6 Shocking Facts About Urinary Tract Infections

1. Bacteria are not the Only Culprit:

Have you ever heard of schistosomiasis? It’s a disease caused by a harmful organism (a flatworm, specifically) and may cause UTI’s. There are four types of schistosomiasis all can lead to kidney disease and bladder cancer. Worldwide, 200 million people are infected every year and 100,000 die. Although it’s most common to Africa and the Middle East, it’s on the move; even to as far away as Fiji.

2. Urinary Tract Infections Complicate Diabetes

A recent study found that patients with diabetes are more likely to have drug resistant bacteria that cause urinary tract infections — especially if their diabetes is poorly regulated. Another study found that both men and women with diabetes have a greater risk of developing urinary tract infections than others.The most startling revelation is that urinary tract infections may even cause life threatening complications for diabetics.

3. Pregnant Women Have Added Risks:

Unfortunately, the incidence of urinary tract infection increases for women during pregnancy. One study suggested an association between UTI’s and serious problems such as preterm birth and smaller than normal gestational age infants. To counteract recurring UTI’s during pregnancy, many women use natural remedies like cranberry juice, probiotics, or acupuncture.

4. UTI’s Can be a Common Problem for Kids:

One in five children who have one UTI will have more. Unfortunately, long-term studies have demonstrated little success with antibiotics. Based on the research, prevention appears the best approach with a focus on education and proper care. For those children who do suffer from a UTI, cranberry juice may be effective.

5. Antibiotics are not the Answer

Many of the bacteria which cause UTI’s have developed resistance to antibiotics and the impact is alarming! Multi-drug resistant pathogens, or MDRs, scoff at typical antibiotics and need to be addressed with a more aggressive, heavy-duty profile. Enterococci bacteria are especially resistance to standard antibiotics. Those who suffer from recurring UTI’s face the concern of increased infection by antibiotic resistant bugs. Clearly, prevention is best measure in the battle against UTI’s.

6. Eye Damage May be a UTI Complication

A urinary tract infection can lead to bladder and kidney damage; but it can also affect the eye. Although rare, when both kidneys are infected and untreated, eyesight damage can occur.