Urinary Tract Health Part 1: Infection, Cold, or Inflammation? Can You Differentiate the Most Common “UTIs”?

Urinary Tract Inflammation: 100 Times More Common in Women Than Men

Let’s start with an interesting statistic. Approximately 50-60% of women will experience urinary tract inflammation at least once in their lives, with up to a quarter facing a recurrence within one year of the initial occurrence. One-third of women will first fall ill before the age of 24. “The most common culprit is Escherichia coli, or E. coli, a bacteria naturally occurring in the intestines, which can be introduced into the urinary tract from the rectum, for example, during improper wiping after bowel movements or through anal intercourse,” explains gynecologist Dr. Kristýna Koutná.

Interestingly, bladder inflammation affects girls 30 times more frequently than boys after the first year of life and even 100 times more often if they are between 20-50 years old. The reason lies in the different positioning of the urinary tract in men and women. While the female urethra measures 4 centimeters, the male urethra is 4 to 5 times longer, requiring bacteria to travel a much longer distance before reaching the urinary tract.

How to Recognize Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract inflammation is a broader term covering diseases of any part of the urinary system—urethra, bladder (cystitis), and kidneys (pyelonephritis). Urinary tract infections can be caused by bacteria, mechanical irritation, allergies, or medications. Symptoms may include burning in the vagina and urethra, as well as urinary tract inflammation.

Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection

Although these terms are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between urinary tract inflammation and infection, the latter referring only to the presence of bacteria in urine and the urinary system. Infection symptoms include frequent urination, burning and pain during urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine.

Symptoms of Bladder Inflammation (Cystitis)

Bladder inflammation symptoms are uncomfortable and can impact daily activities and quality of life. They include frequent urination, pain or burning during urination, lower abdominal pain, and in advanced stages, cloudy or foul-smelling urine with blood.

Burning in the urethra and bladder pain without inflammation

Terms like “cold bladder” and “cold urinary tract” may be hard to find in a medical dictionary, but colloquially, we use them to describe discomfort or symptoms (itching, burning, cutting) similar to inflammation, where the cause is not bacterial. If burning in the urethra occurs without inflammation, it may be a symptom of a vaginal infection or an allergy to cosmetics.

What Not to Do During Urinary Tract Inflammation

During bladder inflammation, it is important to avoid activities that can worsen the situation or delay healing. Here is a list of things to avoid:

• Scented toilet paper, pads, and intimate sprays.
• Smoking, which can worsen symptoms and prolong the healing process by affecting the body’s ability to regenerate and fight infection.
• Delaying a visit to the toilet when you feel the need. Urination flushes the urethra and flushes bacteria out of the body.
• Hot tubs and hot baths, which can worsen symptoms and promote bacterial growth.
• Neglecting hydration. Adequate water intake flushes the urinary system and helps expel bacteria.
• Foods to Avoid During Urinary Tract Inflammation

During urinary tract inflammation, it is important to also avoid inappropriate foods and drinks. These include:

• Coffee, black and green tea, and some energy drinks.
• Alcoholic beverages.
• Spicy and hot foods.
• Sugar and artificial sweeteners.
• Dairy products.
• Mineral water.

Treatment for Urinary Tract Inflammation

Bacterial urinary tract infections are primarily treated with antibiotics based on the type of bacteria. It is crucial to start treatment early to prevent a painful course of the inflammation. “If you can recognize the onset of urinary tract inflammation, at the first signs of trouble, you can start taking over-the-counter products with cranberries, which support the proper function of the urinary tract, or with D-mannose, which captures E. coli and helps flush it out of the body. However, if it is an acute bladder inflammation or symptoms do not improve, always consult a doctor,” says gynecologist Dr. Kristýna Koutná. D-mannose is a suitable supplement for both antibiotic treatment and prevention of urinary tract infections. Home treatment is not recommended for severe or complicated infections.

2 liters of water, cranberries, and other tips for bladder inflammation

In addition to prescribed treatment, follow procedures that can expedite healing and reduce the risk of infection recurrence:

• Drink enough fluids, especially water and urological teas. It is recommended to drink at least 1.5 to 2 liters of clean water daily.
• For pain relief or fever reduction, pain relievers with acetaminophen may be helpful.
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables.
• Cranberries and blueberries can have a beneficial effect on the urinary tract.
• Gentle intimate hygiene can help prevent bacterial spread.

In the case of recurring or complicated urinary tract infections, the doctor may recommend additional tests and treatment. In the case of severe or persistent symptoms, always seek medical help.
*Source: Medicine for Practice, Treatment and Prevention of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections, p. 300