hygiene including undergarments and sharing toilets.
• sexual intercourse
• menstruation
• diabetes
• continuous or regular urinary catheter usage
• renal stones
• pregnancy 
• immunocompromised

What happens to the untreated UTI?

The infection may invade the bladder and ascends to both kidneys which result in kidney infection to the extent of kidney failure requiring life long dialysis.

Does water help to clear those UTI?

Yes, it is proven that water helps to flush out the infection so you are encouraged to drink plenty of water.

How long does UTI last upon treatment?

About 24-48 hours of antibiotic initiation but kidney infection may last for 1 week and may require hospitalization.

What are the symptoms of UTI?

• lower abdominal discomfort
• a burning sensation upon urination
• cloudy urine or urine mixed with blood
• flank pain
• fever
• chills& rigours
• frequent passing of urine

What is the course of action upon visiting a doctor?

After clinical evaluation , you will be requested to give a urine sample and blood sample too if your condition is very ill.UTI can be detected immediately upon testing your urine sample using urine dipstick available in the doctor's office or will be sent to a lab which may take a few days to process. Blood sample aim to give clue on infectivity and kidney status to the doctor. If tested positive for UTI , then you will be treated with antibiotic orally if mild to a moderate or intravenous antibiotic if moderate to severe in the hospital depending on your condition.

What are the precautions to observe during sexual intercourse to avoid UTI?

Sexual intercourse is best avoided at least for 1 week upon confirming UTI to prevent your partner from infecting and also allows some duration for you to recover.

How can menstruation appear to be the reason for UTI?

Menstruation involves expectation of dirty blood from body so improper hygiene during this period, infrequent pad changed, usage of tampons and sexual intercourse during menstruation are some of the cause identified related to UTI in menstruation.

From kitchen to remedy:

• Consume 15mls of concentrated cranberry juice once  a day
• Drink at least a cup of barley in a day
• Green tea helps to keep UTI at bay.

You can't change your fate but you will definitely change your health!