Urinary Tract Infection : Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention

Urinary tract infection : Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention. Urinary tract infection or UTI is one of the most common infections affecting millions of women around the world. The infection can occur in the bladder, Kidneys, small tube called as ureters and urethra. Often urinary bladder and urethra becomes the target for bacterial infection. More than 50% of women would have had UTI at some point of their life. It causes symptoms of burning pain while passing urine and frequent urination. UTI can be completely treated with medications.

Symptoms :

• Many times urinary tract infection goes unnoticed due to lack of symptoms. If the immunity is strong you may not even notice that you have had an infection.


• Some of the signs of UTI include persistent urge for urination, burning pain while urinating and foul smelling urine. The urine may not be normal as before and it can be cloudy or bright pink colored.


• For some women UTI can cause pelvic pain focused in the central pelvic region.

Causes Of Urinary Tract Infection :

Several factors and medications can trigger urinary tract infection. Very often UTI is caused by E. coli bacterium and Chlamydia. Bacteria enter the tract through vagina or through other sources and begin to grow in the bladder. Under normal condition, the body’s defense mechanism will fight and destroy the micro-organisms, but sometimes due to weakened immunity, bacteria can quickly grow multifold.

Bladder infection can occur when the bad bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract enters the bladder. Cystitis is the term given for bladder infection which can also be caused by sexual intercourse. Women’s anatomy increases the risk of cystitis due to the short distance between the opening of bladder and anus. Infection can easily spread from the anus/rectum into the vagina and travel towards the bladder.

Urethral infection is known as urethritis which can occur either from the invasion of bacteria within the body (from gastrointestinal tract) or outside the body through sex. Chlamydia, herpes and Gonorrhea infections can occur by having sex with affected person (s).

Who Are At Risk ?

• Every woman is at risk of having UTI owing to the placement of organs closer. About 20-30% of women are prone to develop repeated UTI.


• Pregnant women are at increased risk of UTI and it can become severe, if left untreated.


• Sexually active men/women are at high risk of developing UTI.


• Women using contraceptives (in any form) and in menopause ages can develop this infection.


• People with multiple sex partners and those who follow poor personal hygiene are at higher risk than others.


• People who are using catheter and those with problems in the bladder and Bowel Incontinence are at high risk of UTI.


• Those with kidney diseases and those who undergo urinary tract procedures often are highly prone to develop urinary tract infection.


• People with weak immunity and those with chronic Diabetes and those who are using antibiotics frequently are at risk of UTI.


• People who have undergone recent surgery in the GI tract are at increased risk of UTI.

Read more on Blood in Urine

UTI Types :

Based on the part affected, UTI can be classified into many types.

• Pyelonephritis is the medical term given for kidney infection which can cause symptoms of high fever, chills, Flank Pain, nausea, vomiting and loss of weight.


• Cystitis can cause bloody discharge in urine, frequent urination, and lower abdominal pain.


• When urethra is affected it is called as urethritis which can cause symptoms of burning pain while passing urine and foul smelling vaginal discharge.

Tests :

Your doctor may listen to your symptoms to decide on UTI in most of the cases. However, in some cases urine test can be ordered to check the growth of bacteria in the urine. In severe cases CT scan or MRI scan can be done to get exact picture of the urinary tract. For some people cystoscopy will be done to view the inner portions of bladder and urethra.

Urinary Tract Infection Treatment :

Since UTI is predominantly a bacterial infection, antibiotics are recommended.

For mild to moderate kinds of UTI drugs like bactrim, Sulfamethoxazole, nitrofurantoin, cephalexin and similar drugs are given. Medications like ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin are not prescribed for mild cases of urinary infection.

Make sure that you are completing the medications given by your doctor failing which infection can recur.

Type of medication given will be decided by your doctor based on several factors like your age, health condition and type of bacteria causing the infection.

If there is severe burning pain while urinating, your doctor may recommend an analgesic for numbing the bladder temporarily while urinating.

In severe case of infection, you will be treated as in-patient in the hospital and intravenous fluids with medications are given promptly to prevent spread of infection to other vital organs.

