Urinary Tract Infections in Singapore
Urinary Tract Infections in Singapore

Have you ever experienced pain in your nether regions, alongside nausea and fever? If so, you may be having an infection in your urinary tract.

UTIs are one of the most common conditions that people complain of.

It’s not uncommon for people in Singapore to hold back on telling their doctor about their symptoms and getting checked for a urinary tract infection. Many people feel embarrassed that they have to see a doctor, and many don’t have the money to pay for the treatment.

However, leaving a case of UTI unchecked could lead to the condition worsening into recurrent infections or a chronic UTI. These more severe cases may be more expensive to take care of in the long run, not just in terms of money, but also the time and effort you’d have to put in to get rid of them. Therefore, it’s important to get yourself checked out if you suspect you have a UTI.

But how do you know what causes them? What are the symptoms of UTIs to look out for? And in the worst case scenario that you already have a case of it, what are the treatment options for a urinary tract infection in Singapore?

What is a UTI?

Urinary Tract Infections

Bacteria entering the urinary tract causes a urinary tract infection (UTI). It’s a common problem, especially in women. If left untreated, the infection can lead to scarring of the urinary tract and the kidneys, making it difficult for them to work properly.

The most common cause of UTIs is a blockage in the urethra or in the bladder. The bacteria get into your urethra or bladder through this blockage and cause a bacterial infection.

Women are at a bigger risk of having UTIs because they tend to have a shorter urethra than men do. As a result, women are more prone to getting an infection in their urinary system.

Although women are much more likely to experience UTIs, males can also be victims. As such, it is important that all individuals consult a doctor when they notice any symptoms of UTIs, or if they’re having issues with their bladder and their urination, including changes in the urine. That is the recommended step to reduce the risk of developing a UTI.


Symptoms to look out for


UTI symptoms

In this section, we’ll go through the symptoms that you need to look out for if you suspect you have a UTI. The first and most obvious symptom for a UTI is when you have pain and other irregularities in your urination.

If you feel a burning sensation while urinating, it could be a sign that you have a UTI. You should also look out for an unusual urine color or scent. If your urine looks reddish, smells strange, or appears cloudy, you should get checked out.

Aside from that, another symptom of UTIs includes a weaker than usual bladder. This means you find yourself going to the bathroom more often than usual. Sometimes, this is also accompanied by pain in your abdomen.

Other, more seemingly regular symptoms may also arise, such as nausea, a headache, or fever. If you have a combination of these symptoms and it persists for a long period of time, it is best to go to a doctor to check for a urinary tract infection in Singapore.


How to prevent Urinary Tract Infections in Singapore

To prevent UTIs, you should take good care of your urinary system. It’s best to not skip urinating frequently and at the right time. If you have a habit of holding in your bladder, this is a big no-no. This can cause UTIs, so it’s best to be on the lookout for this.

Improper handwashing can lead to infection on your hands, which can be transferred to your urinary tract. Therefore, to avoid contamination, you should wash your hands thoroughly before handling anything.

You should also make sure that the towels and bedding in which you sleep are clean and hygienic. This will help protect you from UTIs as well as other kinds of infections.

Finally, it is important to eat healthy and keep yourself well-sustained. Drink plenty of water; the recommended amount is about one and half liters to two liters per day for the average adult. In addition, make sure your diet consists of lots of vitamins, minerals, and fruits and vegetables.


How to treat Urinary Tract Infections in Singapore

In the next section, we’ll go through the treatment options for a urinary tract infection in Singapore. If you have a UTI, you need to consult a doctor immediately.

Generally, doctors can generally classify your diagnosis into two types based on severity. The first type is an acute UTI. An acute UTI is the milder one of the two. People typically experience this type of UTI only once and can heal after proper treatment.

The treatment for a urinary tract infection in Singapore would generally depend on what type of infection is happening. If the infection is due to a bacteria, it can be treated with antibiotics. Other cases are due to fungus or a virus, in which case you would be prescribed a type of antivirus or antifungal medication.

The second type is a chronic UTI. This is the more severe one, and it happens when a UTI case doesn’t get treated quickly enough. In addition, chronic UTIs tend to affect a person more than once in their lifetime.

This is due to additional risk factors on top of the UTI, such as bladder and kidney stones. Sometimes this also affects patients that have developed a resistance to the medication that is being used to treat the UTI.

In the case of a chronic urinary tract infection in Singapore, your doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics meant to be taken through a longer period of time. Your doctor may also prescribe you with other kinds of medication, such as a pain reliever, to help you recover faster and easier.


Conclusion

In summary, it is important to take proper preventive measures to prevent UTIs, especially if you have urinary incontinence. If you know someone who is experiencing urinary incontinence, other than sharing these tips with them on how to prevent UTI, we recommend talking to a doctor for professional medical advice.

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this article! Check out our other blog articles for more related content on eldercare in Singapore.