The urinary system - Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?
UTI is inflammation due to infection anywhere in the urinary tract, ranging from the distal urethra to the kidney. UTIs in the kidney are called pyelonephritis, in the bladder cystitis, and in the urethra urethritis.
What is the most common cause of UTIs?
80 to 90% of UTIs are caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). Recurrent infections are often associated with Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Enterococcus faecalis, or Staphylococcus saprophyticus.
What are the key signs and symptoms of cystitis?
Dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, suprapubic pain, foul-smelling or cloudy urine, haematuria, malaise, fever.
What are the key signs and symptoms of urethritis?
Dysuria, urethral discharge (purulent, blood), pruritis, change in voiding patterns.
What are the key signs and symptoms of pyelonephritis?
Fever, chills, nausea, malaise, severe loin discomfort, blood or pus in urine, may be accompanied by lower urinary tract symptoms.
Who is more at risk for developing UTIs?
Women are 8 times more likely to develop UTIs due to a shorter urethra. Other risk factors include menopause, pregnancy, sexual activity, elderly age, BPH, antibiotics, intestinal dysbiosis, and bacterial vaginosis.
What role does menopause play in UTI risk?
Low estrogen levels in menopause reduce vaginal mucus, which decreases the ability to monitor bacterial species in the area, increasing the risk of UTIs.
How does pregnancy increase UTI risk?
Pregnancy creates mechanical pressure on the ureter and bladder, preventing complete voiding and increasing UTI risk.
What can increase UTI risk in elderly individuals?
Lowered immunity, decreased mobility, reduced mucin production, and increased catheterization in the elderly can increase UTI risk.
What impact do antibiotics have on UTIs?
Antibiotics increase the likelihood of opportunistic bacteria proliferating and migrating into the urinary tract, disrupting the urinary system’s microbiome and increasing infection risk.
How does intestinal dysbiosis contribute to UTIs?
Bacteria can translocate from the perianal region and ascend to the genitourinary tract, increasing the risk of UTIs.
What is the ‘Gut-vagina-bladder axis’ and its connection to UTIs?
Bacterial vaginosis (characterized by an imbalance in vaginal bacteria, such as Gardnerella vaginalis) increases UTI risk as it can ascend into the urinary tract, damaging the bladder lining and reactivating latent E. coli.
What foods should be avoided to reduce UTI risk?
Avoid simple sugars, refined carbohydrates, substances that irritate the urinary tract epithelium (like caffeine, diet soft drinks, and alcohol), and red meat, pork, and poultry, as they can act as reservoirs for uropathogenic E. coli.
What should be included in a diet to prevent UTIs?
A plant-based diet with high phytonutrient content, prebiotics, probiotics, and sufficient water intake can help optimize the microbiome and reduce UTI risk.
What is the role of cranberry in UTI prevention?
Cranberry juice (15–30 ml unsweetened 100% juice daily or 500 mg powder 3 times a day) contains proanthocyanins that reduce bacterial adhesion to the bladder epithelium.
What is D-mannose and how does it help with UTIs?
D-mannose (500 mg every 2 hours for 3–5 days) binds to type 1 fimbriae of uropathogenic E. coli, preventing them from binding to the urothelium and helping treat and prevent recurrent UTIs.
What role does Vitamin A play in UTI prevention?
Vitamin A (5000 iu/day) helps maintain the integrity of the urinary tract mucous membrane, supports lymphatic tissues and immune cells, and enhances T cell proliferation.
What is the role of Vitamin C in UTI treatment?
Vitamin C (500–5000 mg/day in divided doses) has immunostimulatory effects, regulates lymphocytes, phagocytes, and natural killer cells, and helps maintain the integrity of the uroepithelial lining.
How does Vitamin D help with UTIs?
Vitamin D promotes the production of anti-microbial substances in response to pathogen exposure, strengthens mucosal immunity, and deters bacterial attachment to the urinary epithelium.
What is the role of Zinc in preventing UTIs?
Zinc (15 mg preventatively, up to 60 mg during an acute infection) enhances immune cell activity and resistance to infection. Low levels of zinc are associated with an increased risk of recurrent UTIs.
How does Lactobacillus spp. help with UTIs?
Lactobacillus spp. competes for attachment sites and nutrients, suppresses pathogenic colonization, modulates the immune system, and maintains epithelial barrier integrity.
What herbal remedies can support UTI treatment?
Herbs like Crataeva (Crataeva nurvala), Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), and Cornsilk (Zea mays) are useful for reducing UT inflammation, acting as urinary antiseptics, and soothing the urinary tract.
How do you prepare an herbal infusion for UTIs?
Infuse 5 g Crataeva, 4 g Bearberry, and 5 g Cornsilk in 500 ml freshly boiled water. Strain and take ½–1 cup every 2–4 hours. Not to be used in pregnancy.
