Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are very common. They are more common in older people than they are in younger ones, however, people with compromised immune systems of all ages are likely to contract them. This post plans to explore this topic in more detail, explaining what UTIs are, how you can treat them, and what you need to know. Be sure to explore this post in its entirety so that you can learn to properly treat the condition and reduce side effects. Remember: Any concerns you have about your health should be directed to your doctor and not the authors of online articles.
What Is an Urinary Tract Infection
A UTI is an infection that affects your urinary tract, which includes your urethra, kidneys, and bladder. They are very common in the elderly. Early identification of symptoms can help to reduce side effects and the condition worsening. The symptoms of UTIs can be confused with lots of other conditions, so it’s a good idea to get your symptoms checked if you suspect that you have one.
Learning to Identify the Symptoms
If you do not treat a UTI quickly, it could quickly get out of control. While it’s unlikely, there is a chance that a UTI could turn into sepsis. Identifying UTI symptoms will make it easier for you to quickly treat the issue. By identifying symptoms early, you can quickly get in touch with a doctor and get antibiotics. Usually, antibiotics are prescribed to treat UTIs, because they do not tend to go away on their own. Do not attempt to treat a UTI on your own. Here are some of the symptoms you need to be aware of:
Frequent Urge to Pee
One of the most common symptoms of a UTI is a frequent urge to pee. It is important to distinguish between a frequent urge to pee and a normal urge to pee. Some people urinate more than others. Only you know what is normal for you. You need to make sure that you go and see your doctor if you notice that you are peeing more than usual, especially if you are experiencing any of the other symptoms mentioned here. You do not necessarily need to see a doctor if you are urinating more have none of the other symptoms listed here and have been drinking much more water.
Discomfort When Peeing
Discomfort when peeing is another symptom that is suggestive of a UTI. If you do experience discomfort when peeing, there are other potential causes, too. As mentioned above, you need to make sure that you go and see your doctor right away. Your doctor will be able to talk you through your symptoms and perform simple tests that can instantly diagnose a UTI. All a doctor has to do is dip a stick in your urine and they will be able to tell you whether or not you have an infection.
Sudden Urges to Pee
Another symptom that is very suggestive of a urinary tract infection is a submerge to pee. It is important to note that if you’ve been drinking a lot of water, you may experience a sudden urge to pee. However, the sudden urge to pee you’ll experience after drinking a lot of water is nothing like the urge you would experience if you had a urinary tract infection. Urinary tract infection will make you feel like you need to go to the bathroom immediately and that you’ll wet yourself if you don’t. If you have just drank a lot of water, you may feel a pressing urge to go but it’s unlikely you’ll feel like you need to wet yourself.
Cloudy, Stinky Urine
Cloud, stinky urine can be another suggestive symptom of a urinary tract infection. It is again important to note that cloudy urine can be suggestive of many other health conditions too. If you do have cloudy and stinky urine, it’s important to reach out to a doctor and get in touch to find out what you can do to treat your symptoms. It may be that your diet is causing your urine to take on this appearance. Some foodstuffs can also make your urine smell very strongly as well. Additionally, if you are dehydrated, your euro may appear cloudy or dark. Make sure to keep yourself hydrated.
Feeling Unwell
Feelings of malaise or fatigue can also suggest that you have some kind of infection. However, the physical symptoms of a UTI can also be the same as the symptoms of the flu or viral infections. Bacterial infections have to be treated with antibiotics; however, viral infections tend to go away on their own. Anti-viral medications or sometimes prescribed for them. Your doctor may need to perform blood tests in order to determine whether you have a bacterial or a viral infection.
Unable to Empty Your Bladder
Finally, if you feel like you need to pee, but you are unable to empty your bladder, you need to get in touch with your doctor. Being unable to pee can be a symptom of a UTI or sometimes the side effect of medication. You need to get in touch with your doctor because if you are unable to go to the toilet but continue drinking liquids, your bladder could fill to an uncomfortable level. With infections, once antibiotics have been prescribed and used, your symptoms should gradually get better.
Using Antibiotics
Antibiotics are prescribed for infections. In most cases, urinary tract infections will be treated with antibiotics because it is very unusual for them to go away on their own. However, if you have a history of taking antibiotics for infections your doctor may advise some other form of treatment just to stop your body from developing antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance is when your body can no longer use antibiotics effectively. Make sure that you take your antibiotics according to the instructions given on the back of the packaging.
A UTI is a very common type of infection, especially in the elderly. If you have one, you need to get it treated right away. A doctor will be able to help you with this by prescribing antibiotics.
