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Published on: Oct 16, 2021
3 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

Urinary Tract Infection: Causes, Symptoms, And Prevention

Urinary tract infection: Causes, symptoms, and prevention

Some of the risk factors for developing UTI are obesity, diabetes, use of the intrauterine device (IUD), sexual intercourse, urinary tract abnormalities, or blockages. The symptoms include painful or frequent urination, increased frequency or urgency to urinate. Some other issues that may arise are lower back pain, abdominal pain, and smelly urine. Pineapple juice is often used for UTIs because it contains bromelain which has natural anti-inflammatory components which can help alleviate the discomfort associated with a urinary tract infection. Cranberry pills can also be taken to inhibit bacteria's ability to adhere to the bladder while uva ursi herb helps cleanse the bladder lining to prevent bacterial infections from occurring in the future.

Women should increase fluid intake and urinate frequently. After attempting to urinate, if it feels like there is still urine in the bladder, then another attempt should be made before going to bed. Pressure from the pelvic floor muscle will help empty your bladder and there's no need to put pressure on your lower abdomen. The best way for women with UTI to find relief is with medicine that clears up bacterial growth or infection of the urinary tract system including antibiotics. Elevate your legs when they are swollen- this helps dilute any toxins being pumped into them by your kidneys. Women can also try drinking cranberry juice which has natural antibiotic properties as well as uva ursi leaf tea which helps moderate renal function.

Causes of urinary tract infection can include vaginal sexual contact, poor hygiene, diabetes, UTI protection from bacteria that is found in the bowel and rectum. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include burning during urination, the urgency to go frequently, and other pain outside the normal discomfort associated with bladder control. Prevention includes good hygiene practices such as wiping from front to back after toileting and avoiding sexual activity if at risk for UTI infections.

A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria successfully enter the bladder and reproduce. Symptoms include frequent urination, pain with urination, blood in urine, or cloudy/pink/rice water-like discharge. Besides good hygiene practices (i.e., only using the bathroom during established bathroom breaks), prevention may also be aided by consuming cranberry juice. This is rooted in legends that poor Irish families would drink fresh cranberry juice to sweeten their urine so they wouldn't attract the unwanted attention of wealthy landlords looking for children to work long hours on poor wages in cotton mills or coal mines without pay; it also contains high levels of potassium).

Urinary tract infections are the second most common type of infection, with up to 5% of women getting at least one every year. These infections are caused by an overgrowth of bacteria that live within the urinary system. Amoxicillin is used to treat UTIs because it kills the bacteria being cultivated in the patient's bladder. It does not knock out all bacteria though, so if there are resistant strains present this will not have any effect on them. Symptoms include congested or painful urination or sensation of "needing to go" frequently but making little progress when trying to go anywhere besides your bladder which could be accompanied by fever, sexual arousal symptoms (vaginal secretion/orchitis), nausea.

A UTI is an infection in one of your urinary organs, not including the penis or vagina. Luckily, UTI infections are very easy to treat with antibiotics and simple self-care steps, so it's important to identify them right away and take care of the problem as soon as possible! The most common symptoms of a UTI include An intense need to urinate often with little or no warning; Pain or burning during urination; Difficulty starting or stopping urination; Passing small amounts of urine multiple times during the day; Back pain.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that's present in the part of your body that makes and removes urine. Your urinary tract includes the bladder, urethra, ureters, kidneys, and all of the structures involved in rinsing out your bladder.

Urinary tract infections can cause mucus or pus to be present in your pee. They may also give you other symptoms like burning during urination or needing to pee with urgency frequently-these are common signs of a UTI. Antibiotics will work for most patients with uncomplicated UTIs but if no change has happened within 3 days then call your doctor or go to Urgent Care so they can double-check on you!

Urinary tract infections are defined by the presence of bacteria in the bladder. The causes are mostly unknown, but risk factors include sexual intercourse, frequent trips to public restrooms, pregnancy, diabetes, and others. Menopause by itself isn't considered a risk factor for UTIs because women who have already gone through menopause do not have increased rates of UTIs when compared with post-menopausal women without UTIs. Symptoms can vary depending on many factors including how much time has elapsed since the bacterial infection began. If you experience any or all of these symptoms - frequency plus dribbling plus burning during urination - it is best to make an appointment with your doctor promptly because this could be evidence that there is an infection

The most common symptom for a urinary tract infection is abnormal urination, which you may notice as more frequent or burning sensations. You also may see blood in your urine or an increased need to use the bathroom. Some people experience stomach cramps and fever with UTIs.

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Asthma Symptoms in Adults: Early Signs, Triggers, and When to Seek Care

Asthma is often perceived as a childhood condition, but a significant number of cases develop or persist into adulthood. In India, adult asthma is increasingly recognised due to rising air pollution, occupational exposure and lifestyle-related risk factors. Unfortunately, asthma symptoms in adults are frequently misdiagnosed as recurrent infections, allergies or age-related breathlessness, leading to delayed treatment.

