Summer is the peak season for urinary tract infections. Women are more likely to get infected, so be careful.

"Why does the urethra feel a little hot?"

Be careful, if you have these symptoms, it may be a sign of urinary tract inflammation! Summer is the peak season for urology, and the number of outpatient visits will increase by 20-30%, most of which are urinary tract infections. Doctors point out that although urinary tract infection is a common bacterial infection, it should not be taken lightly. Clinical manifestations can range from mild frequent urination and urgency to severe fever and chills. In severe cases, it may also cause kidney suppuration and even fatal septic shock, so caution must be exercised.

Urinary tract infection is an inflammation caused by bacteria invading the kidneys, bladder or other urinary tracts, including pyelonephritis, cystitis, prostatitis and epididymitis. In the normal urinary tract, bacteria are sterile, but bacteria in the anal area can easily retrograde into the bladder through the urethra.

Beware of retrograde infection of E. coli

Although under normal circumstances, the bladder can clear the bacteria on its own; however, for some reasons, the bacteria may remain in the urinary tract and cause infection. This retrograde infection is the main cause of urinary tract infections. Studies have found that approximately 80% to 90% of urinary tract infections are caused by a type of E. coli that often appears in the rectum.

Generally speaking, women are more susceptible to urinary tract infections than men, mainly because the female urethra opening is only about 3 to 4 centimeters away from the bladder, while the male urethra opening is 15 to 20 centimeters away from the bladder. Because the female urethra is very close to the vagina and anus, it is easy for bacteria to enter the bladder through the urethra through sexual intercourse or improper hygiene habits, causing infection.

Urinary tract infection can easily cause kidney damage

About 25% to 50% of women will suffer from cystitis at least once in their lifetime, and many will even be infected multiple times. Urinary tract infections are also quite common in children. Urinary tract infections in children sometimes mean underlying structural abnormalities in the urinary system, such as the most common vesicoureteral reflux, or congenital diseases such as urethral valves and urinary tract obstruction. If the underlying disease is not diagnosed early, it may cause kidney damage.

Basically, the common causes of urinary tract infections are mainly attributed to the following:

1. Urinary tract obstruction:

Common causes include stones, tumors or bladder dysfunction; 2. Pregnancy; 3. Congenital urinary tract abnormalities; 4. Bad hygiene habits, such as holding urine; 5. Poor immune function, such as diabetes; 6. Indwelling catheter.

[Diagnostic method]: Mainly based on urine analysis and medical history inquiry. In addition, the doctor will assess whether to conduct imaging examinations for evaluation depending on the situation.

[Treatment]: Antibiotics are mainly used for sterilization, and surgical drainage is required when necessary. Therefore, a complete course of antibiotic treatment should be taken properly, and the medication should not be taken intermittently or stopped early. This can greatly improve most urinary tract infections.

2 Tips to Prevent Urinary Tract Infection

1. Drink enough water:

Drinking more water is good for your health as it can increase the frequency of urination, flush bacteria out of the urinary tract system and avoid the chance of bacterial infection. It is recommended to drink at least 2000ml of water per day.

2. Sexual behavior to prevent infection:

Drink more water after sexual intercourse to increase urination. Especially after sexual intercourse, it is best to urinate with enough urine to flush out possible contaminated bacteria.