Urinary tract infection, a result of the presence of bacteria in the bladder and urinary tract region, can affect people of all ages, from children to the elderly. The main symptoms are burning, urgency to urinate and difficulty holding the bathroom or the presence of blood in the urine.
According to the Brazilian Society of Urology (SBU), about 80 to 85% of urinary infections are caused by the bacteria. Escherichia coli (E. coli). The remaining cases are associated with other bacteria.
The doctor José Carlos Truzzi, supervisor of Infectious Diseases of the Brazilian Society of Urology (SBU), explains that the characteristic heat of the summer favors the increase of cases of urinary infection.
“Often, people end up not hydrating properly and, because they don’t drink enough liquid for the heat we experience, they end up producing less urine than they should,” says Truzzi.
According to the specialist, the habit of urinating regularly helps to reduce the chances of developing the disease. Urinary infection is a general term that includes any type of inflammatory condition that extends from the kidneys to the urethra, passing through the bladder.
“Usually, these situations of urinary infection that occur more in the summer period are the cases of infection that compromise the bladder and have a proper name: cystitis”, explains the doctor.
Like other cases of urinary infection, cystitis is also caused by the action of bacteria, which inhabit the intestinal environment without causing damage. However, these microorganisms can reach the channel through which we eliminate urine, called the urethra, and cause localized infection or in the bladder and kidneys.
Cystitis is more common in women than in men. According to Truzzi, the explanation lies in the female anatomy.
“In women, the urethra is very close to the vagina, which is very close to the anus. As they are bacteria that live in the person’s own intestinal environment, they end up more easily reaching the woman’s urethra and bladder. Because of this, women have more urinary tract infections than men,” she said.
In addition to heat, urinary tract infections can be caused by sexual activity, the use of spermicides and contraceptives. Other risk factors are diabetes, urinary incontinence, menopause, genetic components and the presence of cystocele, a condition popularly called “low bladder”, which consists of abnormal displacement of the organ.
Urinary tract infection treatment
The treatment of urinary infection should be carried out with the use of antibiotic drugs, based on medical advice. Medications should be indicated according to the symptoms presented by the patient and the susceptibility profile of the bacteria to the drugs.
The urologist José Carlos Truzzi emphasizes that the use of medication on its own is not recommended, as it can lead to the development of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. The problem, which happens when a certain bacteria changes in response to the excessive and incorrect use of medicines, is one of the biggest threats to global health today.
prevention measures
As a preventive measure against urinary infections, the urologist, Eduardo Leze, recommends strengthening hydration, especially in the summer period.
“Working with a water bottle on the side is essential, as you don’t have to leave your environment to ingest larger volumes. It’s like you’re constantly reminded to drink water.”
The specialist warns that the retention of urine for a prolonged period can increase the chances of infection. “Bacteria stuck in the bladder slowly penetrate the mucosa, leading to the problem. Urinating every two or three hours is ideal, even if you don’t feel like it, to keep your bladder empty,” he said.
According to the doctor, it is important to pay attention to changes in urine and the frequency with which you use the bathroom.
“In case of a strong odor, dark color and burning sensation when urinating, look for a specialist doctor, as they can be signs of low fluid intake or even an infection. In addition, the dark liquid suggests different diseases, such as changes in the gallbladder and pancreas, for example,” he said.
The urologist José Carlos Truzzi says that urinating after sexual intercourse also helps to reduce the risks of infection. In addition, the adoption of healthy eating habits, including diets rich in fiber, can bring benefits to the intestinal flora, which are reflected in the prevention of the disease.
“A good intestinal functioning is essential to reduce the occurrence of these urinary infections”, he concludes.
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Source: CNN Brasil
