A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection that occurs when bacteria enter and multiply in any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. If left untreated, a UTI can spread and trigger sepsis, a condition in which the body's response to an infection can damage its own tissues and organs, potentially causing organ failure and death. According to Prof Moses Obimbo, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, patients with symptoms such as frequent urination, pain during urination, and pain below the belly button, sometimes accompanied by fever, need to be treated early.
The urinary system is a complex system that can be affected by UTIs in various parts, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, although most UTIs begin in the bladder. Prof Obimbo notes that bacteria are the most common cause of UTIs, but fungi can also cause them, while viral infections are rare. He emphasizes that a proper assessment is crucial to establish the cause of symptoms and determine whether treatment for a UTI is needed, as urinary symptoms can be confused with those of vaginal or sexually transmitted infections.
When an infection spreads from the urinary tract, bacteria can enter the bloodstream and trigger sepsis. The body's response to the infection can damage tissues and organs, disrupting their normal functions. Prof Obimbo explains that the infection can travel from the bladder upwards to the kidneys, causing a condition known as pyelonephritis, and then enter the bloodstream, spreading throughout the body. He warns that severe cases can lead to organ failure and death.
A bladder infection, known as cystitis, can cause a burning sensation when passing urine, frequent urination, an urgent need to urinate, and pain in the lower abdomen. When the kidneys become infected, a patient may develop a fever, back or side pain, vomiting, and a loss of appetite. Prof Obimbo stresses that not every UTI progresses to sepsis, but a kidney infection can become serious, especially if treatment is delayed.
Certain individuals are at greater risk of complications from UTIs, including those whose bodies have difficulty fighting infection or who have underlying health conditions. Prof Obimbo notes that weakened immunity and diabetes are risk factors that can make a UTI more difficult to manage. Pregnant women also require prompt assessment if they experience urinary symptoms, as UTIs during pregnancy can lead to complications if left untreated.
While some people try to manage urinary symptoms at home using remedies such as drinking water mixed with baking soda, Prof Obimbo warns that these methods are not an established treatment for bacterial UTIs and should not replace a medical assessment. He cautions that remedies used without proper testing may have unknown effects and that drinking water alone does not clear a bacterial infection, which requires antibiotics.
To treat a UTI, Prof Obimbo stresses that a person with a suspected UTI should visit a health facility for assessment. A urine test can help establish whether an infection is present, while a urine culture can identify the responsible bacteria and help guide antibiotic choice. He adds that testing is important before deciding on the appropriate treatment and that patients should take their prescribed medication as directed and seek further medical advice if their symptoms persist or worsen.
Key points
- Patients with symptoms of UTI, such as frequent urination, pain during urination, and pain below the belly button, should seek early treatment to prevent complications.
- Weakened immunity and diabetes are risk factors that can make a UTI more difficult to manage.
- UTIs can be effectively treated with antibiotics, but proper testing and medical assessment are crucial to determine the best course of treatment.
