It is very important to pay attention to discomfort and various changes in the body. Finding and treating infections of the genitourinary tract can be time consuming, but very important.

There are diseases that affect both men and women. Infections of the genitourinary system are just included in the category of those diseases from which no one is immune. Pathogens do not distinguish between people by sex, do not look at age, do not pay attention to social status.

Genitourinary infections are diseases that are characterized by specific changes in the body caused by certain types of pathogens and accompanied by inflammation, with the exception of sexually transmitted diseases.

Treatment of a genitourinary infection directly depends on the degree of inflammation of the affected area, the type of microorganisms that caused the disease, those specific pathologies that arise in the body with the course of the disease. Symptoms that bother the sick person are also important, because they are often very pronounced.

Various pathogens can cause infectious diseases of the genitourinary system. Often there are cases that the cause of the malaise is not one, but several different microorganisms. The infections themselves are divided into two main groups according to the type of pathogen - opportunistic and pathogenic.

The first group refers to the type of diseases in which "dangerous" microorganisms are in the human body throughout life, and the second is infected from the environment.

Under normal circumstances, opportunistic pathogens are normal, do not pose a particular danger. But with a decrease in immunity or with the occurrence of pathologies, these pathogens pass into an aggressive phase, the result of which is an infection of the urinary tract.

Infectious diseases are of various types and are classified according to many factors. If we consider such diseases, it is easiest to divide them into groups, taking into account the localization of the disease:

• inflammation of the urinary system (urethritis);
• bladder (cystitis);
• fallopian tubes (salpingitis);
• kidney (pyelonephritis);
• the inner walls of the uterus (endometritis);
• ovaries (oophoritis);
• uterine appendages (adnexitis);
• seminal vesicles (vesiculitis);
• penis head (balanitis);
• epididymis (epididymitis);
• prostate (prostatitis);
• the head and foreskin of the penis (balanoposthitis).

Infections are caused by bacteria in the internal organs. Only the pathways of pathogens are different. Basically, all types of infections are divided into three main types:

• the initial presence of the pathogen in the body, namely, in the affected structure;
• the presence of a pathogen in the body with transfer from one organ to another;
• external infection with the pathogen.

The first two types are often possible only in people with other pathologies of the genitourinary system and a reduced activity of the immune system. Of course, the third type of infection is more common, when a pathogen enters the body from the external environment, spreads through it.

The course of the disease depends on the sex of the person, because the structure of the genitourinary system is different in male and female organisms. It so happened that the representatives of the beautiful half of humanity often turn to doctors with such problems. But there are cases that women suffer from latent infections, the course of which is not distinguished by anything, only tests can detect them.

Symptoms

The manifestations of infectious diseases, to which the genitourinary system is susceptible, often differ from each other and directly depend on the location of the infection, but all the symptoms are quite vivid so as not to pay attention to them.

Urogenital infections have the following symptoms:

• discomfort in the infected area, frequent pain;
• unusual discharge;
• acute pain, burning, itching during urination;
• frequent urge, especially late in the day;
• increase, decrease in temperature;
• impurities of blood, pus, mucus;
• general weakness, dizziness, pain.

In women, special manifestations can often occur, which is associated with the structural features of the organs of the urinary system:

• sharp, frequent pain in the lower abdomen;
• the appearance of plaque on the external genital organs;
• change of color, transparency of urine.

But only by the symptoms it is impossible to accurately determine the type of disease, because the manifestations can be general, it becomes unclear how to treat a particular case. Based on observations of symptoms, experts make a preliminary diagnosis, prescribe a more accurate examination.

The main and important thing is to accurately determine the type of pathogen. Laboratory tests of blood and urine are of the highest priority in the diagnosis of infections. In some cases, a laboratory study of the flora is possible, which will help to accurately determine the type of disease. Determination of the pathogen and its sensitivity to antibiotics allows for targeted treatment.

Diagnostics includes taking a smear to accurately determine the nature, type of inflammation. It is possible to establish the type of pathogen from the smear. To reveal the full picture, doctors may prescribe an ultrasound scan.

Treatment

There are many ways, different therapies, with different types of medications that are prescribed by specialists.

There is no drug that can completely cure a person alone. All pills prescribed in the fight against diseases of this type are divided into the following main categories:

• antibiotics (Cefazolin, Azithromycin, Lefloxacin, Penicillins, Ofloxacin);
• preparations aimed at combating fungi (Pimafucin, Itraconazole, Fluconazole);
• antiviral (Amiksin, Ingavirin, Arbidol);
• bacteriostatic drugs.

