WHAT IS A UTI
Jul 31, 2007
The urinary tract is a system of organs that make and store urine. These include; two kidneys that make the urine and two small tubes which lead urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
By Dr Paul Semugoma
The urinary tract is a system of organs that make and store urine. These include; two kidneys that make the urine and two small tubes which lead urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
When full, urine is led out of the bladder through the urethra. It opens outside through the penis, or above the vagina. A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is an illness in these organs.
Causes
- Bacteria come from outside the body through the urethra. First, the urethra and bladder are infected, then the infection moves to the kidneys. The higher it goes, the more serious the illness becomes. Most bacteria causing UTIs come from the anus and from the intestines.
- Sexually transmitted bacteria, which enter the urethra during sex. Diseases like diabetes, HIV and sickle cell also make UTIs common.
Symptoms
- Burning urination is common. A boy may pull at the penis
- Frequent urination. One may feel like passing urine, but it may not come out well. It may be cloudy, smelly and bloody.
- Fever, nausea and vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Treatment
- A doctor will give antibiotics, depending on one’s age and sex.
Prevention
- Take enough water
- Maintain body hygiene
- Drink cranberry juice.
- If you get a UTI, complete treatment and confirm that the treatment has worked.
The writer is a medical doctor
The urinary tract is a system of organs that make and store urine. These include; two kidneys that make the urine and two small tubes which lead urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
When full, urine is led out of the bladder through the urethra. It opens outside through the penis, or above the vagina. A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is an illness in these organs.
Causes
- Bacteria come from outside the body through the urethra. First, the urethra and bladder are infected, then the infection moves to the kidneys. The higher it goes, the more serious the illness becomes. Most bacteria causing UTIs come from the anus and from the intestines.
- Sexually transmitted bacteria, which enter the urethra during sex. Diseases like diabetes, HIV and sickle cell also make UTIs common.
Symptoms
- Burning urination is common. A boy may pull at the penis
- Frequent urination. One may feel like passing urine, but it may not come out well. It may be cloudy, smelly and bloody.
- Fever, nausea and vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Treatment
- A doctor will give antibiotics, depending on one’s age and sex.
Prevention
- Take enough water
- Maintain body hygiene
- Drink cranberry juice.
- If you get a UTI, complete treatment and confirm that the treatment has worked.
The writer is a medical doctor