The dangerous side of a UTI (Urinary tract infection)

I recently read in the news that a teenage girl ended up in a coma due to an untreated UTI. She was experiencing back pain for about a month and assumed it was nothing urgent.

That situation serves as a reminder to have a checkup if something is off on your body even if it is minute.

How you can get a UTI

A urinary tract infection (UTI) can be caused by bacteria entering the urethra and multiplying in the bladder. This can occur due to poor bathroom hygiene, sexual activity, holding urine for too long, certain types of contraceptives, menopause, or underlying health conditions like diabetes. Additionally, a UTI can develop as a result of structural issues in the urinary tract or from the use of catheters.

UTIs affect women the most.

Historically, i have dealt with UTIs. It gets more severe when i am dehydrated because the body is less able to fight off bacteria.

Fortunately, the teenager survived and is on her way to recovery.

The message is clear. Do not ignore your body and drink a lot of water.

You may have a UTI if you notice:

• Pain or burning when you urinate

• Fever, tiredness, or shakiness

• An urge to urinate often

• Pressure in your lower belly

• Urine that smells bad or looks cloudy or reddish

• Pain in your back or side below the ribs

References

Courtesy of MedlinePlus from the National Library of Medicine