Have you ever experienced a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) before? And if you have, you may be familiar with prescription medication. You may also wonder what would happen if medication is not taken. Would the UTI go away on its own or whether this condition will intensify? And one of the most daunting questions that may arise in your mind could be, “Is UTI a serious condition?”.

Here, we discuss the dangers of not treating UTIs and why it is important to see your doctor as soon as possible.

What is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?

A UTI is a common infection that can occur in any part of your urinary tract, including your:

Kidneys- Two bean-shaped organs that filter blood to make urine and remove waste.
Ureters- The tubes that transport urine between your kidneys and bladder.
Bladder- is the part of the body that stores urine.
Urethra- the tube that carries urine outside from the bladder.

UTI mostly affects the urethra, and it originates from the outside due to bacteria present on the skin and around the rectum and vagina. It is caused by a form of bacteria known as Escherichia Coli.

However, other types of bacteria and some fungi or viruses can also be the reasons to UTIs. UTIs can strike anyone of any age, but women have up to 8 times the chance than men. This is because women have shorter urethras than men, making it easier for bacteria to reach their bladders.

What are the symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?

The location of the infection determines which symptoms you will experience. Most common UTIs are lower urinary tract infection that involves the bladder and urethra. Symptoms may include:

Dysuria – Burning or pain during urination.
Increased urge to urinate
Pain in the pelvic region
Nocturia – frequent urge to wake up at night to go to the bathroom.
Hematuria – Blood in the urine

Upper urinary tract infections, such as those in the kidneys, can be more severe and cause additional symptoms, including pain on the side, nausea, and fever

Treatment

If you experience symptoms of a UTI, it is important to inform your doctor immediately so that they can accurately diagnose your condition and provide a treatment plan.

Antibiotics are generally recommended for treating UTIs. We don’t know if certain infections will improve on their own or if they will lead to serious health issues.

For instance, young women may wait up to two days to see if the symptoms improve. However, you should keep “backup” medication on hand if your symptoms worsen or persist after 2 days.

Home Remedies

There are many natural ways to prevent infections from recurring. These are the top home remedies to treat and prevent UTIs.

1. Drink plenty of fluids

UTIs can be easily prevented and treated by drinking enough water. Water is essential for the kidneys to remove waste efficiently and retain vital nutrients. Hydration also dilutes urine and speeds up its travel through the system. This makes it more difficult for bacteria to reach the urinary organs and cause infection. You should consume at least 8-9 glasses of water per day.

2. Increase vitamin C intake

Vitamin C, an antioxidant, helps improve the immune system. It reacts with the nitrates found in urine to create nitrogen oxides, which kill bacteria. It reduces urine pH, making it less likely that bacteria will live.
Vitamin C is abundant in fruits and vegetables, which can be a great way to boost your intake. Some rich sources of vitamin C include oranges, grapefruit, kiwifruit, and oranges.

3. Consume cranberry juice

Cranberries prevent bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract and thus prevent infection. It contains compounds that can prevent bacteria from attaching cells to the bladder. Also, it has the presence of antioxidants such as polyphenols which have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and other properties.

4. When you feel the need, urinate.

Frequent urination can put pressure on the bacteria in your urinary tract. This can be a good thing as it can help you get rid of them. It reduces the time bacteria in the urine are exposed to cells in your urinary tract. This decreases the chance of them attaching and forming an infection.

Complications of UTI

Many women with UTIs are not treated and develop serious health issues that may require hospitalization. While you might be able to get rid of a UTI by yourself, there are risks associated with not treating it. Let’s discuss some of these dangers.

Pyelonephritis

Untreated UTIs can spread to the upper urinary tract and cause pyelonephritis, a serious infection of the kidneys. Studies have shown that about 2% of untreated UTIs can lead to pyelonephritis. People with pyelonephritis experience permanent kidney damage, scarring, and normal UTI symptoms. They may have to be admitted for treatment.

Sepsis

Sepsis can be life-threatening and is caused by your body’s reaction to infection. Sepsis occurs when your immune system fails to fight UTI and causes too much inflammation in your body. Some common symptoms of sepsis include:

Temperatures that are low or high
Increased heart rate
Increased rate of breathing
Swelling in various parts of the body
Changes in mental status, such as confusion.

Sepsis can be a serious condition that might require immediate medical attention.

UTIs should be treated promptly, as they can become more severe once they spread. UTIs are easily treated in the lower urinary tract. It is harder to treat an infection that spreads to the upper urinary tract, which may lead to sepsis or other life-threatening conditions. You should contact your doctor immediately if you suspect a UTI. UTIs can be diagnosed using simple urine and blood tests.

We at Gujarat Superspeciality Hospital are dedicated to provide our patients with the best of care. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms related to kidney failure, consult with our specialists at Gujarat Superspeciality Hospital from Monday to Sunday between 9 AM to 7 PM.