Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Introduction A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections affecting people of all ages. It occurs when harmful microorganisms, usually bacteria, enter the urinary tract and multiply, causing inflammation and infection. UTIs are more common in women due to their shorter urethra, but they can also affect men and children. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are important to prevent complications, especially if the infection spreads to the kidneys. What is a Urinary Tract Infection? The urinary tract is responsible for producing, storing, and removing urine from the body. It consists of: - Kidneys – filter waste and produce urine. - Ureters – carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. - Bladder – stores urine. - Urethra – carries urine out of the body. A UTI can affect any part of the urinary tract, but most infections involve the bladder and urethra. Types of UTIs 1. Urethritis An infection of the urethra, the tube through which urine leaves the...