Naturally, any treatment for infections of the genitourinary system must be agreed with a specialist, drinking, for example, Azithromycin without a doctor's prescription is dangerous for the body and will only aggravate the condition.

The basis in therapy for urogenital infections is a special diet, bed rest. Spicy foods flavored with various spices should be completely excluded from the diet. It is not recommended to eat smoked, fried and pickled food.

Drug treatment is represented by a combination of different drugs that are combined in therapy. For example, Azithromycin is prescribed in combination with Amiksin. Or, any of the antibiotics (Azithromycin) are combined with immunostimulants and antifungal drugs.

But it is worth remembering that although antibiotics work effectively, they always cause some harm to the body. Together with these drugs, it is worth using probiotics, which will help restore the microflora. Therefore, Azithromycin, other drugs should be taken strictly within the course prescribed by a specialist.

Prevention

As with any infectious disease, in this case, the key to health is the observance of personal, general hygiene, since a violation of hygiene standards contributes to the development and reproduction of microorganisms. It is important that the wardrobe conforms to the weather regime, which is often neglected by women, exposed to colds and inflammations.

Genitourinary infections are common. Symptoms in women can be caused by both opportunistic and pathogenic microflora. Timely treatment started will avoid complications.

Women suffer from urinary infections five times more often than men. The risk of getting sick especially increases in the cool season. A neglected infection can lead to serious consequences, so when its first signs appear, you should hurry to the doctor. If a genitourinary infection develops, both general and associated with a specific type of pathology are observed.

Symptoms of the disease are directly related to the location of the focus of infection. At the same time, the specificity of the structure of the female genitourinary organs is such that, once in one place, the virus can easily move to a neighboring organ.

The openings of the urethra and the anal, as well as the vagina, are located next to a woman. Because of this, gut bacteria often enter the urinary system, causing cystitis to develop. Often times, the spread of infection is caused by poor hygiene practices or trauma from rough sexual intercourse. Urogenital infections, without exception, are accompanied by unpleasant painful manifestations.

Common symptoms in women

If the body begins to develop, symptoms in women usually manifest as follows:

• sharp pains in the lower abdomen (cramps);
• itching in the vagina;
• frequent painful urination;
• tingling sensation;
• specific discharge;
• false urge to urinate;
• detection of vesicles, papillomas, plaque on the external genital organs.

Often with illness, there is a high temperature and a deterioration in well-being in general. With gonorrhea or trichomoniasis, purulent discharge is added to the symptoms, and with syphilis - an ulcer and enlarged lymph nodes. With a nonspecific infection, the signs are erased.

It is important to know how various infectious diseases of the woman's genitourinary system manifest themselves.

Urethritis

The urethra (urinary canal) becomes inflamed. This disease is characterized by the following manifestations:

• burning and cramps during urination;
• feeling of incomplete urinary release;
• at the end of urination, the discomfort becomes stronger;
• every 15-20 minutes you want to empty your bladder;
• mucous or pus-associated secretion from the urethra;
• redness of the perineum;
• drops of blood that appear at the end of urination;
• cloudy urine.

Urethritis often accompanies the general condition that appears with infections - weakness, sleep problems, headache.

Cystitis

The most common disease of this type with damage to the bladder, which can be provoked by a variety of factors. Cystitis is acute and chronic. For the acute form, it is typical:

• urinating every 10-15 minutes;
• urine appears in small volumes;
• painful urination;
• the urine is cloudy;
• there are pains above the pubis, which become stronger towards the end of urination.

Pains are in this case both cutting and dull, as well as pulling or with a burning sensation.

Pyelonephritis

This is the name of a condition in which the renal pelvis is inflamed. The infection can affect both kidneys at the same time, and only one. The disease can be recognized by the following signs:

• the temperature is increased;
• pain in the lumbar region;
• pain in the side and abdomen;
• feeling as if the stomach is pulling;
• urine analysis detects leukocytes, casts, or bacteria.

If pyelonephritis is not cured in time, the disease becomes chronic. In this case, there are no bright symptoms, but pain in the lower back regularly appears, which is accompanied by a high temperature.

