UTI :
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are bacterial invasions of the urinary system which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. This prevalent condition and it affects women more commonly due to their shorter urethra. The different types of UTIs include lower UTIs ie,. cystitis (bladder infection) and urethritis (urethral infection), upper UTIs pyelonephritis (kidneys) and ureteritis (ureters), recurrent UTIs ( Repeated episodes of UTI), complicated UTIs(UTIs with underlying medical conditions or structural abnormalities) .The risk factors for UTI's include bacterial infection usually by E. coli, older age women, pre existing urinary incontinence ,dementia, urinary tract abnormalities, hormonal changes,spermicide use, catheter use, sexual activity and certain medications etc.
Signs and symptoms of UTIs include dysuria (painful urination),suprapubic pain(region below the umblicus), frequency and urgency of urination despite having an empty bladder, cloudy or strong smelling urine, blood in urine, fever associated with chills, nausea, vomiting , abdominal pain etc,.Management is usually by identifying the cause and treating it which may include antibiotics, pain management, fluid replacement and other supportive care