UTI is a common public health issue affecting millions of people each year globally. It is one of the most common bacterial infections, caused by various bacterial strains and certain fungi. Women are more commonly affected by UTI compared to men, and the infection could be serious depending on which part of the urinary tract is involved.
The common bacteria causing UTIs are:
- Escherichia coli
- Klebsiella pneumonia
- Proteus mirabilis
- Enterococcus faecalis
- Staphylococcus saprophyticus
Types of UTI:
Uncomplicated and complicated UTI
Broadly, a UTI may be categorized as uncomplicated or complicated. The uncomplicated UTI is the most common and easiest to manage, as it does not involve underlying structural issues. It is normally seen in any healthy, premenopausal, non-pregnant female and usually occurs in the absence of any comorbidity.
The complicated UTI involves underlying health and structural issues and is difficult to manage. Complicated UTI generally occurs in patients with indwelling catheters (Foley catheters), immunosuppression, urinary tract abnormalities, or exposure to antibiotics.
In both cases, uncomplicated or complicated UTIs, the infection can occur either in the bladder, urethra, kidney, or even in the vagina, resulting in different types of UTI.
Depending upon the organ infected, UTIs can be divided into the following types:
- Cystitis – The bacterial infection occurs in the urinary bladder and is the most common one.
- Urethritis – The urethra of the urinary system is infected. It is mainly characterized by painful urination.
- Pyelonephritis – Sometimes the infecting agent reaches the kidney; so, the kidneys got infected causing pyelonephritis. It is one of the severe forms of UTI.
- Vaginitis – The infectious agent does not go beyond the vagina and results in vaginitis, which is an infection & inflammation of the vagina.
The therapeutic management of complicated UTI is difficult and requires more time, energy, and money. The most widespread treatment option for both complicated and uncomplicated UTI is the use of antibiotics. The treatment of complicated UTI requires proper medical supervision and timely medicine use. Getting repeated infections is one of the major problems associated with many UTI patients. The treatment course should be completed carefully to avoid it.
Cranberry juice is often touted for its preventive role in UTI; do you know how cranberry juice can help the UTI patients?
MBH/PS