The vaginal mucosa becomes inflamed. In this case, the following symptoms appear:

• changes in vaginal discharge - greater volume, unusual smell, shade;
• itching in the vagina, a feeling of the presence of irritation;
• the impression that the vagina is bursting from the inside;
• painful sexual contact;
• pain during urination;
• blood is found in small volumes;
• hyperemia, redness, edema of the vagina and vulva.

In most cases, vaginitis is associated with vulvitis, an inflammation of the vulva. Then the disease is called vulvovaginitis.

Salpingitis

This name has acquired the state of defeat of the fallopian tubes. The disease in the acute phase is manifested as follows:

• pain in the lower back and lower abdomen;
• disorder of urination;
• unpleasant sensations cover the rectum;
• the temperature rises;
• there is malaise;
• headaches.

It is characteristic when analyzing the detection of an increased level of leukocytes in the blood.

Endometritis

In this case, the inflammation occurs in the uterus. The signs of this infection are as follows:

• high temperature;
• lower abdominal pain;
• bloody or purulent vaginal discharge.

Not only ignorance of hygiene rules and frequent change of sexual partners lead to the development of inflammation. Sometimes endometritis appears as a result of surgery (abortion, difficult labor).

Cervicitis

The infection causes inflammation of the cervix. Symptoms characteristic of this disease:

• discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse;
• mucous vaginal discharge;
• in the lower abdomen - pain and discomfort;
• weakness;
• heat.

It should be noted that the pathogen is usually transmitted sexually.

Gardnerellosis

Gardnerella enters the woman's body during sexual intercourse, belongs to opportunistic microbes, but this infection does not apply to venereal diseases. It exists in acute and chronic manifestations. Typical signs appear only in acute form, these are:

• vaginal itching;
• during sexual intercourse, sensations of pain and / or burning;
• large volumes of secretion from the vagina;
• unusual smell, shade or consistency of the latter.

Gardnerella is very similar in its characteristics to STDs. One of the characteristic signs of infection of the genitourinary system in women is an unpleasant odor that does not disappear even after using the bathroom. Gardnerella is exacerbated by hormonal imbalance.

How to treat urogenital infections in women

Treatment of the genitourinary system is carried out with antibiotics. Their need and the type of drug are determined by the attending physician. Violation of his recommendations and the system of taking medications, instead of the expected recovery, can cause complications and infertility as a result.

In addition to antibacterial agents, diseases of the genitourinary system are eliminated with the help of anti-inflammatory drugs, immunomodulators and other auxiliary agents.

For example, gardnerella requires taking a medicine that restores the vaginal microflora.

Conclusion

Genitourinary infections in women - cystitis urethritis, gardnerella (gardnerella) and others - are quite common. To avoid complications and the transition of pathology to a chronic form, when symptoms appear, you need to consult a doctor who will prescribe competent treatment.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a polyetiological disease associated with various factors. The key role in its development belongs to microorganisms (especially E. coli). At the same time, the kidneys and bladder are more affected, leading to pathologies such as cystitis and pyelonephritis. Diseases can become acute and chronic. In adult men, such pathologies occur against the background of various sexually transmitted infections.

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  Types of diseases

  Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are mostly caused by gram-negative microflora, in 80% of cases E. coli is the cause. In men, this group of diseases is much less common than in women, which is associated with the anatomical features of the structure.

  Pathogens can affect the following organs:

  • Urethra with the development of a disease such as urethritis.
  • Bladder - cystitis.
  • Prostate gland - prostatitis.
  • Kidneys - pyelonephritis or glomerulonephritis.

  These diseases are most often acute, especially if they are caused by E. coli. When infected with other pathogens, the propensity for chronicity is much higher. With chlamydia, mycoplasmosis, gonorrheal infection, the initial symptoms can be very mild, therefore patients rarely go to the doctor, which is why the disease takes on a chronic course, leading to serious complications from both the urinary and reproductive systems of a man.

  Depending on the pathogen, specific and non-specific lesions are isolated. In the first case, the cause is various sexually transmitted diseases, in the second - opportunistic microorganisms (E. coli).

  The mechanism of occurrence of pathology

  The entry and spread of infection into the urinary tract occurs in several ways. The most common is the passage of bacteria from the anus to the nearby urethra. Already at this stage, a man may develop urethritis and prostatitis.

  Further along the wall of the urethra, the infection enters the bladder, causing its inflammation - cystitis.

