Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are inflammatory diseases of the urinary system caused by various infectious microorganisms. These diseases are more common in women, but they often lead to complications in men.
Causes
The development of UTIs is facilitated by factors such as hypothermia, ARVI during the cold season, reduced immunity, and various disruptions in urine flow. When the infection enters the urethra, it provokes urethritis, and spreading further along the urinary tract can lead to cystitis and pyelonephritis. The pathogens of urinary tract infections include Escherichia coli, mycoplasmas, chlamydia, streptococci (A and B), and Klebsiella. All these microorganisms enter the urinary tract as a result of poor hygiene after using the toilet, through sexual contact without contraception, or with the use of spermicides and diaphragm rings.
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections
Different types of infectious diseases of the urinary tract exhibit the following characteristic signs:
- sensation of cutting, burning, and pain during urination;
- frequent urges to urinate;
- pain in the lower abdomen (in women – in the suprapubic area), in the lower back;
- fever, chills without any signs of a cold;
- presence of mucous-purulent discharge from the urethra;
- cloudy urine, appearance of blood streaks, flakes, and mucus in it.
Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infections in Israel
The diagnosis of UTIs necessarily includes general laboratory tests of urine and blood and a bacteriological culture to identify microorganisms. If the culture yields a negative result, another type of examination – PCR – is assigned in Israel. The instrumental examination methods used include ultrasound of the urinary tract and kidneys, cystoscopy, intravenous urography, and X-ray.
Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections in Israel
UTIs should be treated at home in a semi-bed rest mode or in a hospital (for more complicated forms of the disease). Successful treatment is possible with adherence to a diet based on consuming a large amount of liquid and minimizing salt intake. Therapy involves taking anti-inflammatory medications prescribed by a doctor. Specialists in Israel also recommend that the patient drink plenty of fluids during treatment, maintain thorough hygiene of the perineum, avoid salty and spicy foods, coffee, cigarettes, alcohol, sexual intercourse, and refrain from self-medication.
Prevention
UTIs can be prevented by timely detection of the infection, monitoring the health of the entire urogenital system, following personal hygiene rules, avoiding hypothermia, and maintaining normal immunity.