The urinary tract is the body’s drainage system for removing urine, which is made up of wastes and extra fluid. For normal urination to occur, all body parts in the urinary tract need to work together, and in the correct order. The urinary tract is divided in two i.e. the upper urinary tract which consists of kidney and ureters, the lower urinary tract consists of the bladder and urethra.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is an infection caused in your urinary system. Women are at greater risk of developing UTI over men. Over 50% of all women experience UTI at least once in their lifetime with 20 to 30% experiencing recurrence UTIs.

UTI may or may not show any signs, but when they do they may include:

1. Strong and persistent urge to urinate
2. Burning sensation while urinating
3. Passing small amounts of urine
4. Appearance of the urine may be cloudy
5. Change in urine color like red, dark pink or dark color urine – a sign of blood in urine
6. Smelly urine
7. Pelvic pain (especially found in women)

There are three types of UTIs, each may show different signs depending upon which tract is been infected

1. Kidneys (acute pyelonephritis) – Upper back and side (flank) pain, high fever, shaking and chills, nausea, vomiting.
2. Bladder (cystitis) – Bladder pressure, lower abdomen discomfort, frequent painful urination, blood in urine
3. Urethra (urethritis) – Burning with urination, discharge

Most of the times UTI is overlooked or misunderstood for other conditions in older adults.

If one has any of the above symptoms it is advisable to see a doctor as avoiding a UTI may have complications like permanent kidney damage from an acute or chronic infection, Sepsis, which can be a life-threatening complication of an infection, especially if the infection works its way up your urinary tract to your kidneys etc.

Few measures to prevent UTI

1. Drink plenty of fluids. Allows bacteria to be flushed out of your urinary tract before the beginning of an infection.
2. Personal hygiene especially for women. Cleaning the area post urinating will prevent the bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the vagina and urethra.
3. Avoiding using feminine products which can be irritating. Like avoid using perfumes, scented powders and sanitary napkin.
4. Change in birth control methods. Like Diaphragms, or unlubricated or spermicide-treated condoms, can all contribute to bacterial growth.

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