15e. Urinary Health - UTIs Flashcards
What is an infection in the kidney called?
Pyelonephritis
What is an infection in the bladder called?
Cystitis
What is an infection in the urethra called?
Urethritis
Disturbance to what can result in infection?
Microbial terrain
Which bacteria relates to 80-90% of UTIs?
Escherichia coli
(E. coli)
Signs and symptoms of cystitis
Dysuria
Frequent/urgent urination
Suprapubic pain
Foul smelling/cloudy urine
Haematuria
Signs and symptoms of urethritis
Dysuria
Urethral discharge
Pruritis
Signs and symptoms of pyelonephritis
Fever
Chills
Nausea
Loin discomfort
Blood or pus in urine
(red flag!)
Causes and risk factors for UTIs
Women
Menopause
Pregnancy
Sexual activity
Elderly
BPH
Antibiotics
Intestinal dysbiosis
Gut-vagina-bladder axis
Why are women more at risk of getting a UTI?
Shorter urethra
More chance of bacteria ascending to bladder
Why is menopause a risk factor for getting a UTI?
Low oestrogen reduces vaginal mucus
Reduces monitoring of bacterial species
Why is pregnancy a risk factor for getting a UTI?
Pressure of growing uterus on ureter and bladder preventing complete voiding
Why is sexual activity a risk factor for getting a UTI?
Introduces new bacteria
Why is being elderly a risk factor for getting a UTI?
Lowered immunity
Decreased mobility
Reduced mucin
Reduced bacterial adherence
Why is BPH a risk factor for getting a UTI?
Can obstruct urine flow causing bladder urinary stasis
Why are antibiotics a risk factor for getting a UTI?
Increases likelihood of opportunistic bacteria proliferating
Why is intestinal dysbiosis a risk factor for getting a UTI?
Bacteria can translocate from the perianal region and descend to the genitourinary tract
What happens in the gut-vagina-bladder axis?
Bacterial vaginosis increases UTI risk
G. vaginalis can ascend into the urinary tract, damage bladder lining and reactivate latent E. coli
What should be avoided/reduced to support a UTI?
Simple sugars/refined carbs
Caffeine/diet soft drinks/alcohol
Red meat/pork/poultry
Why should simple sugars/refined carbs be reduced/avoided in a UTI?
Negatively impact the microbiome
Increase inflammation
Compromise immunity
Why should caffeine, diet soft drinks and alcohol be reduced/avoided in a UTI?
They can irritate the urinary tract
Caffeine - increases detrusor muscle contraction, contributing to urinary frequency and urgency
Why should red meat, pork and poultry be avoided in a UTI?
Can act as a reservoir for uropathogenic E. coli
Promote inflammation (arachidonic acid)
What should the natural approach to a UTI include?
Naturopathic diet
Pre-/probiotic foods
Hydration
Cranberry
Why is the naturopathic diet good for supporting UTIs?
Plant-based diets are associated with reduced incidence of UTIs
Phytonutrients are antimicrobial, AO and anti-inflammatory
High fibre may modulate microbiota and prevent E. coli growth
