A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection of any part of the urinary tract, that includes the bladder, ureters (tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder), kidneys, and the urethra (the tube which allows the bladder to be emptied).
A bladder infection is called cystitis.
If the bacterial infection spreads to the ureters and kidneys, the condition is called pyelonephritis.
Pyelonephritis is an upper urinary tract infection and is much more serious.
Cystitis is thought to be a lower urinary tract infection, and it may be either acute or interstitial.
Statistics
Women get urinary tract infections much more often than men (men can also get this type of infection, but it is less common, with the odds rising to 1 in 20 during their lifetime).
This may be because women have a substantially shorter urethra, which may make it easier for the pathogenic bacteria to reach the bladder.
A woman’s lifetime risk of having at least one urinary tract infection ranges from 40 to 50 percent, according to estimates from the American Urological Association and the NIH.
In the United States, UTIs account for over 8.1 million visits to the doctor every year.
In the United Kingdom, consulting rates in general practice for UTIs are around 315 per 10,000 persons.
Causes
UTIs normally occur when E.coli bacteria get into the urine and start to grow.
The infection typically starts at the opening of the urethra, where the urine leaves the human body and moves upward into the urinary tract to the bladder.
Note – if the infection is not treated at this point, it will continue on and rapidly infect the kidneys.
Other causes include:
waiting too long to urinate;
a history of UTIs, particularly if the infections were less than 6 months apart;
use of contraceptives like – spermicides and diaphragms;
use of products like harsh skin cleansers;
pregnancy increases the risk of developing the infection;
a history of sickle-cell anemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, kidney stones, stroke (occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients) or any problem which causes the bladder not to empty entirely;
more frequent intercourse – actually, an estimated 80% of premenopausal women with this infection have had sex within the previous 24 hours.
Symptoms
Common symptoms may include:
a burning feeling during urination;
pain when urinating;
cloudy or blood-tinged urine;
an urgent need to urinate, typically with only a few drops of urine to pass;
frequent urination;
a strong odor to the urine;
pain in the lower abdomen;
fever and chills;
nausea and vomiting;
pain in the lower back.
Spiritual Meaning Of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
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Anxiety and worry, which last a long time, lead to bladder disease.
Apparently, you put psychological pressure on the bladder, and soon you will feel the effects.
You must realize that relieving pressure always brings relief. Learn to relieve yourself of psychological pressure, and the bladder will take care of itself.
Spiritual Meaning OfBladder Infection (Cystitis)
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Kidney-secreted substances are led to the bladder, where they are waiting to be unloaded and left to wait until the necessary pressure is formed. In the case of cystitis, the process of pressure formation, relaxation, and unloading occur with pain.
Despite the high pressure, urine is eliminated with difficulty because cystitis is an inflammatory process.
Maybe you were under pressure, and now you’re projecting it on others.
It would be better to let go of old psychological patterns.
If you do this and you “unload” unnecessary opinions, you will no longer have to experience cystitis.
Spiritual Meaning Of Kidney Problems
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Every organ in the human body is responsible for certain feelings, and when we experience those feelings, the organ can suffer.
The kidneys respond to fear, anxiety, and suppression of feelings in general.
Thus, if we look for the spiritual causes of kidney disease, we will find that these problems are an alarm signal for those who avoid expressing their feelings or those who are suppressing them.
Moreover, these people have accumulated fear, anger, and frustration, all of which are unexpressed emotions that are seemingly kept under control.
However, suppressed and hidden, these feelings accumulate and affect the energy of the kidneys, and the people in question will soon suffer from various conditions of this organ.
The following general steps can help prevent a urinary tract infection from developing:
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shower rather than use a bath;
pass urine when needed – do not delay;
see a healthcare professional as soon as possible if symptoms of the infection are experienced;
drink plenty of fluids each day;
do not use powders, sprays, or douches in the genital area;
empty your bladder before and after having sex;
wash the genital area every day as well as before and after having sex;
after toileting, always wipe the bottom from front to back;
reduce your stress levels by practicing mindfulness meditation, Tai Chi, and yoga, plus, spend time in nature, especially during the day, to boost your vitamin D levels;
have a nutrition high in dietary fiber because fiber is the food of your gut bacteria. A healthy and diversified gut bacteria is strongly associated with an effective immune system:
increase vitamin C intake – vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to boost the immune system and fight off infection. It also helps to increase the acidity of urine, which makes it less hospitable for bacteria. Vitamin C is found in oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts.
