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Urinary Tract Diseases

The ureters, urethra, kidneys and the bladder are the prime components of the urinary system in individuals. Infections or diseases caused to any of these above mentioned components are defined as urinary tract diseases/infections (UTI). The bladder as well as the urethra are often the most frequently afflicted regions by this infection; however, the disease can reach the other components of the human urinary system as well through the blood stream. Despite being a very mild and benign-infectious form, UTI causes immense discomfort and pain to the individuals afflicted with it. According to a Mayo clinic study, it has been found that women are at an elevated risk of developing the infection as compared to men, however the exact reason and cause for such an appearance is not known clearly.

  1. Forms of Urinary Tract Diseases

    • Urinary tract diseases are generally differentiated into two prime categories, which are lower urinary tract diseases (also called cystitis) and upper urinary tract disease (also called pyelonephritis). Cystitis is defined as a form of UTI which is characterized by swelling in the linings of the urethra as well as the bladder in an individual's body. However on the other hand, pyelonephritis is a form of UTI characterized with swelling in the linings of the kidneys in the individuals.

    Symptoms Associated with Pyelonephritis

    • A few of the common symptoms which are frequently associated with pyelonephritis or lower urinary diseases include extreme unbearable pain in the lower portion of the back, nausea, pain in the lower abdominal region, high fever and frequent vomiting. However in serious and rare cases, individuals might also suffer from chills and diarrhea due to the infection in the urinary tract.

    Symptoms Associated with Cystitis

    • Some of the symptoms which are often associated with upper urinary tract diseases or cystitis include, dysuria (a condition which is characterized by extreme pain and burning sensation while urinating), frequent feeling and urge for urination especially during nights, mild fever and passing of foul smelling and black colored urine. However in certain serious cases, individuals pass urine having traces of blood in it, this condition is known as hematuria.

    Causes of Urinary Tract Diseases

    • Bacterial infection caused as a result of E. coli (also called Escherichia coli) is often considered to be one of the prime factors contributing toward the development of urinary tract diseases in individuals. This bacterium is present near the colon and can sometimes cause the linings of the urethra, kidneys and the bladder to swell up hence lead to urinary tract diseases.
      Various other factors causing the development of the disease include kidney stones or any other form of urinary obstruction and medical conditions such as diabetes, among others.

    Treatment Methods

    • Various treatment options are currently available to cure individuals afflicted with urinary tract diseases effectively. Some of the commonly administered treatment methods include administration of certain drugs such as Amoxicillin, Ciproflaxin, and Levofloxacin among others.
      Also in cases in which the patient experiences unbearable pain due to the disease, doctors may recommend analgesics since they numb the urethral and bladder region and relieve some of the patient's discomfort.

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