Understanding UTIs

If not treated at an early stage, urinary tract infections (UTIs) can turn fatal. Hemchhaya De brings you the lowdown on causes, symptoms, treatments and preventions.

Aparna Roy, a 30-something public relations consultant based in Hyderabad, had been feeling tired and unwell for a few days. While she attributed it to work pressure and stress, she also had other problems such as the uncontrollable urge to urinate more often than usual, a lingering pain in her lower abdomen and a burning sensation while urinating. A panicked Roy decided to get herself tested and was diagnosed with UTI (Urinary Tract Infection). She then had to undergo a sustained antibiotic course to alleviate the problem.

According to studies, UTIs affect over 150 million people globally, and are considered a serious disease. They can take a toll on various parts of your urinary tract, including your bladder (cystitis), urethra (urethritis) or kidneys (kidney infection).

HOW COMMON ARE UTIs?

Experts say UTIs are among the most frequently diagnosed, debilitating bacterial infections among women. Dr Srinivas Narayan, consultant urologist, Fortis Hospital Anandapur, Kolkata, says, “Urinary tract infections occur more often in women than in men, at a ratio of 8:1. Approximately 50-60 per cent of women report at least one UTI in their lifetime, and one in three has at least one symptomatic UTI, necessitating antibiotic treatment by age 24.”

Dr Samir Kumar Ray, consultant gynaecologist, CMRI/CK Birla Hospitals, Kolkata, says, “While around 10 to 20 per cent of non-pregnant women suffer from UTIs, the incidence increases during pregnancy.”

THE AGE FACTOR