Diseases Diseases

How to prevent urinary tract diseases

Published at 03/15/2012 13:11:01

Introduction

Urinary tract diseases can include problems that infect your kidneys, bladder and the urinary tract itself. The most prevalent of these urinary tract diseases is a urinary tract infection. This is where the urethra, bladder, ureters, or the kidneys are infected by either bacteria, fungi or a parasite. In this article, we will first list the symptoms of this urinary tract diseases and some ways to prevent it from occurring in the first place.

Step 1

The symptoms for the urinary tract diseases will vary in accordance to the individuals age, sex, and location of the infection in the tract. The most prevalent symptom that individuals will experience is a frequent need to urinate. This passing of urine will often be accompanied with pain, burning sensation, and the urine can appear cloudy or dark in colour. Women may additionally develop an uncomfortable abdominal feeling, akin to bloat. Whereas men who are affected with the urinary tract diseases can experience discomfort/pain in their testicular, penile, or abdominal region. Lastly, children/toddlers who are affected with the urinary tract disease will exhibit blood in the urine, abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting, along with pain and urgency with urination. However, it is important to note that some infected individuals will experience little to no symptoms, and it will clear up without medical attention. 

Step 2

The chief way in which you can prevent these specific urinary tract diseases is to be hygienic in regards to the problem area. This is achieved through proper toiletry procedures and common sense. 

Step 3

Keeping yourself hydrated is another way in which you can prevent the occurrence of the urinary tract diseases. By drinking plenty of water, it will help ensure that your urinary tract is regularly flushed. 

Cranberry juice is a great liquid to ingest that both prevents and helps fight an already established infection. Vitamin C is another natural way in which you can help prevent/heal the urinary tract diseases; it can be taken either via citrus juice or by a vitamin C supplement. Vitamin C will effectively increase the acidity of your urine, which will subsequently decrease the amount of harmful bacteria in your urinary tract system.

 

Step 4

When you feel the urge to pass urine, make sure that you go straight away and don't hold it. The act of holding in urine when you really need to go can result in bacteria that is already present in your urinary tract metamorphosing into a palpable urinary tract disease. Thus, when you need to go, go. 

The act of taking a shower, instead of a bath can reduce the likelihood of you contracting urinary tract diseases. 

Step 5

Try to buy underwear that are made from cotton. This is due to the fact that cotton lets moisture escape more freely; thus, lowering the potential for the development of detrimental bacteria in that zone. 

Tips

The most important action you can undertake to prevent the appearance of this urinary tract disease is to practice good hygiene for the areas that are prone to the disorder.

Avoid bladder irritants like citrus, tomatoes, aged cheese, chocolate, spicy food, caffeine, alcohol and nicotine.

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