A painful or burning sensation when urinating, needing to go more often than usual, or feeling sudden urgency to urinate are some of the characteristic warning signs of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Pharmacist Nonkululo Cingo of Medipost Pharmacy explains that UTIs are bacterial infections of the urinary system.
“UTIs may affect any part of the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, the bladder, as well as the ureters that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder, and the urethra, which is the tube that urine travels through from the bladder to exit the body.
“Other symptoms that may be present are cloudy urine, blood in the urine, pains or discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvic area.”
There are various risk factors that may contribute to the development of a UTI:
- Diabetes
- Having a weakened immune system, for example, people on chemotherapy
- Kidney stones or other obstructions in the urinary tract
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Incorrect use of a catheter
- Using unsanitary public toilets
“Although men can also get UTIs, these conditions tend to be more common in women because women have a shorter urethra, which unfortunately makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract,” she says.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause can also predispose women to UTIs.
“As the baby grows in the uterus, this puts pressure on the bladder and makes it difficult for pregnant women to empty their bladders completely. The urine left in the bladder can harbour bacteria, making pregnant women more prone to UTIs,” Cingo explains.
“Menopause may also predispose women to UTIs, as loss of the hormone oestrogen causes vaginal tissue to become drier and thinner, and therefore more vulnerable to bacterial growth.”
Medipost Pharmacy dispenses prescription items including everything from chronic medication to hormone replacement therapies, among others, and non-prescription items including UTI treatments and other medicine cabinet essentials – delivered to any address in South Africa.
UTI relief
“If you experience the symptoms of a urinary tract infection, it is important to drink enough water to help flush the bacteria from your system. There are also several medication options that can help relieve the symptoms of UTIs,” advises Cingo.
Anyone registered with Medipost Pharmacy’s chronic medication delivery service or self-care medication online shop can access confidential telephonic clinical advice from pharmacists and pharmacist’s assistants in any official South African language.
“Discuss your symptoms and any pre-existing health conditions you may have with your pharmacist or treating healthcare provider. Be sure to mention if you are pregnant or breastfeeding to ensure safety – and do not self-medicate,” Cingo cautions.
“Urinary alkalisers, which are medications that reduce the acidity of urine, are often recommended to treat infections by altering the pH of the environment, making it less conducive to bacterial growth.
“Medications containing flavoxate hydrochloride are available without prescription to help reduce muscle spasms of the bladder and urinary tract associated with UTIs. There are also tested and approved herbal formulas that can be found at the pharmacy, which may be recommended for short-term treatment.
“As with any medication, it is essential that self-care products are taken only as directed. Do not use medication for longer than is recommended, usually a maximum of 10 days only, without seeing a doctor. This is particularly important in the case of recurring urinary tract infections and persistent pains, as there may be an underlying health condition that needs to be treated,” Cingo cautions.
“In terms of preventing UTIs, be sure to stay well hydrated, and if you need to go to the bathroom, try not to hold it in – no matter how busy you are. Be sure to practise good hygiene and teach children from young to wipe from front to back when using the toilet to help reduce the transfer of bacteria that can lead to infection.
“The symptoms can be very uncomfortable, and there is no need to suffer when UTIs can often be effectively treated at home. Left untreated, UTIs can develop into more serious complications, so it is vital to manage infections as early as you notice symptoms and consult your doctor if needed,” she adds.
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