Avoid Urinary Tract Infection in Winter, Drink 12 Glasses of Water

Not drinking enough water in winter can lead to urinary tract infection or cystitis, especially in women, according to experts.

Dr Malvika Sabharwal, head of department of gynaecology and obstetrics, Nova Speciality Hospitals, says, "Women are prone to cystitis because they have a shorter urinary tract (tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside) as compared to men."

Archana Dhawan Bajaj, gynaecologist and obstetrician at Nurture Clinic, says, "Burning sensation while urinating, frequent need to urinate but passing only small amounts or no urine, having pain in the lower back, dark smelly urine and even fever are the symptoms of cystitis."

Proper antibiotic course depending on the severity of the infection helps in treating cystitis. Taking cranberry juice is also an effective method to treat the infection. As a precautionary measure, women should maintain cleanliness. But if the problem is ignored, it can lead to further complications such as that of kidney.

Though men also suffer from this problem, the problem is nearly eight times more in women than in men. It has been found that 15 per cent women suffer from cystitis annually. Cystitis leads to inflammation in urinary bladder.

Pregnant women, women suffering from diabetes, tuberculosis and those who are sexually active are at a higher risk of contracting the infection. According to doctors, drinking 12 glasses of water daily is a sure shot method to keep away from the infection as it helps in diluting the urine.

Bajaj also says that pregnant women should try not to drink too much caffeine or acidic drinks such as orange juice as these can irritate the bladder.

Patients who use catheter are also prone to get urinary tract infection. Hematuria or blood in urine, fever, change in urine colour and smell are some symptoms to understand the infection.

Source: Medindia