Understanding adult asthma symptoms is critical for early diagnosis, effective control and prevention of severe attacks.

What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. In asthma, the airways become:

inflamed
narrow
overly sensitive to triggers

This leads to difficulty in breathing, especially during exposure to specific stimuli.

Why Adult Asthma Is Often Missed

Adult asthma symptoms may:

appear gradually
vary in severity
mimic common respiratory conditions

According to Indian Council of Medical Research and WHO data, many adults remain undiagnosed for years, increasing the risk of complications.

Common Asthma Symptoms in Adults

Wheezing

A high-pitched whistling sound while breathing, especially during exhalation, is a classic asthma sign.

Shortness of Breath

Adults with asthma often feel:

breathless during routine activities
difficulty taking deep breaths

This may worsen at night or early morning.

Chest Tightness

Many describe a sensation of pressure or tightness in the chest, which can be mistaken for heart-related issues.

Chronic Cough

A persistent cough, especially:

at night
early morning
after exercise

is a common but overlooked asthma symptom.

Symptoms That Worsen With Triggers

Asthma symptoms often intensify after exposure to specific triggers.

Air Pollution and Smoke

Urban pollution, vehicle emissions and indoor smoke significantly worsen asthma symptoms in adults.

Allergens

Dust mites, pollen, mould and pet dander are common triggers.

Respiratory Infections

Viral infections can trigger asthma flare-ups or reveal undiagnosed asthma.

Physical Activity

Exercise-induced asthma causes breathlessness and wheezing during or after physical exertion.

Weather Changes

Cold air, humidity and sudden temperature changes can aggravate symptoms.

Adult-Onset Asthma

Adult-onset asthma differs from childhood asthma.

Characteristics include:

onset after age 20–30
less association with childhood allergies
more persistent symptoms
higher likelihood of severe disease

Occupational exposure and hormonal changes contribute to adult-onset asthma.

Risk Factors for Asthma in Adults

Several factors increase asthma risk:

long-term exposure to pollution
smoking or passive smoking
occupational chemicals or dust
obesity
family history of asthma
chronic sinusitis or allergies

Women may experience asthma onset or worsening during hormonal changes.

When Asthma Symptoms Become Serious

Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing:

severe breathlessness
difficulty speaking in full sentences
bluish lips or fingertips
rapid worsening of symptoms
poor response to usual inhalers

These signs indicate a potentially life-threatening asthma attack.

How Adult Asthma Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis includes:

detailed symptom history
physical examination
lung function tests (spirometry)
response to bronchodilators

Early diagnosis improves long-term outcomes.

Impact of Untreated Asthma

Untreated asthma can lead to:

frequent attacks
reduced lung function
sleep disturbances
missed workdays
reduced quality of life

According to Lancet respiratory studies, uncontrolled asthma increases hospitalisation risk.

Managing Asthma Symptoms in Adults

Effective asthma management focuses on:

identifying and avoiding triggers
using prescribed inhalers correctly
monitoring symptoms regularly
maintaining follow-up care

Asthma action plans help patients recognise worsening symptoms early.

Role of Preventive Healthcare

Preventive healthcare helps:

detect asthma early
assess lung function
guide lifestyle modifications

Regular health checkups are especially important for individuals with respiratory symptoms or occupational exposure.

Lifestyle Measures That Support Asthma Control

Helpful practices include:

avoiding smoking
improving indoor air quality
wearing masks in polluted environments
maintaining healthy weight
regular, moderate exercise

Lifestyle support complements medical treatment.

Mental Health and Asthma

Stress and anxiety can worsen asthma symptoms.

Stress management:

reduces symptom frequency
improves medication response

Holistic care improves asthma outcomes.

Importance of Medication Adherence

Asthma medications work best when:

taken regularly as prescribed
inhaler technique is correct

Skipping treatment increases flare-up risk.

Long-Term Outlook for Adults With Asthma

With proper management:

symptoms are well controlled
severe attacks are preventable
normal activity levels are achievable

Most adults with asthma lead active, productive lives.

Conclusion

Asthma symptoms in adults are often subtle, variable and easily mistaken for common respiratory problems. Wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and chronic cough should not be ignored, especially when triggered by pollution, exercise or weather changes. Early diagnosis, trigger control and consistent treatment are essential to prevent severe attacks and preserve lung health. Recognising adult asthma early empowers individuals to manage symptoms effectively and maintain a good quality of life.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Respiratory Disease and Asthma Studies
World Health Organization (WHO) – Asthma Management and Prevention Guidelines
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Respiratory Health Indicators
Lancet Respiratory Medicine – Adult Asthma Outcomes and Management
NITI Aayog – Air Pollution and Respiratory Health Reports
Statista – Global Asthma Prevalence and Trends

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