Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infections requiring medical treatment.
While UTIs can affect any one at any stage in life, they are more common with advancing age and affect more women than men. In fact nearly one in three women will need treatment for a UTI before the age of 24.
The very descriptively titled Wee Week (19-25 July) aims to promote the benefits of a healthy urinary tract as well as the importance of early recognition and treatment of urinary tract infections.
UTIs can involve just about any part of the urinary tract – the body’s plumbing, filtration and liquid waste disposal system. The kidneys and the bladder can be affected, as can the ureter and the urethra – the “pipes” which carry urine to and from the bladder.
Bacteria which normally live harmlessly in the intestine or the bowel are the usual suspects for causing UTIs. If these bacteria manage to spread from the anus (the back passage) into the urethra and then further into the urinary system, they can cause some rather nasty and discomforting conditions.
Urethritis is the medical term describing the infection when just the urethra is affected. If the infection spreads to the bladder causing the bladder lining to become raw and inflamed the condition is known as cystitis; whereas pyelonephritis is the name for the infection if it spreads to the kidneys.
All these conditions can cause a prickly, scalding or burning sensation when passing urine, and the urge to urinate frequently. If the bladder and kidney are affected, the urine might be cloudy or bloody and you may experience lower abdominal or back pain. Kidney related infections are potentially very serious and need prompt treatment to avoid kidney damage.
Mild cystitis can sometimes be treated effectively by drinking plenty of fluids (preferably water) to flush the bugs out the system, whilst often a urinary alkaliniser – something to make the urine less acid – will also help. Some studies have shown that cranberry juice or cranberry extract tablets may assist in preventing symptoms of cystitis in people who are susceptible to repeat infections. It seems cranberries contain a substance that can help prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder. However, results from the studies are not so positive for elderly men and women.
Women, generally, are more likely than men to suffer with UTIs because the urethra is so short. Also, female hormones can affect urine acidity making it more likely the offending organisms can thrive – especially at certain times of the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy and menopause or after a hysterectomy. Sexually active women are more at risk because sex can push the bacteria into the urethra.
Men with prostate problems may have difficulties with urine flow and bladder emptying and so allow the bacteria more time to reproduce. Older people, or people with another chronic medical condition such as diabetes, where the immune system is already under stress, are also more likely to get UTIs.
Recently the Pharmaceutical Society has produced a Urinary Tract Infection Fact Card which has some self help hints on how to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. It’s all about developing good habits of personal health and hygiene. The best advice is to drink plenty of water – around eight glasses a day. It helps to keep your plumbing system nice and clean. And, if you have an urge to go to the toilet, do so as soon as convenient. Don’t hold on!
Most importantly, if you think you have a UTI and the simple non-prescription products are not successful, see your doctor promptly. An appropriate antibiotic will usually give the desired results quickly and safely. And you’ll avoid any possible serious consequences. Meanwhile, if you would like some more information about UTIs, pick up a Urinary Tract Infection Fact Card from any one of the 1,650 Self Care pharmacies around Australia. Phone the Pharmaceutical Society on 1300 369 722 for the nearest location, or check out the PSA website: www.psa.org.au and click on Self Care Pharmacy Finder.