  The mucous membrane of the genitourinary system contains special defense mechanisms against bacteria, so pathology does not always occur. The infection can transit several departments at once and not lead to illness. The last point is the kidneys, where it can cause a variety of diseases, the most common of which is pyelonephritis.

  Another way of getting the infection is to carry it from other foci into the urinary system through the blood or lymph.This method is more typical for a disease such as glomerulonephritis.

  

  The reasons

  The entry of the pathogen into the body is not a prerequisite for the appearance of the disease: for this to happen, it is necessary to have some predisposing factors:

  • Decreased immune system due to various acute and chronic diseases.
  • Urolithiasis, which is often accompanied by infections of the urinary system.
  • Frequent hypothermia (this is associated with the seasonality of the pathology - the cold season).
  • Violation of the outflow of urine in benign hyperplasia and inflammation of the prostate gland.
  • Promiscuous sex life.
  • The use of various drugs, especially antibiotics.

  In children, urinary tract infection can occur as a result of congenital malformations associated with impaired motor nerve regulation. This leads to the formation of reflux and urinary stagnation.

  Dr. Komarovsky singles out the main reason for the appearance of UTIs in infants is hypothermia associated with prolonged wearing of diapers. Children of the first year of life are more prone to various diseases, since the immune system is poorly developed. In the first months, the child uses the mother's protection obtained with milk.

  In preschool children, inflammation occurs after playing in the sandbox, since there are a large number of bacteria in this place, and they are in direct contact with the infected sand. Girls especially suffer from this.

  

  Manifestations of urethritis

  The main ones are urination disorders. Excretion of urine is accompanied by subjective sensations in the form of:

  • burning sensation;
  • itching;
  • pain;
  • frequent urge to urinate.

  Various secretions appear - serous, purulent, mucous. Symptoms will also vary depending on the pathogen. With urethritis caused by opportunistic flora, the manifestations will be pronounced, the discharge - purulent or mucous. Burning and itching intense.

  
  

  In the past, specific infections also had characteristic and typical symptoms. To date, all practicing doctors note that diseases such as mycoplasmosis, gonorrhea, chlamydia are sluggish and have poor symptoms. This makes diagnosis very difficult. In such situations, patients may be disturbed by whitish discharge, migratory urinary disorders. Burning, itching and pain are mild.

  Cystitis symptoms

  It appears much less frequently than in women, but they have a higher tendency to chronicity of the process.

  The disease begins suddenly - p.Urine is excreted in small portions, arises. There is pain in the suprapubic region, the body temperature may rise to +37 ... + 38 degrees.

  

  Inflammation of the bladder - wall changes

  Frequent urination is also observed at night. The urine becomes cloudy, microscopic examination may show the content of blood cells.

  In the chronic course of the disease, UTI is manifested by periods of exacerbation and remission.Patients are slightly worried, the temperature does not exceed +37 degrees or does not rise at all.

  Signs of pyelonephritis

  characterized by a sharp increase in body temperature up to +38 ... + 39 degrees, but there are cases without hyperthermia. There is a pulling dull pain in the lumbar region.

  The urine becomes cloudy, the protein content rises, the number of leukocytes increases, hematuria is observed (). In the clinical analysis of blood, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate increases and neutrophilic leukocytosis is noted.

  Urination is impaired, private urges appear, which become painful, urine is excreted in small portions due to urinary tract spasm.

  The inflammatory process leads to intoxication, resulting in a severe headache, severe weakness, vomiting, diarrhea may occur.

  

  Kidney with pyelonephritis

  You can independently check the presence of pyelonephritis by a slight tapping on the lower back (), after which the pain intensifies.

  The chronic course of the disease may not appear outwardly, sometimes there may be mild back pain. In the clinical analysis of urine, similar changes are observed, expressed to a lesser extent. With an ultrasound examination, violations of the pelvis-calyx system are noted, which intensify over time.

  Treatment

  The mainstay of treatment for urinary tract infections is the prescription of antibacterial agents.Thus, there is an impact on the etiological factor and the complete elimination of the disease. The following groups of antibiotics are used:

  • For urethritis, Ceftriaxone is administered intramuscularly or intravenously. Doxycycline, Azithromycin can also be used in the form of tablets or injections.
  • With an uncomplicated course of cystitis, nitrofuran preparations are prescribed - Furagin, Furomag. 3 g of Fosfomycin can be used once. Also appoint Azithromycin, Nitroxoline.
  • With pyelonephritis, antibiotics are mandatory intravenously or intramuscularly - Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Ceftriaxone.

