Urinary Tract Infection: What Is It, What Causes It, What Are Its Symptoms and Treatment?

Urinary tract infections, known to be one of the most common bacterial infections in adults, affect 150 million people worldwide each year and can lead to sepsis, necessitating admission to intensive care units. Bacterial infections in the urinary tract are particularly common among sexually active women and are a significant health concern that can lead to kidney infections if not properly treated, often recurring frequently. Therefore, it is extremely important to have accurate information about urinary tract infections, to recognize symptoms and signs in a timely manner, and to control the infection effectively using the correct methods.

Urinary tract infections, known to be one of the most common bacterial infections in adults, affect 150 million people worldwide each year and can lead to sepsis, necessitating admission to intensive care units. Bacterial infections in the urinary tract are particularly common among sexually active women and are a significant health concern that can lead to kidney infections if not properly treated, often recurring frequently. Therefore, it is extremely important to have accurate information about urinary tract infections, to recognize symptoms and signs in a timely manner, and to control the infection effectively using the correct methods.

Urinary tract infections, known to be one of the most common bacterial infections in adults, affect 150 million people worldwide each year and can lead to sepsis, necessitating admission to intensive care units. The urinary system, which maintains the body's fluid balance, consists of the kidneys, the bladder, and the ureters, which are the channels connecting these structures. When the healthy flora in any part of the urinary system is disrupted and the bacterial density increases, a urinary tract infection develops. Bacterial infections in the urinary tract are particularly common among sexually active women and are a significant health concern that can lead to kidney infections if not properly treated, often recurring frequently. Therefore, it is extremely important to have accurate information about urinary tract infections, to recognize symptoms and signs in a timely manner, and to control the infection effectively using the correct methods.

What Is a Urinary Tract Infection?

Urine produced in the kidneys is transported to the bladder through channels called ureters and is expelled from the body via another channel known as the urethra. Under normal circumstances, urine is a sterile body fluid. Therefore, all these structures where urine is produced, transported, and stored also have a healthy balance of bacteria and are sterile. However, in some cases, such as when the urethral opening comes into contact with feces, the sterile structure is disrupted, leading to a bacterial infection. Infections that occur in the urethra, known as the lower urinary tract, and in the ureters, referred to as the upper urinary tract, are generally defined as urinary tract infections.

Since the channels referred to as the urinary tract are in contact with all the structures of the urinary system, there is a high risk of any infection that arises here spreading to other structures such as the bladder and kidneys. In particular, infections that affect the kidneys can cause serious damage to the tissues of these organs and potentially lead to organ loss in the long term. Therefore, it is important to be informed about the factors that cause urinary tract infections and to protect oneself against them correctly.

What Causes Urinary Tract Infections?

Various risk factors that can lead to urinary tract infections exist at every stage of life. One of the primary factors is the shorter anatomical structure of the lower urinary tract in women, which is also located close to the anus, making it more susceptible to contact with feces. Due to these two important points, women are at a much higher risk of urinary tract infections compared to men, both during childhood and in adulthood and old age. In men, the lower urinary tract, known as the urethra, is anatomically longer, and the prostatic fluid has antibacterial properties. Thanks to these two significant factors, the rate of urinary system infections is low in men aged 1-50.

However, in some cases, the risk of developing a urinary tract infection increases in both sexes at different rates. These can be listed as follows:

• Previous urinary system infections: A history of infection in any area of the urinary system disrupts the healthy floral balance of these structures, making the individual more prone to recurrent infections.
• Being sexually active: The proximity of the urinary system organs to the genital organs increases the contact between these systems, thereby raising the risk of an existing infection spreading from one system to another. Particularly, sexually active women aged 18-24 often experience urinary tract infections following intercourse.
• Menopause: Menopause, one of the normal processes of a healthy life cycle, brings about significant changes in many systems of the female body. In particular, important changes in the hormonal system during menopause can make an individual more susceptible to urinary tract infections.
• Incontinence: Uncontrolled release of urine from the bladder creates a moist environment at the beginning of the urinary tract, increasing the risk of both urinary system infections and genital infectious diseases.

Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection

The first symptom that commonly arises in the case of an infection in the urinary tract is often a burning sensation while urinating. The increased bacterial density in the ureters or urethra disrupts the healthy pH level of urine, leading to a burning sensation in the tissues that come into contact with urine. Additionally, the frequent urge to urinate is also one of the most common symptoms of urinary tract infections. The person experiences a feeling of fullness in the bladder at short intervals but can only pass a few drops of urine.

Another symptom associated with urinary tract infections is pain experienced in the lower abdomen and on one or both sides of the torso. The area where pain occurs may vary depending on the location of the infection. Moreover, an increased sensation of pain, especially during urination, is a common symptom of urinary tract infections. An increased amount of bacteria in the urine can disrupt both its ideal pH level and its color and density. In cases of infection, urine is often cloudy and/or has a bloody appearance. The presence of blood in the urine, in particular, may indicate an advanced urinary tract infection, warranting urgent intervention.

What Are Urinary Tract Infection and Cystitis?

Urinary tract infections occur in both the upper and lower urinary tract. Cystitis is any bacterial infection observed in the bladder wall. Urinary tract infections and cystitis can present nearly the same symptoms but may occur at different times or simultaneously. Since these structures are interconnected, infections arising in one often quickly spread to the other. Therefore, it is essential to recognize that all the risk factors applicable to urinary tract infections are also valid for bladder infections. This knowledge is crucial for accurately identifying the initial symptoms of the disease and rapidly implementing interventions to control the infection.

How Is a Urinary Tract Infection Treated?

Most patients experiencing urinary tract infections do not require hospitalization, and the infection can usually be controlled with outpatient treatment. However, in cases of persistent high fever, severe back/abdominal pain, extreme fatigue and weakness, inability to maintain oral intake and fluid intake, or complete cessation of urination, close monitoring and inpatient treatment are necessary.

In cases of infections that can be controlled with outpatient treatment, certain therapeutic interventions can shorten the duration of the illness and enhance the treatment response. First and foremost, it is essential to ensure adequate fluid intake and to eliminate urine containing the infection from the urinary system. Patients are advised to consume at least 2-3 liters of fluid daily (fluid intake is calculated based on the patient's weight and kidney and heart health) and to be careful to empty the bladder quickly without retaining urine.

Additionally, studies indicate that certain types of food can be beneficial for urinary tract infections. Among these, calcium supplements, which help achieve urine alkalization and reach a healthy pH level, are particularly significant. Calcium consumed at the early stage of the disease helps control the severity of the infection while alleviating symptoms such as burning during urination, thereby improving the course of the illness. Furthermore, there are studies showing that foods rich in polyphenols with antioxidant properties, such as tea, coffee, wine, and cranberry, are effective in preventing urinary tract infections.