Urinary tract infection is an inflammation which causes due to the infection of the bladder. The main common causative organisms are E.coli, Enterobacter, and pseudomonas. UTI is more common in women because women urethra is shorter than men. UTI is more in pregnant and sexually active women.
HOW TO ASSESS URINARY TRACT INFECTION?
The signs and symptoms of urinary tract infections are burning on urination, voiding in small amounts, inability to void, cloudy urine, dark foul-smelling urine, fever, chills, malaise, frequency and urgency, wbc greater than 11000 mm3 on urinalysis, lower abdominal discomfort or back pain, and bladder spasms.
HOW TO MANAGE URINARY TRACT INFECTION?
1. DIET
Diet has an important role to manage UTIs. You can maintain a healthy diet to treat urinary tract infections.
A) BLUEBERRIES: Blueberries include vitamin C which helps to reduce inflammation and also it contains antioxidants.
B) TOMATOES: Tomatoes aid to maintain PH balance in the urinary tract. Moreover, it has vitamin C that reduces inflammation and boosts the immune system against bacteria.
C) RASPBERRIES: Raspberries contain omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which fight against infections. Apart from that, it contains water aids to flush out the urine from the urinary tract and keeps your kidney healthy.
D) PEARS: Pears have fiber rich in probiotics which help to keep urinary tract healthy, and promotes regular bowel movements. The malic acid in pears aids to prevent the formation of kidney stones.
E) YOGURT: Yogurt contains probiotics that keep the urinary tract clear.
F) GARLIC: Garlic has an anti-inflammatory process that helps to reduce inflammation and manage urinary tract infections. Garlic is also a liver friendly food.
You need to avoid caffeine products such as coffee, tea, and cola. Also, you can avoid alcohol because alcohol creates large volumes of urine that irritate the bladder. In addition, spicy foods such as black pepper, cayenne, red chili pepper, and green pepper flakes can disturb the urinary tract. Furthermore, try to avoid eating acidic fruits like oranges and grapefruits.
2. Administered prescribed medications such as antibiotics, analgesics, and antiseptics.
3. Before administering prescribed antibiotics, obtain a urine culture and sensitivity to identify bacterial growth. Take antibiotics on schedule and complete the entire course as prescribed around 10 to 14 days. Repeat the urine culture after the following treatment.
4. Maintain urine PH 5.5
5. Drink plenty of water up to 3000ml/day.
6. Use a sterile technique while inserting a urinary catheter.
7. Heat application helps with abdominal discomfort. Moreover, sitz baths are also good for bladder discomfort.
8. Prevent recurrence of urinary tract infection.
9. Provide perinatal care for people who have an indwelling catheter.
HOW TO PREVENT URINARY TRACT INFECTION?
You can prevent urinary tract infections in many ways.
· Use cotton pants and avoid wearing tight clothes.
· Avoid tub baths and vaginal sprays.
· Wipe the perineal area from front to back.
· Void every 2 to 3 hours.
· Do not sit in a wet bathing suit for a long time.
· Drink more water at least 2 liters per day to flush out the urinary tract.