Urinary tract infection is defined as the infection in any part of the urinary system. It generally affects the ureters, bladder, and urethra. And is most commonly caused by the E.coli bacterium that lives in the colon. Though UTI can happen in both men and women, the chances of men getting UTI are less than women. UTIs needs appropriate medical attention. Failure to treat UTI properly can lead to life-threatening complications such as sepsis.
Urinary tract infection is defined as the infection in any part of the urinary system. It generally affects the ureters, bladder, and urethra. And is most commonly caused by the E.coli bacterium that lives in the colon. Though UTI can happen in both men and women, the chances of men getting UTI are less than women. UTIs needs appropriate medical attention. Failure to treat UTI properly can lead to life-threatening complications such as sepsis.
When you do not have voluntary control over your urinary bladder and have urine leakage due to sneezing, coughing, or laughing and other problems, it is called Urinary Incontinence. Incontinence is more common in women and the elderly, but it can affect both men and women in any age group. Many people with incontinence suffer from social humiliation, loneliness, ill-health, and even depression. Simple lifestyle changes or medical care will relieve discomfort or halt urinary incontinence for most people.
People suffering from UI should avoid the following foods and beverages
Caffeine-containing products like tea, and coffee.
Soda, sparkling water and other carbonated beverages.
Alcoholic beverages
Citrus fruits and juices (lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit)
Tomatoes and tomato-based foods and sauces
Spicy foods
Chocolate
Sugars and honey
Artificial sweeteners
If urinary incontinency is left untreated, then it will result in worsening of symptoms over time. This may lead to lack of sleep, tiredness, depression/anxiety, limitation of social life and sexual problems. Skin problems like rashes, infections and sores also become common.
In general, the physician will do a complete examination of your physical body and look into the history of diseases or medical treatments you have been encountered with.
The diagnosis of Urinary Incontinence is carried out by three methods
Urinalysis (to check signs for infections, blood traces and other abnormalities)
Bladder diary (to record the amount of liquid intake, urge to urinate and the number of incontinence episodes)
Post-void residual measurement (to check the amount of leftover urine in your bladder after urination using a catheter or ultrasound test. If the leftover urine is more in quantity, it signifies obstruction in your urinary tract or a problem with your bladder nerves or muscles.
The physician will review your medical history and do a physical exam. The physician will also carry out tests to diagnose UTI which includes:
Urinalysis, to check the presence of chemicals and bacteria.
Intravenous pyelogram (IVP) test to detect tumours, structural abnormalities, kidney stones, or blockages.
Cystoscopy test to detect the presence of stones or tumours that block the passage of urine.
An ultrasound test of the kidney and bladder
The common UTI risk factor in adults includes:
Enlargement of Prostate in men
Underlying disease conditions like diabetes and Sexually Transmitted Infections.
The occurrence of stones in the kidneys
Regular sexual intercourse with multiple partners
Placing catheters in the urethra and bladder
A decrease in water intake
During pregnancy, there are hormonal changes inside the female body. Also, the weight of the growing uterus increases. The above two factors sometimes block urine from passing out of the bladder. This increases the chances of getting UTI.