Urinary tract infections require antibiotic treatment. What are they, and should we be worried about the shortage that may occur among these drugs?
It’s my health with Dr. Martin Ducret, doctor and journalist at Doctor’s Dailyoffers a focus on urinary tract infections. These bacterial infections mainly affect women and occur all year round, not just during the cold season.
franceinfo: How does a urinary tract infection manifest?
Dr. Martin Ducret : In case of cystitis, there are several symptoms: urinary burns, a frequent desire to urinate, discomfort in the bladder or even blood in the urine. Cystitis is an infection of the bladder. It is very common and not serious unless it is complicated by a kidney infection, which is called pyelonephritis. These two infections mainly affect women, but also children. In men, urinary tract infections, which are much rarer, focus more on the prostate, it is prostatitis. Pyelonephritis and prostatitis, which are more serious, are manifested, in addition to the previous symptoms, by fever and severe pain in the stomach.
In adults, why do urinary tract infections mainly affect women?
It’s a big story! In fact, the urethra, the channel through which urine exits from the bladder, is much shorter in women. As a result, as the path is shorter, a bacterium can go up more easily into the bladder and cause an infection. And it’s usually a bacteria in the digestive tract – which has no business in the bladder – that is responsible for the infection.
How to manage these infections?
Cystitis can sometimes heal on its own in less than 24 hours. Otherwise, a single dose of Monuril should be taken. It is an antibiotic which can be dispensed without a prescription by the pharmacist and which, fortunately, is not affected by the current shortage. In the event of urinary signs in a child or a fragile person, in the event of cystitis resistant to Monuril or occurring repeatedly, it is essential to consult a doctor. It is also essential in case of fever or severe pelvic pain. The doctor will prescribe a urine test to identify the bacterium in question, and will give appropriate antibiotic treatment.
What are your tips for avoiding cystitis?
The most important thing is to stay hydrated: two liters of water a day! Do not hold back urination, empty your entire bladder well and urinate after each sexual intercourse. It is also necessary to favor cotton underwear and maintain good personal hygiene.