Complications :

Generally, UTI can be treated and cured completely. But if left untreated it can cause some complications like partial kidney damage, repeated urinary infections, pregnancy complications and premature delivery of baby. In rare cases, UTI can cause potentially dangerous condition called Sepsis shock which can be mortal.

Urinary Tract Infection Prevention :

• Drink lots of water and fluids so that urine gets diluted and toxins can be removed.


• Always make sure that you are wiping from front portion to the back after passing stool or urine to prevent entry of germs.


• Avoid having sexual intercourse with strange persons and multiple partners.


• Empty the bladder shortly after having intercourse.


• Avoid using harsh sprays and other feminine products on private parts


• Avoid douching (repeated cleaning of vagina) since it can destroy good bacteria or interrupt the bacterial balance.

Neck Pain and Strain : Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Home Remedies, Prevention

Neck Pain and Strain : Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Home Remedies, Prevention.






Neck is the region that lies beneath your face and above the chest. It encloses many vital organs including windpipe or trachea and food pipe or esophagus. Neck contains several muscles and tendons that make it possible for you to turn your head to look back. Neck is vulnerable to strain due to extensive range of movement. Neck is not a stable organ and hence even small injury or strain can affect its normal function. Neck is the most vulnerable organ of the body and hence cutting of small blood vessel in the neck may lead to death.

Neck strain does not always cause serious injury to its organs and seldom causes fracture of bones inside. However, neck strain can damage the underlying muscles and tissues causing moderate to severe pain. Any injury to the tissue can cause considerable strain to the tissues, nerves and ligaments inside. Trauma to the neck can cause mild tears to the underlying ligaments of cervical spine. Neck strain or injury needs prompt medical examination and treatment.

Neck Pain Symptoms :

• First sign of neck injury is reduced motion of neck and considerable pain.


• Swelling of the affected region of neck and redness can be seen. Inflammation of neck does not happen overnight and is a gradual process.


• In some cases pain may not be present on the first day if the underlying muscles are injured and from the second day it can cause considerable pain and reduced movement.


• The individual may not be able to perform routine activities as before when neck is injured.


• In case of severe injury it can cause Pinched Nerve leading to serious signs like dizziness, nausea, numbness and tingling sensation.


• Stiffness of the neck can occur and pain may spread to the lower back region.

Neck Pain Causes :

Several factors can cause neck injury and strain.

1. Accidents – Automobile accidents can cause indirect trauma to the neck when the head is bent in excess either backward or forward. Such extension of head portion is described as whiplash in common terms. Due to sudden compression and pressure muscles and tissues of the neck can get strained. When an individual met with an accident while driving a car his/her head bends forward and backward in excess causing severe impact to the underlying muscles. Both front impact and rear impact can damage the tissues and nerves inside.

2. Working Position – People whose job involves working with laptops or computers all through the day are highly vulnerable to back pain and neck strain. The person may not be sitting in the right posture and he/she would strain to see the monitor continuously. It is very much necessary for them to take break at regular intervals. Work from home option for many people has added more strain and injury in the present scenario.In addition to abnormal working posture, sleeping in wrong/awkward position can cause neck strain.

3. Pinched Nerve – Pinched nerve condition can occur anywhere in the body but largely it affects the legs and hands. Pinched nerve is a condition in which excess of pressure is put on the nerve by the surrounding tissues and muscles. A herniated disk of spinal cord can put pressure on the nerve endings causing pain in your legs. Similarly it can occur in the wrist causing severe pain in the fingers. In rare cases pinched nerve can occur in the nerves of the neck causing severe pain and other symptoms like Headache, dizziness and tingling feeling. Pinched nerve can be caused due to repeated Stress of working condition, Arthritis and injury.

4. Cervical Problems – Vertigo can cause neck pain and headaches. Cervicogenic dizziness can cause constant neck pain and sometimes it may cause neck injury. Several kinds of cervical problems can spill over affecting nor only the spine but other parts of the body like neck and head.

5. Migraine – Migraine is a kind of intense head pain that causes throbbing pain on some part of the head. It can cause blind spots, flashes, dizziness, nausea and significant pain on the head and neck region. Migraine attacks can occur anytime and can become chronic problem. Neck pain precedes an attack of migraine episode for many people.