  In the case of an acute process, drugs are prescribed empirically, using broad-spectrum drugs to capture the maximum number of microorganisms. It is ideal to carry out bacteriological culture before antibacterial treatment, after which, taking into account the sensitivity of the pathogen, certain medications are prescribed.

  The patient's condition threatens with serious complications, therefore, antibiotics are first prescribed, depending on the clinical manifestations. After receiving the result of laboratory research, the therapy is adjusted.

  Detoxification

  In case of severe intoxication, it is necessary to prescribe solutions for intravenous administration in order to clear the blood from the products of the inflammatory reaction:

  • Reasorbilact.
  • Reopoliglyukin.
  • Saline.
  • Glucose solution.
  • Polyglyukin.

  Such therapy is more often used for pyelonephritis, since this disease produces a strong release of toxic substances into the blood.

  Symptomatic therapy

  To eliminate pain, pain relievers are prescribed - Analgin, Dexalgin.Violations of urination in the form of frequent urges are removed by using antispasmodics - No-Shpa, Baralgin, Spazmalgin.

  At high temperatures, antipyretic drugs are used - Nimesil, Ibuprofen, acetylsalicylic acid.

  In parallel with antibiotic therapy, agents from the probiotic group are prescribed to normalize the activity of the intestines.

  Phytotherapy

  Urinary tract infections are treated by using folk remedies.For this, herbs and collections from medicinal plants are used. The following remedies are most effective:

  • Horsetail herb - has an antispasmodic, diuretic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. It is indicated for all types of UTI.
  • Bearberry leaf is a powerful remedy for inflammatory processes in the urinary tract. Relieves inflammation, spasm and dysuria.
  • Birch buds - have an antibacterial and antispasmodic effect.
  • Parsley and fennel seeds - have antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects.

  These medicinal plants are used both independently and as a collection. An infusion is prepared at home: 1 tbsp is placed on 0.2 liters of boiling water. l. herbs or mixtures.Better to do this in a water bath. For bearberry, cooking time is 30 minutes, for other plants - 15.

  Filter the resulting solution and use 1/3 cup 3 times.

  Pharmacy phytopreparations

  From finished medicines in the pharmacy, you can purchase drugs such as Urolesan, Kanefron, Trinephron, Uroton, etc.

  Urolesan is available in capsules and tablets. In its composition, it contains a complex of essential oils and an extract from plants that have a diuretic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect. Take 20 drops of sugar 3 times a day or 1 capsule three times a day.

  Canephron is used in inflammatory processes of the urinary tract. It has the same readings as Urolesan. The drug is most widely used for acute and chronic cystitis.

  These drugs are prescribed by doctors for UTIs, as they significantly improve the effect of the main therapy and reduce the risk of complications.

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are a group of diseases of the urinary tract and urinary tract that develop as a result of infection of the genitourinary tract by pathogenic microorganisms. With UTI, bacteriological examination in 1 ml of urine reveals at least one hundred thousand colony-forming microbial units. In women and girls, the disease occurs ten times more often than in men and boys. In Russia, UTI is considered the most common infection.

1. Depending on which part of the urinary tract infectious agents affect, the following types of UTI are distinguished:

• upper urinary tract infection - this is pyelonephritis, in which the kidney tissue and the calyx-pelvic system are affected;
• lower urinary tract infection - This is cystitis, urethritis and prostatitis (in men), in which the inflammatory process develops in the bladder, ureters or prostate gland, respectively.

1. Depending on the origin of the infection in the urinary system, there are several types of it:

• uncomplicated and complicated. In the first case, there is no violation of the outflow of urine, that is, there are no anomalies in the development of the urinary organs, or functional disorders. In the second case, there are developmental anomalies or dysfunctions of organs;
• hospital and community-based.In the first case, the causes of the development of infection are diagnostic and therapeutic manipulations carried out to the patient. In the second case, the inflammatory process is not associated with medical interventions.

1. According to the presence of clinical symptoms, the following types of the disease are distinguished:

• clinically significant infections;
• asymptomatic bacteriuria.

Urinary tract infections in children, pregnant women and men are in most cases complicated and difficult to treat. In these cases, there is always a high risk of not only recurrence of the infection, but also the development of sepsis or kidney abscess. Such patients undergo an extended examination in order to identify and eliminate the complicating factor.

