Hemofarm - Blog - Urinary tract infections - increasingly common problem

Urinary tract infections impair quality of life and limit daily activities. It is important to treat them immediately, because they can lead to serious complications. Women are more susceptible to these infections than men.

Urinary tract infections are among the most common health problems. As many as 11 percent of women have at least one urinary tract infection every year. The problem is even more common in people over the age of 65, but also in patients who are in hospital.

- A large number of urinary tract infections affect the lower urinary tract, i.e. the bladder and urethra. These infections usually occur when bacteria from the outside reach the bladder through the urethra. Also, a large number of urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria that make up the normal intestinal flora, but if these bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, Enterobacteriaceae, Klebsiella, enter the urinary tract, they cause a painful infection that often recurs - said Nada Jokić, MD, Regional Product Manager from Hemofarm.

In women, urinary tract infections are much more common due to their anatomical structure, because the urethra in women is shorter, and the opening of the urethra and intestines is much closer, which significantly facilitates the path of bacteria. Also, urinary tract infections in both women and men can occur due to sexually transmitted diseases, but also some other health problems.

- Kidney stones or an enlarged prostate can impede the normal flow of urine and thus contribute to the development of infection. Then, diabetes and other diseases that cause a decline in immunity also increase the risk of these infections. The menopausal period, due to the natural drop in estrogen concentration, represents the age during which urinary tract infections are more common. The placement of a catheter in the urinary bladder is most often performed in a hospital setting and represents a significant risk factor for the development of urinary tract infections in bedridden patients - explains our interlocutor.

Hygiene is the basis of prevention

Regular and proper maintenance of the urogenital region hygiene is the basis for prevention of urinary tract infections. Hygiene should be maintained with mild products the pH value of which corresponds to the pH value of the intimate region. It is important to teach girls from an early age to wipe exclusively from the opening of the urethra towards the anus, and not the other way around. It is best to wear cotton underwear. Do not delay urination when you feel the need to empty your bladder.

Antibiotic - only when necessary

Frequent urination, tingling and pain as the first symptoms of urinary tract infection, significantly impair the quality of life, limit daily activities, and it is important to treat them immediately and thus prevent more serious complications.

- We can say that 50 percent of urinary tract infections are uncomplicated, but it is important to treat them adequately at that time. Urinary tract infections are usually treated with antibiotics, but the risk of side effects from antibiotic therapy should not be overlooked. Antibiotics can seriously disrupt the patient's intestinal microbiota, and we are also witnessing an increase in bacterial resistance due to excessive use of antibiotics - warns Dr. Jokić.

That is why, in the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections, there is a need for safer, more effective alternative solutions in treatment.

- In addition to antibiotic therapy prescribed by a doctor, the use of D-manozinn protect, which contains d-mannose and probiotic bacteria, is recommended, and its double effect quickly eliminates Escherichia and prevents diarrhea that antibiotics can lead to. By using preparations that have a proven effect on the urinary tract, which do not disturb the balance of microflora and reduce the possibility of recurrence of infection, such as D-manozinn and D-manozinn protect, the patient receives safer and more reliable therapy that effectively eliminates bacteria from the urinary system - advises Dr. Nada Jokić from Hemofarm.