What Helps with Urinary Tract Infections? What Are the Symptoms?

Under normal circumstances, urine and the urinary tract are sterile in a healthy individual. When a person becomes infected with microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses, a urinary tract infection (UTI) may develop. Urinary tract infections, also known as urinary system infections, can occur in the kidneys, bladder, and other parts of the urinary tract. Although UTIs are more common in women, pregnant individuals, babies, and children, nearly everyone experiences a urinary tract infection at some point in their life. This condition typically presents symptoms such as burning and pain during urination. Diagnosis of a urinary tract infection is made by physicians through laboratory tests, screening, and the evaluation of imaging tests. While urinary tract infections are often considered common and relatively easy to treat, it is essential that the most appropriate treatment method is applied by a specialist. Antibiotics are commonly preferred in treatment. Additionally, maintaining a regular and healthy diet, as well as drinking plenty of water, can help reduce the infection.

What is a Urinary Tract Infection?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are divided into three categories: lower urinary system, upper urinary system, and asymptomatic bacteriuria infections. Upper urinary system infections refer to infections of the kidneys and ureters, while lower urinary system infections refer to infections of the bladder and urethra. Asymptomatic bacteriuria is defined as the presence of significant bacteria in urine cultures without any symptoms of a urinary tract infection. Direct spread through neighboring structures occurs when an infection developing in areas of the body, such as the appendix, contaminates the urinary system.

Urinary tract infections are the second most common infectious disorders in childhood, following respiratory tract infections. Although they are more commonly seen in male children during the first two years, they are more frequently observed in female children after the age of two. In adults, urinary tract infections are also more common in women and pregnant individuals compared to men.

What Causes Urinary Tract Infections?

Urinary tract infections, also known as urinary system infections, typically arise as a bacterial disorder, but they can also rarely develop due to fungal, viral, and parasitic organisms. The most frequently encountered bacteria belong to the Enterobacteriaceae family, specifically Escherichia coli. Staphylococcus saprophyticus is the second most common causative agent, but infections caused by it tend to be more severe.

Unhygienic conditions, urinary tract abnormalities, sexual contact, pregnancy, a weakened immune system, the presence of stones in the urinary tract, and catheter use can lead to infection. In women, urinary tract infections are common due to the short urethra being close to the anus, while in men, they are rarer due to the longer urethra and the bactericidal properties of prostatic fluid.

Bacteria can reach the urinary system through four different pathways: ascending, hematogenous, lymphatic, and neighboring pathways. The ascending pathway is the most common route of transmission, especially in girls under the age of 10. Hematogenous spread occurs when bacteria enter the urinary system through the bloodstream from any infected area in the body. Lymphatic spread is rare, with infections from the colon and cervix occasionally reaching the urinary system this way.

What Are the Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection?

The symptoms of urinary tract infections vary based on the individual's age, the route of infection, and the area affected. Poor assessment of symptoms can lead to disease progression and make treatment difficult. The symptoms of a urinary tract infection can be summarized as follows:

• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Difficulty breastfeeding in infants
• Restlessness
• Diarrhea
• Foul-smelling urine
• High fever
• Abdominal pain
• Sudden and frequent urination
• Constipation
• Urinary disorders
• Difficulty eating
• Prolonged jaundice in newborns
• Developmental delay
• Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
• Painful urination (dysuria)

What is Good for Urinary Tract Infection?

When a person shows symptoms of a urinary tract infection and seeks medical attention, various tests and examinations are conducted. The presence of significant levels of bacteria in the urine after these tests indicates a urinary tract infection. Other methods that may help with urinary tract infections include:

• Drinking plenty of water: This helps alleviate urinary tract infection symptoms, flush out toxins from the body, and prevent dehydration caused by frequent urination due to the infection.
• Using probiotic products: Upon consulting a doctor, probiotics can be used as they help eliminate harmful bacteria and toxins, supporting gut health.
• Eating a balanced and healthy diet: This strengthens the immune system, and foods rich in vitamin C can prevent urinary tract infections.
• Applying a heating pad: This can relieve lower abdominal pain, which is a symptom associated with infection.
• Maintaining personal hygiene: It is essential to ensure proper hygiene.
• Reducing caffeine intake: Consumption of caffeine-rich tea and coffee should be minimized.

What is Good for Urinary Tract Infection in Infants and Children?

Urinary tract infections are common illnesses in infants and children. Although urinary tract infections are more frequently observed in boys during the first three months of life, they begin to appear more often in girls as they grow older. Symptoms of urinary tract infections in infants and children can vary based on their age. In children under two, nonspecific symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and fever may be observed, while older children develop specific symptoms associated with urinary tract infections.

In general, antibiotics are used for treating infections in infants and children. Adhering to the treatment procedures deemed appropriate by physicians and ensuring that medications are taken at the right times and in the correct doses is crucial for effective treatment. Due to their immune systems being more susceptible to infections, general hygiene rules and genital area cleanliness should be prioritized for infants and children. Children should be educated about not holding in their urine, going to the toilet frequently, and keeping their urinary tracts clean. Encouraging them to drink plenty of water can help eliminate toxins and bacteria from their urinary tracts. Tight and synthetic underwear should be avoided; instead, loose-fitting cotton underwear suitable for the infant or child's body should be chosen.

What is Good for Urinary Tract Infection in Pregnant Women?

Urinary tract infections are the most common infections in pregnant women. Changes in urine composition and various hormonal and physiological changes during pregnancy make it easier for bacteria to cause infections in the urinary system. If a urinary tract infection is left untreated during pregnancy, it can lead to serious complications like respiratory failure. Moreover, the infection can lead to unwanted situations such as premature birth. If significant levels of bacteria are found in a urine culture taken from pregnant women, a urinary tract infection diagnosis is made. Both microbiological and clinical results should be evaluated together during diagnosis.

Pregnancy is an extremely sensitive process. Therefore, a rational approach should be taken regarding treatment. It is expected that medications for urinary tract infection during pregnancy reach high urinary and serum concentrations and affect only pathogenic organisms. However, some medications can cause serious complications during pregnancy. Thus, it is advised not to take any medications without a doctor's recommendation.

Eating a balanced and healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, urinating regularly, consuming natural probiotics, and paying attention to personal hygiene can prevent urinary tract infections or alleviate existing symptoms. However, if you exhibit symptoms of a urinary tract infection during pregnancy or suspect you might have one, you should consult a doctor. It is advisable to follow the treatment procedures recommended by your doctor.

Various antibiotics are used as the first-line treatment for urinary tract infections. If a sufficient response to treatment is not achieved, combination drug therapies may be implemented. Using antibiotics for inappropriate durations or doses can lead to resistance against these medications, which may hinder effective treatment. However, when used appropriately, bothersome symptoms can subside within a few days, but the use of medications should not be stopped in this case. It is essential to continue medication for the duration recommended by the physician.

How to Prevent Urinary Tract Infections?

Although urinary tract infections are more common in women, almost every individual in society experiences them at least once in their lifetime. However, certain measures can be taken to reduce the risk of infection. These preventive measures include urinating regularly, choosing cotton and well-fitting underwear, consuming vitamin C and probiotic-rich foods, maintaining personal hygiene, drinking plenty of water, attending regular health check-ups, avoiding the indiscriminate use of antibiotics, and keeping the genital area clean and dry.

If symptoms of a urinary tract infection are observed, it is recommended to consult a physician and begin treatment tailored to the patient's age and overall health condition as determined by the doctor. This is crucial as untreated urinary tract infections can lead to more severe complications.