Urine Infection Symptoms

A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, enter and multiply in the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. It is a common health problem that affects people of all ages, especially women.

1.0What is a Urine Infection?

• Urine infections, or urinary tract infections, are among the most common diseases affecting people of all ages. 
• The leading cause of the infection is the increased population of harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi, in the urinary tract (including kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra). 
• Although the most commonly affected parts are the bladder and urethra, sometimes the microorganisms can reach up to the kidneys, causing severe medical conditions. This makes bacterial transfer much easier. 

2.0Urine Infection Causes 

The only common cause of a urine infection is bacteria, mostly E. coli, which can move from the digestive tract to the urinary tract. Other causes are just means of the bacteria’s transfer or multiplication. 

• Bad Toilet Hygiene: Using unhygienic or public toilets can transfer infection-causing microbes into the urethra. 
• Holding Urine for Long Periods: Holding back urine for a long time can trigger rapid bacterial growth in the bladder. 
• Weak Immunity: A weak immune system allows bacteria to multiply easily without any defence.
• Urinary Stones: Urinary stones make it harder to pass urine, giving bacteria ample time to multiply. 
• Catheter use or surgeries: Catheters or other medical instruments that are not sterilised can directly introduce infection-causing microorganisms.  
• Unprotected Sex: Unprotected sex with an infected person can transfer this bacterium to the urethral opening.  

3.0Urine Infection Symptoms 

Understanding urine infection symptoms can help you identify these infections at their early stages, which in turn helps to prevent complications later: 

• Frequent urge for urination, even if the output is very little. 
• Pain or burning sensation during urination, also known as dysuria. 
• Cloudy or very foul-smelling pee. 
• Blood in urine (hematuria), which causes the colour of urine to go pink, red, or cola-like. 
• Discomfort and pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis, causing pressure. 
• Sometimes, when the kidney is affected, patients may also feel back or side pain. 
• Can’t control the urge to urinate. 
• Penis pain 
• Fatigue, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting are some other significant symptoms of a urinary infection. 

4.0Internal Mechanism of Urine Infection 

Bacterial Entry and Attachment 

• The first step of urinary infection is bacterial entry and attachment to the urinary tract. 
• Once they enter, these bacteria, mostly E. coli, attachto the hair-like projections, pili, in the inner lining of the urinary tract. 
• This resists the flush action of urine. 

Immune System Activation 

• Once the body detects foreign DNA, the immune system responds. 
• That is, WBCs or white blood cells rush to the site of attack and release the protective inflammatory chemicals. 

Inflammation of Urinary Tissues 

• The chemicals released by WBCs cause the blood vessels in the affected area to dilate, which in turn makes the tissues red, swollen, and irritated, and sometimes causes pus formation. 
• This is where the symptoms of a urinary tract infection start to appear and require medical attention.  

5.0Diagnosis of Urine Infection

6.0Treatment of Urine Infection

• The treatment of a urinary infection largely depends on the location and type of bacteria causing the infection. 
• The doctor will make a complete chart of medicines and antibiotics based on your needs and allergies. 
• The primary treatment for a urinary infection is antibiotics.

7.0Prevention and Lifestyle Measures

• Avoid holding back urine 
• Maintain hygiene and cleanliness in the toilets. 
• Avoid taking too much alcohol or caffeinated drinks. 
• Drink plenty of water. 
• Urinate after intercourse or other sexual activities.
• Follow a balanced diet and get good sleep.