FACTORS PROMOTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF UTI:

• congenital malformations of the genitourinary system;
• functional disorders (vesicoureteral reflux, urinary incontinence, etc.);
• concomitant diseases and pathological conditions (urolithiasis, diabetes mellitus, renal failure, nephroptosis, multiple sclerosis, kidney cyst, immunodeficiency, spinal cord injury, etc.);

• sex life, gynecological operations;
• pregnancy;
• advanced age;
• foreign bodies in the urinary tract (drainage, catheter, stent, etc.).

Elderly people Is a separate risk group. Infection of the urinary tract in them is facilitated by the failure of the epithelium, the weakening of general and local immunity, a decrease in mucus secretion by the cells of the mucous membranes, and microcirculation disorders.

Urinary tract infections in women develop 30 times more often than men. This is due to some features of the structure and functioning of the female body. The wide and short urethra is located in close proximity to the vagina, which makes it accessible to pathogens in the event of inflammation of the vulva or vagina. The risk of developing a urinary tract infection in women with cystocele, diabetes, hormonal and neurological disorders. All women during pregnancy, women who have sex early and have had multiple abortions are at risk for developing UTIs. Lack of personal hygiene is also a factor contributing to the development of urinary tract inflammation.

The frequency of UTIs increases with age in women. The disease is diagnosed in 1% of girls of school age, in 20% of women aged 25–30 years. The incidence reaches its peak in women over 60 years of age.

In the vast majority of cases, urinary tract infections in women recur. If symptoms of UTI reappear within a month after recovery, this indicates that the therapy was insufficient. If the infection returns after a month after treatment, but no later than six months, it is considered that a re-infection has occurred.

CAUSES OF UTI AND WAYS OF THEIR PENETRATION INTO THE BODY

Escherichia coli plays a major role in the etiology of all types of UTIs. The causative agents of the disease can be Klebsiella, Proteus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, enterococci, streptococci, fungi of the genus Candida. Sometimes the infectious process is caused by mycoplasma, chlamydia, staphylococcus, haemophilus influenzae, corynebacteria.

The etiological structure of UTI is different in women and men. In the former, E. coli dominates, and in the latter, the disease is more often caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus. Escherichia coli is twice as likely to cause hospital-acquired UTIs in outpatients as in inpatients. In case of bacteriological treatment, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus are more often sown in patients being treated in a hospital.

To assess the results of bacteriological examination of urine, doctors use the following quantitative categories:

• up to 1000 CFU (colony-forming units) in 1 ml of urine - natural infection of urine when it passes through the urethra;
• from 1000 to 100,000 CFU / ml - the result is doubtful, and the study is repeated;
• 100,000 or more CFU / ml is an infectious process.

Ways of penetration of pathogens into the urinary tract:

• the urethral (ascending) path, when the infection from the urethra and bladder "rises" along the ureters to the kidneys;
• descending path, in which pathogenic microorganisms "go down" from the kidneys;
• lymphogenous and hematogenous pathways, when pathogens enter the urinary organs from nearby pelvic organs with the flow of lymph and blood;
• through the wall of the bladder from the adjacent foci of infection.

SYMPTOMS OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION

In newborns with a urinary tract infection, the symptoms of the disease are nonspecific: vomiting, irritability, fever, poor appetite, small weight gain. When a baby develops at least one of the listed symptoms, you should immediately consult a pediatrician.

The clinical picture of urinary tract infection in children of the preschool age group - these are most often dysuric disorders (soreness and cramps when urinating, frequent urination in small portions), irritability, apathy, and sometimes fever. The child may complain of weakness, chills, pain in the abdomen, in its lateral parts.

School children:

• In girls of school age, with a urinary tract infection, the symptoms of the disease in most cases are reduced to dysuric disorders.
• Boys under 10 years of age often have an increase in body temperature, and boys 10-14 years of age are dominated by urination disorders.

Symptoms of UTI in adults are increased frequency and disturbance of urination, fever, weakness, chills, pain above the pubis, often radiating to the lateral parts of the abdomen and lower back. Women often complain of vaginal discharge, and men complain of discharge from the urethra.

The clinical picture of pyelonephritis is characterized by pronounced symptoms: high body temperature, pain in the abdomen and in the lumbar region, weakness and fatigue, dysuric disorders.

