A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most UTIs affect the lower urinary system, including the bladder and urethra. Most UTIs are not dangerous if treated quickly with medicines. If you leave the UTI untreated, it can become fatal if it spreads to the kidneys and bloodstream. It could result in kidney damage and scarring, and kidney infection. askpinkypromise.com
What are the causes of a UTI?
A bacterial infection is the primary cause of a UTI. Bacteria often enter the urethra into the urinary system and grow in the bladder.
In men, UTIs can cause prostrate issues. Older men are frequently affected by an enlarged prostate (BPH), which may hinder urine flow. This raises the possibility of bacterial accumulation and a UTI.
It is helpful to categorise UTIs into bladder and urethral infections and understand how they develop.
• Bladder infections - Bladder infections, or cystitis as they are commonly known, are frequently brought on by the bacteria E. coli. It is frequently present in the intestines of healthy people and animals and is completely harmless in its normal state. It can infect the urinary tract, though, if it manages to get past the intestines.
• Urethral infections - Urethritis is another name for it. This kind of UTI can happen when gastrointestinal bacteria travel from the anus to the urethra.
UTI complications include the following -
• Repeated infections: It denotes two or more UTIs in six months or three or more in a 12-month period. Recurring infections are particularly common among women.
• Permanent damage to your kidney: An untreated UTI can cause kidney damage.
• UTI during pregnancy: Premature or low birth weight babies are born due to a pregnancy-related UTI.
• Narrowed urethra: It happens in men as a result of urethral infections.
• Sepsis: It is a possible infection complication that has a life-threatening risk. This is particularly true if the infection extends to the kidneys from the urinary tract. askpinkypromise.com
How do I know if my UTI is serious?
If the UTI is not treated or keeps returning, it can be dangerous. The infection may persist in your urinary system despite adequate care and treatment or it may return after treatment. If the UTI only affects your bladder, it is typically a minor condition that is simple to cure. However, if it spreads to your kidneys, you could experience major health issues and require hospitalisation.
What are the symptoms of an untreated UTI?
Untreated UTI symptoms that might harm your bladder include the following:
• Frequent urination
• Bloody or dark urine
• Pain or burning while peeing
• Pain in your kidneys (in your lower back or below your ribs)
• Pain in your bladder region
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If your urinary tract infection affects your kidneys, you may experience the following symptoms:
• Nausea
• Diarrhea and vomiting
• Chills
• A high fever, over 38°C
• Fatigue
• Mental disorientation
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The usual UTI symptoms are widespread among all age groups. If left untreated, a UTI in the bladder can go to the kidneys and other organs. By following specific care, you can avoid getting UTIs.
