A urinary tract infection is an infection in the urinary system, which involves your kidney, bladder, and urethra. When bacteria get into your urinary system, it causes infection and inflammation thus urinary tract infection (UTI). Your urinary tract are the ones responsible in making and storing urine, one of your body’s liquid wastes.

Consult the best urologist in Brooklyn, NY if you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection, and you can find the best urologist near you at Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common cause of a burning sensation when you urinate. A UTI occurs when bacteria, most commonly Escherichia coli (E. coli), enters your urinary tract and multiply. The urinary tract includes your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, but most UTIs involve your bladder and urethra.

How UTIs Cause a Burning Sensation

• Infection and inflammation -When bacteria invade your urinary tract, they cause inflammation of your urethral lining and bladder. This inflammation leads to irritation and swelling, which manifests as pain or a burning sensation when you urinate.
• Increased sensitivity -The presence of bacteria and the immune response they trigger can make the tissues of your urinary tract more sensitive, amplifying the burning sensation.
• Related symptoms -Besides burning during urination, UTIs often cause a frequent and urgent need to urinate, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, lower abdominal pain, and sometimes blood in your urine. In more severe cases, especially if your kidneys are involved, symptoms can include fever, chills, nausea, and back pain.

Diagnosis and Treatment

• Diagnosis
  • Urinalysis -A sample of your urine is tested for the presence of bacteria, white blood cells, and red blood cells.
  • Urine Culture -This can identify the specific type of bacteria causing your infection and determine the most effective antibiotics for treatment.
• Treatment
  • Antibiotics -These are prescribed based on the type of bacteria identified. Common antibiotics for UTIs include trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, nitrofurantoin, and ciprofloxacin.
  • Pain Relief -Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help ease your pain and discomfort.
  • Hydration -Drinking plenty of water helps flush out the bacteria from your urinary tract.
  • Lifestyle Adjustments -Avoiding irritants like caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and certain personal care products can help reduce your symptoms.

Prevention

• Hydration -Drinking enough fluids, particularly water, helps maintain your urinary tract health.
• Hygiene -Wiping from front to back after using the toilet can prevent the spread of bacteria.
• Urination Habits -Urinating regularly and completely emptying your bladder can help prevent bacteria from building up.
• Probiotics -Some studies suggest that probiotics can help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in your urinary tract.

If left untreated, UTIs can lead to more serious infections, such as pyelonephritis (kidney infection), so it’s important to seek medical treatment if you suspect you have UTI.

At Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center, our urologist in Brooklyn, New York can help you treat and manage your condition well. To schedule an appointment, you may call us at 1-347-384-5694 or visit our website at https://www.urologistbrooklyn.com/. You can also visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212.