Recurrent urinary tract infection is a widespread disease, especially among women, as about 30% of all women are exposed to at least one case of urinary tract infection during their lives, and in 20% of them the condition returns to occur again, and 20% of women who have had cystitis Urinary tract infection of the upper urinary tract.
The difference between acute inflammation and recurrent inflammation
The difference includes the following
1. Acute inflammation
Acute inflammation is defined as a new infection of the urethra, bladder, or kidneys that resolves within a short period of treatment.
2. Recurring inflammation of the urinary tract
It is the infection that occurs after a state of acute inflammation and is caused by the same type of bacteria that caused the first inflammation or even because of another type of germ. In this group, 80% of those who had a urinary tract infection get infected again during the next year and a half.
Symptoms of recurrent UTI
Symptoms of recurrent UTI include
Pain in the lower abdomen that appears during urination or without urination.
Pain and burning during urination.
Urinary urgency.
Frequent urination and pain in the loin.
high temperature
Symptoms of recurrent urinary tract infection
It is important to note that during pregnancy there is a greater possibility of infection with the urinary tract, and this infection is more dangerous, and infection with kidney infection occurs at a higher rate. Therefore, the presence of germs and viruses in the urine during pregnancy, even if at a very low concentration, requires immediate treatment.
Causes and risk factors for recurrent UTI
The following is an explanation of the most prominent causes and risk factors
1. Causes of recurrent UTI
In women who tend to get frequent infections and inflammations of the urinary tract, the process of germs attaching to the mucous membrane in the vagina is easier, as one of the leading theories in this field regarding the causes of recurring inflammation assumes that the reason for the tendency to recur is a genetic cause.
In most cases, the cause of a urinary tract infection is the intestinal bacteria that multiply near the urethra and cause infection, as these bacteria ascend from the urethra to the bladder and even to the kidneys.
The most important characteristics of these germs that cause urine inflammation is their ability to stick to the mucous membrane of the urinary tract, as this characteristic distinguishes the most common germs that cause urinary tract infections, which is Escherichia coli, which is involved in about 85% of infections and urinary tract infections.
2. Risk factors for a urinary tract infection
Risk factors that may lead to recurrent UTIs include
Decreased hormonal activity in menopause.
diabetes.
Imbalance in the functioning of the immune system.
Urinary flow disturbances, where regular urine flow from the kidneys to the bladder and from there to the outside is disturbed.
having sex.
Previous history of urinary tract infection.
Use of the female condom during sex.
Use of oral contraceptives.
Use of spermicides.
Hormonal changes during menopause.
Complications of recurrent urinary tract infection
If a bladder infection remains untreated, the infection can spread to the kidneys and lead to permanent kidney damage, which is more serious. If a person has a kidney infection, they may need hospital treatment.
Chronic UTIs rarely cause sepsis if left untreated, which can be life-threatening.
Diagnosis of recurrent UTI
A UTI is diagnosed based on the characteristic complaints that accompany it, and based on a physical examination and examination of urine samples.
The most prominent methods of diagnosis include the following
Urine culture test: This checks for bacteria in the urine.
CT scan of the urinary tract: This allows the doctor to see the urinary tract in more detail.
Treatment of recurrent UTI
The treatment of recurrent UTI depends on antibiotics against the germs that cause inflammation. When choosing the type of treatment, attention is given to several factors, including:
The age of the injured.
Other illnesses he had.
Defects in the urinary tract.
kidney performance.
pregnancy.
Allergy to antibiotics.
The severity of the inflammation.
Type of germs and their sensitivity to drugs.
The type of antibiotic is chosen depending on all of the above, and the duration of treatment is usually short and treatment is done by mouth or intravenous injection.
Prevention of recurrent urinary tract infection
It was discovered that cranberry juice or its concentrated juice has a positive effect and contributes to preventing recurring urinary tract infections. Other prevention methods include the following:
Peeing before and immediately after sex.
Clean the genital and anal areas before and after sex.
Drink plenty of water to flush out bacteria from the bladder.
Find natives to diaphragms or spermicide for birth control.
Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothing.
Wiping from front to back after going to the toilet.
Avoid scented body washes or vaginal douche.