6. Meningitis – Swelling of brain tissue can cause meningitis a severe form of infection. This condition can cause symptoms including nausea, vomiting, neck pain, neck stiffness and fever.

7. Barre Lieou Syndrome – This is a rare condition that occurs due to instability of vertebral column affecting the nerve cells of the neck region. This is also known as cervicocranial syndrome since the cervical nerves cause this problem. Some of the signs of BL syndrome include vertigo, neck pain, nausea, facial pain, muscle weakness and congestion.

8. Neck pain can occur due to vigorous chewing of hard meat also.

Diagnosis :

You can consult any neurosurgeon or ENT specialist for problems related with neck pain or injury. The doctor would complete physical examination after listening to the symptoms. Intensity of neck pain would be determined and based on that he may order for testing procedure.

Pain on the neck is of many types. Dull pain occurs when underlying muscles are injured. Sharp throbbing pain develops on the neck if nerve roots are damaged. Pinched nerve can cause burning pain. Bone damage can involve deep dull pain. In rare cases bone fracture may occur in the neck.

Before making any analysis, the doctor would consider several factors like age, sex, patient’s history, daily routine and level of activities. The doctor would gently press the neck region for identifying the problem inside. He may order for imaging tests like X-ray, CT scan or MRI scanning.

Neck Pain Treatment :

Treatment for neck pain and injury differs on the intensity of the problem. Your doctor would first examine the condition before devising a suitable plan for treating neck pain. In most of the cases, neck injury would heal on its own within few days without requiring any treatment. Taking complete rest and applying hot/cold compression would provide relief from pain.

If the pain is accompanied with other serious symptoms like stiffness of neck or dizziness you can consult the doctor immediately. If the pain does not reduce even after 3-4 days of home treatment, you can always check your doctor.

• Physiotherapy

For mild to moderate kinds of neck strain giving physical therapy can provide relief. Alternatively you can also consult a registered chiropractor in your area. Suitable exercises can provide relief from muscle strain in the neck. Therapist would gently massage the neck region for releasing the pressure caused by pinched nerve or any other muscle injury. Many cases of whiplash or dizziness caused by migraine can be treated with physical therapy.

• Medications

NSAID’s or similar drugs like Tylenol can provide symptomatic relief from swelling and pain. OTC medications like Ibuprofen or Motrin can be taken even without a prescription for getting quick relief from neck pain. But remember you should not take these drugs for more than 5 days without consulting your doctor.

For treating severe neck pain or injury, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids like prednisone or similar drugs. These medications are given mostly along with other painkillers like Ibuprofen.

• Traction

Traction is the method used for keeping the broken bones in still (straight) condition. Traction also helps in reducing pressure built on the spine region and tendons of neck. This method also heals injured portion of the neck giving room for quick recovery. Neck traction or cervical traction is the best method for healing injuries of muscles and ligaments and also the pinched nerve condition.

Several devices like air neck traction equipments, air pillows and posture pumps help in relieving the pressure built in the neck quickly.

Home Remedies :

• Taking rest from daily activities can give relief from dull aching pain on the neck. Firstly you need to identify the cause of pain. Any topical analgesic at home can give quick relief from neck pain and discomfort.


• Apply cold compression on the affected site by wrapping some ice cubes on a towel and placing it on the neck for few minutes. Pain caused by muscle spasm responds well for this cold/hot therapy.


• OTC medications like Ibuprofen or Tylenol can be effective in reducing pain.


• Wearing a cervical collar is useful for managing chronic neck pain.


• Do not indulge in straining your head and neck portion when you are having pain, which may make conditions worse.

Prevention :

• You can reduce the automobile accidents by wearing seatbelts properly.


• Don’t drive when you are under the influence of alcohol. Seek help from someone to drive you home safely.


• If you are above 55 years, do not attempt to turn your head quickly and make swift movements of your neck.


• One should not bend the head forward/backward beyond the limit which may result in compression or pinched nerve.

Finally, people whose job involves using computer/laptops most of the time, should take regular breaks and practice stretching exercises daily to prevent back pain and neck strain.