Overview

UTIs, as it is commonly called or urinary tract infections, are the second most prevalent kind of infection in the human body. The urinary system is the body's drainage mechanism for waste and excess water. It consists of a bladder, urethra, two ureters, and two kidneys, which are usually affected by UTIs. UTIs can affect people of any age or gender. Nonetheless, women experience UTIs at a rate around four times higher than men. Additionally, you run a higher risk if you have a spinal cord injury, diabetes, or require a tube to empty your bladder.

Causes

Bacteria enter the body through the urethra and cause UTIs. In females, the urethra tube is significantly shorter than in males, and the vagina is located much closer to the anus, the rear passageway where bacteria reside. The microorganisms responsible for a urinary tract infection are typically Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. Other microbes that are often limited to the urethra and reproductive system, like Mycoplasma and chlamydia, can also cause UTIs. When infections arise from these sexually transmitted bacteria, therapy is necessary for both parties. 

• Men who have prostate issues run the risk of infection because an Enlarged prostate gland may only partially empty the bladder. 

• Older adults: Due to incontinence issues and certain medications. 

• Individuals who use urinary catheters 

• Individuals with diabetes  

• Newborns who are still in diapers 

Symptoms

In the case of a UTI, you could,

• Passing very little urine feel as though you need to or are compelled to do so frequently. 

• Perception that the bladder is still full after urinating 

• Feel ill with a fever and nausea. 

• Become disoriented (particularly common in older persons) 

• Experience burning, scorching discomfort, or pain when urinating 

• Urine that is foul-smelling, hazy, dark, or contains blood

• Lower back or side pain or lower abdominal discomfort.

Ayurvedic View

Vrukka gata roga, mutra krichchha, mutra kshaya- mutra (urine), kshaya (less), where there is less urine output, and krichchha means passing urine with difficulty. This disease occurs in a ruksha (dry), klanta (very much exhausted) person, when pitta and vata dosha get prakupita (aggravated), enter the mutrashaya (urinary system), resulting in decreased urine output, irritation while passing urine. This is a urinary tract infection, sometimes caused due to krimi. The Ayurveda way of approach is to correct the root cause of this disease, treat other conditions that are associated with this disease, bring dosha back to prakruta awastha (normal state) and improve urinary system health and immunity by Ayurvedic panchakarma treatment and internal medication.