Why some people are more prone to UTI than others and 4 tips to prevent it in winters

With winters and cold weather, the chances of catching infections multiply. One such infection that is at its peak during winter is urinary tract infections (UTIs). Blame the cold weather or less water intake during winters; UTIs are quite common and at their peak during this season. Many people might experience symptoms like frequent urge to urinate, burning sensation while passing urine, dull aching lower abdomen pain, blood while passing urine (in some cases), and foul-smelling urine, which is a clear indication of UTI.

Why some people are at higher risk of UTI

It is estimated that between 50% and 60% of women will get a UTI at some point in their lives. Additionally, roughly 25% of women experience recurrent UTIs, which are classified as at least two in six months or three in a year. The answer to that may ultimately be revealed by a study that was published in Nature Microbiology. According to the study, UTIs may potentially alter the DNA of the cells that line the urinary system. After that, those cells may enlarge and trigger an immunological reaction that actually increases their vulnerability to recurrent infections.
A history of UTIs is one of the most important risk factors for UTIs. Therefore, the likelihood of getting a UTI is higher for someone who has already had one than for someone who has never had one.Other risk factors may include improper personal cleanliness and not paying attention to menstrual hygiene.

According to Dr. Yatindra Dube, Physician and Intensivist, Suyash Hospital, Nashik, “Commonly affecting women more than men, UTI can be termed a bacterial infection of any part of the urinary system and is often caused by a range of pathogens like Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, Proteus mirabilis, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. Globally, 150 million people are affected by UTI worldwide.”

Why UTI risk increases during winters

Usually, UTI can occur to anyone (including healthy individuals with no comorbidities) during any time of the year. However, the chances of developing UTI increase during winters owing to poor water intake and cold diuresis, which involves overproduction of urine.

Four things to do to prevent UTI:

Hydration check

During winters, one doesn’t feel the urge to drink more water, leading to poor water intake. However, due to cold diuresis, the body tends to produce more urine, thus increasing the frequency of urination. Thus, it is important to maintain good hydration levels and ensure frequent water intake to keep UTI at bay. However, keep alcohol and caffeine to a minimum to avoid dehydration. Sufficient water intake helps in flushing out bacteria from the bladder, thus reducing the chances of UTI.

Maintain warmth

Ensure to wear layers of clothes if required to stay warm and have access to warmer indoors. Studies have proven that UTIs are due to the body’s mechanism of dealing from hypothermia. When one stays warm, the body’s need to guard against hypothermia is reduced, thus reducing the chances of cold diuresis.

Do not hold urine

According to Dr. Aniketh Prabhakar, Consultant Nephrologist, Infinity Kidney care, Mysore, “During winters, one tends to reduce physical activity and reduce daily day-to-day work, one of which is holding back their urination for long. One should urinate and empty their bladder as and when they feel the urge to do so. Emptying the bladder helps in flushing out bacteria from the urinary area.”

Focus on good hygiene

Good hygiene practices, including proper washing and care of genitals (minimize douching, sprays, or powders in the genital area), and wearing cotton-breathable innerwear are imperative. Cotton allows the genitals to remain dry, while polyester and other materials can lead to moist genitals that are breeding spots for bacteria.
Dr. Dube also added that people with high-risk diseases like diabetes, chronic kidney disease, obstructive uropathy, and organ transplants should be more careful and vigilant of UTI.
For UTI, avoid irrational use of antibiotics. Speak to your doctor if antibiotics are required for treatment. Early intervention and prompt medical care are essential, as the

symptoms of UTI

can overlap with renal infection, sexually transmitted diseases, or any other serious disease.