The Many Ways Infections Affect the Urinary System

(Newswire.net — February 20, 2018) Cheyenne, Wyoming — A spike in the level of leukocyte present in urine is an indicator that a urinary tract infection is on the loose. An effortless at home analysis such as the HealthyWiser™ Urinary Tract Infection Test Strips can quickly and accurately detect just how pervasive the issue may or may not be from a sample of urine. 

“UTIs are caused by microorganisms, mainly Gram-negative bacteria. Indeed, Escherichia coli (E. coli) accounts for most cases. Treatment usually involves antibiotics, and recurrence is a major concern,” explains The U.S. National Library of Medicine. “Because of their high prevalence, UTIs are a public health concern, having an estimated cost of diagnosis and treatment exceeding US $25 billion over a 20-year period. The first step in an infection is the colonization of the periurethral tissues, followed by the passage of bacteria through the urethra. The second step is the adherence of bacteria to the urethra and bladder walls and proliferation.” 

While men are susceptible to contracting UTIs, particularly if they suffer from an enlarged prostate, women are the ones at a higher risk of developing such issues simply by virtue of anatomical design. The shorter urethras of a women’s system provide an advantage to bacteria as a shorter journey is required for the germ to reach the bladder. But still, there a number of factors and equal ways infections can occur to both genders. 

Sometimes a baby is born with an abnormal urinary system that prevents urine for leaving the body properly or causes urine to be totally trapped inside which dramatically increases the likelihood of an infection. There are also kidney stones and enlarged prostates which can block the urinary tract as well. 

A weakened immune system is the ideal condition under which germs flourish, with people who are diabetic or who suffer from autoimmune diseases facing an even greater risk of contracting a UTI, unfortunately. Similarly, people who are considered to be at a very high risk are those employing catheters to pass urine and those who have undergone a surgical urinary procedure.  

And just as they are various ways to contract a UTI, there are a number of sections along the urinary tract in which infections can be concentrated. 

 “Each type of UTI may result in more-specific signs and symptoms, depending on which part of your urinary tract is infected,” explains Mayo Clinic. “Infections in the kidneys (acute pyelonephritis) often trigger upper back and side (flank) pain, high fever, shaking and chills, nausea, and vomiting. Meanwhile, pelvic pressure, lower abdomen discomfort, frequent, painful urination and blood in urine are associated with Cystitis (infection of the bladder) and lastly, infection of the urethra (urethritis) typically result in burning with urination and some discharge.” 

If any of these symptoms are being experienced, then there is cause for concern and testing should be conducted immediately. The HealthyWiser™ Urinary Tract Infection Test Strip offers safe, quick and accurate results as it detects white blood cells, nitrite and pH levels in urine. A doctor should always be consulted once one finds to be infected following the results of a urine sample test.