Monsoon is like a festival for all. After the scorching heat, everyone waits for relief in the form of showering water. But this energising season is also the time when many health issues crop up. This is primarily due to sudden changes in temperature which cause the immunity of the human body to decrease, and increase the susceptibility to infections. Also, many organisms such as bacteria flourish lavishly owing to hot and humid conditions.
Normal urine does not contain any germs or bacteria but these are present in the rectal area. Urinary tract infection (UTI) is bacterial infection in the urinary system. The bacteria present in and around the area may multiply tremendously during monsoon weather and cause infection. When the bacteria travel up to the bladder and cause inflammation, it is termed cystitis. And when these travel up to the kidneys and cause inflammation there, it is termed pyelonephritis; and is a more serious problem. This may occur in females as well as males. However, the incidence is more common in females. This is because of the anatomical difference; the urinary tract in women is shorter than in males. Women do complain of recurrent infections. Children can also get infected, but they are less prone.
The symptoms of urinary tract infection are common and easily recognisable. These include pain during urination (also known as dysuria), frequency and urging of urination, burning sensation during urination, feeling of soreness in lower abdomen, pain in lower back and/or lower abdomen, fever, nausea, vomiting, and/or chills. Urinary tract infection can cause a lot of discomfort to the infected person. The symptoms may differ as per age, sex, and location of the infection.
But in case one gets infected with UTI, there is nothing much to worry about. It is detected through urine culture. The number of bacteria in urine and white blood cells in the blood sample indicate the severity of the infection.
Prevention of contracting urinary infection is definitely possible by adapting to some measures. Following certain dos and don’ts can ensure that our body remains guarded from the increased microbial activities, especially during the monsoon season.
One must drink plenty of water, juices, soups during such infection and otherwise also during the rainy season. This would increase the urine flow and decrease the chances of any infection being contracted. Also, one must not hold the urine, rather try to void as and when the urge comes. The drinking water must be germ free, either filtered or boiled. Sticking to seasonal fruits is recommended in this season rather than unseasonal ones.
Personal hygiene and cleanliness of the private parts is of utmost importance for both males and females, especially during humid weather conditions.
For women, there are certain things to be remembered during such season. One of the most common reasons of UTI is the bacteria of the bowel that resides on the skin and gets spread to the urinary tract. These bacteria then move upwards causing infection in the urinary bladder. The females should never wipe backwards to front; it should rather be front to back. Avoiding the use of water jet in western toilets is recommended; instead hand held showers must be used.
Also, many times during sexual interaction, the bacteria from genital area may pass into the urinary tract causing infection in the urethra. Cystitis is common in honeymooners. But, this can be avoided by maintaining proper hygiene and increasing water intake.
Maintaining proper hygiene of the highest order is necessary for all women. This is even more important during menstruation. Clean and dry sanitary napkins should be used. In addition, females who are diabetic, pregnant, or in their menopausal time are more prone to contract infections of the urinary tract. Postmenopausal women develop atrophic vaginal degeneration; which further increases the chances of urinary tract infections.
Make sure to wear clothes that are absolutely dry. Prefer cotton inner wear, and even those must be ironed during the rainy season. There is no need to use antiseptics in water to wash private parts, unless advised by the doctor. In fact, these antiseptic washes destroy the normal bacterial layer of the skin and increase proneness to skin allergies and infections. For infants, mothers should keep regular check for nappy rashes and try to keep them dry. Men must know that circumcision helps in preventing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), urinary tract infections and cancers also. Also, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is the enlargement of the prostate gland in men with age, increases the incidences of contracting urinary infections. This also needs to be kept in check.
Urinary tract infection is easily treatable with antibiotics, when diagnosis is timely. In case of any discomfort symptoms, one must see the doctor immediately. If not treated in a timely manner, this infection may lead to severe conditions.
Dr. Bansal is Chairman and Managing Director, RG Stone Urology and Laparoscopy Hospital.
