Drink plenty of fluids to keep UTI at bay

Do not ignore the signs if you experience a burning sensation or pain while urinating. Doctors say these are classic symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI), which is seen more commonly in women, children and the elderly.

UTI is an infection in any part of the urinary system — kidneys, ureter, bladder and urethra. “Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra — and can be painful and annoying, but are less severe,” says G.K. Venkatesh, former director of the State-run Institute of Nephro-Urology.

However, an infection in the upper urinary tract can be severe and serious as it can spread to the kidneys. “These infections can be due to underlying factors, such as kidney stones and congenital anomalies or diabetes,” he says.

Although UTI is not seasonal, the general perception is that people experience symptoms during summer. “It can be because people tend to get dehydrated in summer if they do not drink enough water. This can cause a burning sensation and pain while urinating. But not all burning sensation and pain is an UTI, and people need to see a doctor at the earliest,” said Keshavamurthy R., Director and Professor of Urology at the Institute of Nephro-Urology. Over 20 cases of UTI are reported at the institute’s out-patient department every day.

Venkatesh Rao, a urologist with Apollo Clinic, says women may be prone to UTI because they have shorter urethras, which allow bacteria quick access to the bladder. Some women are genetically predisposed to UTI while others have abnormalities in the structure of their urinary tract that make them prone to infection. Women with diabetes may be at higher risk, he says.

Doctors advise drinking a lot of water to flush the bacteria out. Maintaining hygiene and emptying the bladder at regular intervals are a must. Consuming cranberry juice is a preventive measure for those prone to repeated infections, doctors say.

(Reporting by

Afshan Yasmeen)