DIAGNOSTICS OF URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

To make a diagnosis, the doctor finds out the patient's complaints, asks him about the onset of the disease, about the presence of concomitant pathology. Then the doctor conducts a general examination of the patient and gives directions for examination.

The main biological material for research in case of suspected UTI is urine collected in the middle of urination after careful toilet of the perineum and external genitalia. For bacteriological culture, urine should be collected in a sterile container. In the laboratory, clinical and biochemical analyzes of urine are carried out, the material is cultured on nutrient media to identify the causative agent of the infectious process.

Important:the urine prepared for analysis must be quickly delivered to the laboratory, since the number of bacteria in it doubles every hour.

If necessary, the doctor prescribes an ultrasound of the genitourinary tract, X-ray examinations, CT, MRI, etc. And then, based on the results obtained, confirms or not the diagnosis of UTI, differentiating the level of damage and indicating the presence or absence of complicating factors.

A patient with a diagnosis of urinary tract infection can receive treatment both on an outpatient basis and in a hospital. It all depends on the form and severity of the disease, on the presence of complicating factors.

Important: the treatment of any infectious process in the urinary organs should be handled by a doctor: a therapist, pediatrician, nephrologist or urologist. Self-medication threatens the development of complications and relapses of the disease.

In case of urinary tract infection, treatment begins with regimen measures. These include limiting physical activity, urinating frequently and regularly (every two hours), drinking plenty of fluids to increase the amount of urine excreted. In severe cases, patients are assigned to bed rest.

Smoked meats and marinades should be excluded from the diet, more products containing ascorbic acid should be consumed. This is necessary to acidify the urine.

Of the drugs, antibiotics or sulfonamides are mandatory, to which the pathogen detected in the patient is sensitive. Concomitant diseases are being treated.

With a pronounced clinical picture of UTI, antispasmodics, antipyretics, antihistamines and pain relievers are used. Herbal medicine and physiotherapy give a good effect. According to the indications, local anti-inflammatory treatment is carried out - installation of medicinal solutions through the urethra into the bladder.

PREVENTION OF URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

Prevention of UTI is as follows:

• timely identification and elimination of factors contributing to the development of infection in the urinary tract (anatomical abnormalities, inflammatory processes in the body, hormonal disorders, etc.);
• maintaining a healthy lifestyle and observing the rules of personal hygiene;
• treatment of existing diseases;
• for women - registration with a doctor for pregnancy at the earliest possible date.

Elena Zaluzhanskaya, medical commentator

An infectious disease is a pathology that is provoked by certain types of organisms harmful to humans. Their activity always manifests itself in the form of inflammation on one organ or immediately on a group. Full recovery treatment of infections of the genitourinary system will bring the patient only in case of timely detection of pathology.

If you ignore the symptoms, the disease will turn into a chronic or exacerbated form. It is worth paying attention to the fact that infections of the genitourinary system in women are found much more often than in patients of the stronger sex. According to statisticians, up to 11% of all representatives of the fair sex, who have a full sex life, at least once every 13 months become infected.

Infections of the genitourinary system in men and women are divided into nonspecific and specific. Everything will depend on the types of inflammatory processes in the body. Certain pathogens have their own features that are characteristic only for a specific ailment, for this, doctors determine the nature of the pathology and, if such a feature is identified, the infection will be specific.

But if the deviation proceeds in a standard way, without special distinguishing features, the disease will be called nonspecific. This type of ailment can provoke the following harmful microorganisms:

• sticks. Namely, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and intestinal;
• viruses such as herpes or cytomegalovirus;
• chlamydia;
• candida fungus;
• gardnerella;
• ureaplasma;
• staphylococcus and streptococcus.

Specific infectious diseases of the genitourinary system include the following:

• trichomoniasis;
• mixed infection. Includes several subspecies of specific pathogens. Differs in increased danger for the sick;
• gonorrhea;
• syphilis;

Such a situation would suggest that an ailment such as urethritis, provoked by gonorrhea or syphilis, will be positioned as specific. But if the disease adnexitis occurs against the background of chlamydia, its course will not differ in anything special, therefore the deviation will be attributed to a non-specific form.

What ways can you get infected?

