The Beginnings of UTI
When you gotta go, you gotta go. But are you going too frequently? Do you get that "burning" sensation when you have to go to the bathroom? These may be symptoms of a urinary tract infection, which must be treated to avoid complications.
Your Urinary System
The urinary system is responsible for ridding the body of waste via liquid release. It involves the kidneys, bladder, urethra and ureters. Almost all of your body's main organs produce waste once they take the nutrients they need. Your lungs, your stomach, your skin---they all create waste products that eventually reach the kidney via the blood and other bodily fluids. The kidneys filter those products and send the waste and toxins to be carried away by urine. The urine travels through the urinary tract and waits in the bladder until it's time for release. People typically produce 2.5 quarts of urine per day.
Urinary Tract Infections and Symptoms
Urinary tract infections occur when bacteria enter the bladder or urinary tract. Bacteria are not one of the waste products filtered out in the urinary system. If they get into the system and multiply, an infection can occur.
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include those mentioned above: frequent urination and inflammation. More serious symptoms include puss or blood in the urine and pain in the pelvic area.
Remedies and Prevention
Fortunately there are cures and remedies for urinary tract infections. One of the first things a doctor will do is prescribe antibiotics, just like with kidney infections or any other bacteria-related conditions. The most popular is Trimethoprim, which is typically given in 7-day prescriptions. You should also drink plenty of fluids. Constantly flushing the kidneys can help push out bacteria.
As you get older, your kidneys may not filter waste properly. Your urinary system muscles may not be as strong, and therefore not pushing all the urine out of the bladder. Bacteria can multiply in retained urine.
To prevent urinary tract infections, one should practice good hygiene around the urethra and openings in the area, especially if you are having frequent intercourse. Wiping properly (front to back) and wearing undergarments that stay in place helps as well.
Cranberry juice is believed to help fight off urinary by increasing the acidity of urine and creating an environment not conducive to the growth of bacteria. Start drinking it if you feel you're susceptible to UTI.
Tags: urinary tract, urinary system, kidneys filter, tract infection, tract infections