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What is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?
The urinary tract comprises the system that is responsible for making and extracting urine from the human body. The urinary tract comprises the kidneys, ureters, urethra, and the bladder. An infection in the urinary tract that is caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites is commonly referred to as the urinary tract infection.

Urinary tract infections in the bladder are typically not very serious if treated in a timely manner. However, if you choose to ignore the bladder infection, it might spread to the kidneys and can be very dangerous.
Causes of Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary tract infection is caused when germs from the urethra get into the urinary system. These germs thrive in the large intestine and are passed out of the body in your stool. If the germs found in the stool get into the urethra, they can travel up to the bladder and the kidneys and cause an infection. Urinary tract infections are more common in women as they have shorter urethra.
Women who do not drink enough fluids, are pregnant, or diabetic are more likely to get UTIs. Medical conditions such as kidney stones or an enlarged prostate gland can also increase your chances of getting a urinary tract infection as the flow of urine from the bladder gets blocked in these conditions.
Common symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection
Common symptoms of urinary tract infections are given below:
- One of the most common symptoms of a urinary tract infection is the strong urge to urinate frequently, even after just emptying the bladder.
- A sharp pain in the back or the pelvic region can also be an indication of a UTI.
- A feeling of discomfort, bloating, and pressure in the lower abdomen can be a sign of the urinary tract infection.
- The act of urination is often accompanied by a burning, painful sensation when a person suffers from UTI.
- A cloudy urine, with occasional traces of blood and a strong foul smell can also indicate a urinary tract infection.
- Another symptom of a UTI is a feeling of tenderness around the pelvic region.
- “A randomized trial to evaluate effectiveness and cost effectiveness of naturopathic cranberry products as prophylaxis against urinary tract infection in women”, by Lynn Stothers. Published in the June 2002 issue of The Canadian Journal of Urology, accessed on July 25, 2013
- “Natural approaches to prevention and treatment of infections of the lower urinary tract”, by KA Head. Published in the September 2008 of Alternative Medicine Review, accessed on July 25, 2013.
- Photo courtesy of ashley rose, by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/ashleyrosex/4449979800/
- Photo courtesy of MGF/Lady Disdain by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/rilmara/3052934369/
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