Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a common infection caused by a bacteria called Escherichia coli (E. coli). It is an illness that affects the urinary system, comprising the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most UTIs occur in the lower urinary tract, which involves the bladder and the urethra. This is also one of the reasons why women are more prone to the infection than men, as the female urethra, which is the tube that allows urine to leave the bladder, is shorter than a man's, making it easier for bacteria to travel to the bladder.
But another reason that makes everyone vulnerable to the condition is the hot summer season, according to Dr Joydeep Ghose, Senior Consultant Urologist, Facility Director, AINU, Siliguri. Several factors can play a role in it, some of which are listed below:
Also Read: 5 Types Of People Most At Risk Of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Possible Causes Of UTI In Summer
According to the Urology Care Foundation, a person's chance of developing an UTI is more common in the summer, as the weather is warmer and more suitable for germs and bacteria to grow. Other reasons include:
Dehydration: Dr Ghose says, “In the summer, people are more likely to become dehydrated due to higher temperatures and increased sweating. Dehydration can lead to concentrated urine, which creates a more favourable environment for bacteria to grow in the urinary tract.” Therefore, it is advisable to increase your fluid intake during extreme heat. This might also help reduce the overall rate of all recurrent UTIs, according to a study published in the British Journal of General Practice.
Increased physical activity: Many people engage in more physical activities such as swimming, hiking, and travelling during the summer. These activities can lead to behaviours that increase UTI risk, such as holding in urine for long periods and exposure to bacteria in swimming pools or natural bodies of water.
Improper hygiene: During summer outings and vacations, people may not have easy access to proper hygiene facilities, potentially leading to inadequate cleaning and an increased risk of bacterial infections.
Common Symptoms To Watch Out For
Here are some of the common symptoms associated with UTI:
- A persistent and urgent need to urinate, often passing only small amounts of urine.
- A burning feeling during urination (dysuria).
- Urine that appears cloudy or has traces of blood, which may give it a pink, red, or cola-coloured appearance.
- Urine that has a strong or unusual odour.
- Women may experience pain in the pelvic area, especially around the centre of the pelvis and the area surrounding the pubic bone.
- A sensation of pressure or cramping in the lower abdomen.
- A sign that the infection may have reached the kidneys (more common in upper urinary tract infections).
- A sense that the bladder is not fully emptied even after urinating.
- General feeling of being unwell or fatigued.
How To Reduce The Risk Of UTI In Summer?
Dr Ghose says, "Reducing the risk of UTIs involves adopting several lifestyle and hygiene practices." These include:
- Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps dilute urine and ensure that you urinate more frequently. This further helps flush out bacteria from the urinary tract.
- Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet to prevent bacteria from the anal area from spreading to the urethra.
- Regularly wash the external genital area with water.
- Avoid using harsh soaps or douches that can irritate the urethra.
- Don’t hold urine for long periods of time.
- Urinating soon after sexual activity can help flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra.
- Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting clothes.
- Reduce the use of irritants such as deodorant sprays, powders, and other products in the genital area.
- While the evidence is mixed, some studies suggest that cranberry juice or supplements may help reduce the risk of UTIs in some people by preventing bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract.
- Properly manage any conditions like diabetes, as poor control of blood sugar levels can increase the risk of UTIs.
“For individuals with recurrent UTIs, a healthcare provider might recommend additional preventive measures, such as a low-dose antibiotic regimen or other specific interventions tailored to the individual’s health needs,” the doctor further adds.