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What is Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?

What is Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?

Urinary tract infection or UTI is an infection of the urinary bladder which is more common in women.

Written by Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti |Updated : September 25, 2014 5:22 PM IST

UTIUrinary tract is a part of our body that is responsible for production and storage of urine. It comprises kidneys (where urine is made), ureters (travels though it) and urinary bladder (stored in this organ). Urinary tract infection or UTI is defined as an infection of the lining of the urinary bladder and urethra. They are very common in women than in men as females have shorter urethra (4 cm) as compared to males (20 cm) and hence, it is easy for the bacteria to infect the bladder.

UTIs generally affect the bladder but in some case the bacterial infection might travel up to the kidneys resulting in kidney infection. When the urinary tract is infected, the bladder and urethra become irritated and red which in turn cause pain in the pelvic region and abdomen. People suffering from this infection feel like urinating more often (or urinate only few drops) and may also feel burning sensation while urinating. You may also feel uncomfortable and in some cases your urine may smell unpleasant (foul odour).

UTIs usually pass within few days of infection by following proper hygiene and sanitation practices. The treatment options include a course of antibiotic medications, but sometimes antipyretics and pain killers are also prescribed to treat the infection.

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