Generally, the human body is capable of performing several unique activities. For example, the internal organs work in various systems to create, cleanse, and repair each minute. The urinary system primarily involves the renal pelvis, bladder, kidneys, urethra, and the ureters. As the body digests food and extracts nutrients and water from it, the waste products left need to be removed from the body. The urinary tract system filters toxins from the blood, thus creating urine. Like any other system in the body, the urinary tract is prone to infections. While some may go away on their own, some urinary tract infections must be treated. Otherwise, they may lead to severe complications, some of which may be deadly. Click here to get UTI antibiotics online.

What are Urinary Tract Infections?

Urinary tract infection (UTI) includes localized infection in the urinary system resulting from microbes that attack the bladder. The condition usually enters the system through the urethra and can affect the ureters, bladder, or kidneys. While infections involving the kidneys and ureter are less common, they are more serious and could lead to severe complications. A fungus infection, virus, or bacterium can cause urinary tract infections.

What are the Common Causes of UTIs?

Usually, the underlying cause of a urinary tract infection is microbes or bacteria that enter the urethra and result in an infection. However, there are risk factors that elevate the occurrence of infections, including the following.

• Pregnancy
• Diabetes
• Weakened immune system
• Previous UTI history
• Enlarged prostate
• Kidney stones
• Catheter usage
• Prolonged bed rest or immobility

What are the Signs and Symptoms of UTIs?

Most people experience similar UTI symptoms. Most symptoms cause significant discomfort and persist until the infection is treated. UTIs can affect the lower or upper urinary tract, but most start from the lower and then progress to the upper system.

Lower urinary tract infection symptoms

• Bloody urine
• Intense or frequent urge to urinate
• Burning sensation when urinating
• Strong odor in urine
• Dark or cloudy urine
• Pressure in the lower abdomen
• Rectal or pelvic pain

Upper urinary tract infection symptoms

• Vomiting
• Fever
• Pain in the areas surrounding your kidneys
• Nausea
• Chills

How Can I Prevent UTIs?

Whether you experience recurrent urinary tract infections or just want to avoid the stress of antibiotics, you can adopt several preventative measures.

To start with, hydration is vital when you want to avoid UTIs. Drinking enough water daily allows your urethra to flush itself all day continuously. As a result, this helps expel and dislodge bacteria that may have entered the system before they multiply. Also, it would help if you used the washrooms when you feel the urge. Holding urine for an extended period creates an environment that fosters the development of UTIs. Other necessary measures include wiping from front to back, avoiding too-tight clothes, using showers rather than baths, and keeping the genital area dry.

The Danger of Untreated UTIs

If they go untreated for a long time, UTIs can progress to the upper tract system, causing severe complications that are hard to treat. The infection can even attack the bloodstream, which could even be fatal. Therefore, treat UTIs as early as possible.