To date, experts know 3 possible options for infection of the genitourinary system among women. It is advisable to start treatment only after the method has been determined exactly. The patient must understand how the infection occurred in order not to repeat the mistake. Pathology can occur as follows:

1. As a result of blood poisoning. If a person gets the blood of an infected person on an open wound, there is a high probability that he will be diagnosed with the same abnormalities, but over time.
2. Dangerous sexual intercourse in any known way. This includes oral, vaginal or anal contact with a partner without the use of protective equipment.
3. The penetration of harmful microorganisms into the blood of a healthy person due to neglect of the rules of personal hygiene. The infection can spread from the skin, then into the vagina if it is a woman, and the urethra if it is a man. Then the microbes rise higher - up to the ovaries or through the ureters into the kidneys.

Infection with infections of the genitourinary system in children occurs in almost identical ways. But congenital defects should not be ruled out. Some of them can affect the progress of inflammatory processes in the child's body.

Note! There are organisms that will be active only in one specific organ of the system. But there are microbes that can damage several at the same time, they are the most dangerous.

How does the course of pathology differ in patients and infected men?

Diseases occurring in women and infections of the genitourinary system in men, as well as their treatment, will have their own characteristic features. This is due to the different structure of the entire genitourinary system. For example, the urethra in male patients, that is, the urethra, is 3 times longer. Therefore, when it comes to treating urethritis, it takes much more time and effort.

But one cannot fail to note the positive side of such a structure. Length is an obstacle to infection on the way to the bladder and to the rest of the organs. As for women, they will be affected by the same disease much easier and faster. Also, do not forget about the frequent complications in the form of salpingitis or pyelonephritis. Therefore, at the first sign, it is necessary to consult a doctor and find out which pills for infections of the genitourinary system in women to take in this case.

It is because of these features of the body that men do not often go to the hospital with symptoms of cystitis or. To get such problems, a man needs, at a minimum, to lead the wrong lifestyle, not to follow a diet and consume a lot of alcohol. More often they suffer from prostatitis or.

To protect themselves from infection, doctors advise male patients to refrain from anal sex or carefully follow all the hygiene rules that are necessary before such contact. Women are recommended to go for preventive examinations more often, since their body is characterized by a latent course of the disease, which often brings the situation to an exacerbation or transition to a chronic form.

Treatment methods for men and women

Before prescribing tablets or suppositories for infections of the genitourinary system in women or men, it is necessary to determine the principle by which the patient will be treated. It can be as follows:

1. The use of etiotropic therapy, that is, tablets for infections of the genitourinary system, which are capable of killing a specific pathogen of inflammatory processes.
2. Taking painkillers. This will allow you to return to a fulfilling life and suppress a number of symptoms.
3. Taking medications that have immunostimulating properties.

To understand which antibiotic to use for an infection of the genitourinary system in a man or woman, it is necessary to determine the pathogen microorganism, as well as its degree of danger to organs, the location and the presence of damage. In especially difficult cases, you will have to use surgical intervention, since the affected area is so large that it is inappropriate to resist the progress of infection. In this case, the surgeon will remove the most problematic areas.

In addition to antibiotics for infections of the genitourinary system in women and men, local antiseptic agents are used. It can be iodine or potassium permanganate solution. If a severe form of the disease is detected, the use of antibiotics for intravenous administration will be relevant. But if, for example, urethritis proceeds without complications, a course of taking drugs such as Augmentin or Bactrim will help to cope with the disease.

How should a child be treated?

To fully rid the child of the inflammatory processes that have arisen, it is not enough to use antibiotics alone for infections of the genitourinary system. Parents should make sure that the child is well nourished and adhered to the correct daily routine.

If the disease is in the acute stage, the child must be hospitalized and kept to bed for the first 7 days.

The only abnormalities with which it is not necessary to go to the hospital are asymptomatic bacteriuria or. In other cases, especially if the infected person has a pronounced fever or pain syndrome, hospitalization is required.

Therapy involves several stages, namely:

• anti-relapse measures;
• active opposition and suppression of inflammatory processes;
• pathogenetic treatment with antioxidant protection;
• immunocorrection.

To choose the right drug, you should also adhere to several rules. He must be active against the most common stimuli. Its action should be, first of all, bactericidal and capable of creating the highest concentrations in the main accumulations of harmful microorganisms.

Conclusion

Women should be especially careful during the period of gestation. During this period, they are most prone to infections. To avoid complications, it is necessary to undergo regular examinations. With the timely identification of the problem, the infection will not create problems for the patient.