21/03/2024
UTIs WELL EXPLAINED!
Urinary tract infections, (UTIs), is a common broad term used to describe all infections related to all the organs that are involved in Urination, from urine production (kidney) to its storage (urinary blader) via the Ureters, all the way to its exit through the (urethra).
UTI in itself is not a disease, but we use it when the exact organ affected is not yet identified.
* When infective microorganisms attack the kidney, we call it NEPHRITIS.
* When they attack the urinary bladder, we call it CYSTITIS.
* When they attack the ureters, we call it URETERITIS.
* When they attack the urethra, we call it URETHRITIS.
You will find that some of these organs may be further subdivided on a microscopic level to come up with more specific names but for understanding purposes we shall not elaborate on that.
HOW TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE A UTI.
TYPICAL symptoms include.
1. Lower abdominal pain.
2. Lower back pain.
3. Painful urination (dysuria).
4. Frequent urination (polyuria)
5. Foul smelling urine
6. Vaginal itch
7. Sense of incomplete urination
8. Dark urine.
Other symptoms such as fever, malaise, fatigue are not so direct, but they may accompany the above symptoms.
WHAT TO DO.
As soon as you notice any of the above symptoms, quickly run to the nearby Health facility.
WHAT THE DOCTOR WILL DO.
The doctor will order some LAB investigations, which MAY include a sample of your urine, blood, vaginal SWAB plus an ultrasound scan if deemed necessary.
