TILII TOPICS
A urinary tract infection can be painful and sometimes progress to more severe infections. As an osteopathic physician specializing in the holistic and preventive care, Dr. Neetu K. Sodhi of Bloom Obstetrics and Gynecology specializes in both the prevention early recognition and treatment of UTIs. She serves women of Tarzana, CA, the San Fernando Valley as well as the greater Los Angeles area.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
What is a urinary tract infection?
Urinary Tract Infection, commonly called a UTI, is a kind of infection that develops when bacteria gets into the urinary tract and starts to expand rapidly. This invasion of bacteria causes many uncomfortable issues, including pain while urinating and lower back pain.
How can a UTI be recognized?
A urinary tract infection can be recognized by its symptoms. Common symptoms include an increased need to urinate, an odor to the urine, traces of blood in the urine (or pink/red-tinged urine,) cloudy urine, a burning sensation while urinating, or lower back pain. Many people have multiple Urinary Tract Infection symptoms or may even have all of these symptoms at the same time. When these symptoms are present, Dr. Sodhi will typically perform a urinalysis and or urine culture to confirm the infection. Once the UTI is confirmed by testing, the patient can begin treatment right away so that fast relief can be achieved.
Who is most susceptible to urinary tract infections?
Women, especially pregnant women, are most likely to have Urinary Tract Infections because the urethra, the tube that transports urine from the bladder, is shorter in females. The shorter urethra means that bacteria is more susceptible to enter the bladder. This is one of the reasons why women are often told to wipe from the front to the back after using the restroom. Being sexually active can also make women more susceptible to UTIs. People who suffer from autoimmune diseases or disorders, for example, type 1 diabetes, are more susceptible to UTIs as well.
How are UTIs prevented and treated?
Dr. Sodhi recommends that all women, especially those who have experienced a UTI, avoid scented feminine hygiene products, wipe front to back, drink ample amounts of water daily, urinate before and after sex, and empty their bladder regularly to prevent urinary tract infection. Additionally we offer Ayurvedic blends, and specialty probiotics and supplements to aid in healthy urinary flow and prevent infection. Urinary Tract Infections are usually treated very easily with a brief course of antibiotics.