* In collaboration with Day Lewis Pharmacy
The older I get, the more I appreciate the importance of looking after myself. With a few aches and pains and a couple of conditions to manage, I know how important it is to seek advice and support and I have started to prioritise my health and personal care more. It isn't always easy, but if you look in the right places, there is guidance out there.
For a lot of conditions, you can speak to a pharmacist and they are often the best source to go to in the first instance. We all know it can be hard to get a GP appointment and there is so much they can advise on and do to help. I have had three separate minor concerns this past year that the pharmacist wasn't only able to give information on, they could also prescribe suitable treatments - no GP prescription needed.
One condition that affects women more often than men is a urinary tract infection (UTI). This is an infection that's often caused by bacteria from faeces entering the urinary tract and whilst it can be severe, if untreated, the symptoms can worsen. However, UTI treatment is more easily available than you might think.
Why is it that women have a higher chance of developing a UTI? It's because we have a shorter urethra than men, which means that bacteria is more likely to reach the bladder or kidneys to cause an infection.
What are the symptoms of UTIs?
According to the Day Lewis Pharmacy, UTIs can present a variety of symptoms, with the most common including:
- Frequent urination – if you have a UTI, you may feel the urgency to pass urine more frequently than normal, especially at night.
- Painful urination – this often feels like a burning or stinging sensation during urination.
- Lower abdominal discomfort or back pain – people with a UTI may experience a persistent, dull ache or pressure in the lower abdomen or pelvis, or back pain, particularly if the infection has reached the kidneys.
- Cloudy or bloody urine – your urine may appear cloudy, dark, bloody or have a strong odour. This is due to the presence of blood, pus, or bacteria in the urinary tract.
- Fever – if the infection has progressed to the kidneys, it may result in fever or chills.
- Incontinence or bed wetting – this is especially common in the elderly and children.
- Change in mental state – this is mostly affects elderly individuals. UTIs can sometimes cause confusion or changes in mental awareness.
Where to seek support
If you are female, aged 16-64 years old, and suspect that you have a UTI, you can visit your local Day Lewis Pharmacy to discuss your symptoms and receive treatment. Since the introduction of the NHS Pharmacy First Service, the Day Lewis Pharmacy is able to help patients who walk-in to their local branch (with over 260 locations across the UK) without the need to book a GP appointment beforehand. Their pharmacists are highly trained, knowledgeable, and equipped to recommend over-the-counter UTI treatments as well as prescription-strength medicines that can help relieve UTI symptoms.
However, if you are presenting more severe symptoms, indicative of a kidney infection, such as a high or very low temperature, pain in your sides or back, confusion or agitation or you are feeling or being sick, you should seek help from your GP or urgent care without delay. If left untreated, UTIs can damage your kidneys or lead to sepsis, an infection of the blood. Similarly, if you are male, pregnant or have a child displaying the symptoms of a UTI, your GP should be your first choice.
How to prevent UTIs
Here is some helpful advice on avoiding contracting a UTI in the first place:
- Wipe from front to back when going to the toilet
- Keep your genitals clean and dry
- Drink lots of fluids, especially water
- Clean the skin around the vagina with water before and after sex
- Go to the toilet after sex
- Always change nappies or incontinence pads if they are soiled
- Avoid using scented soap
- Avoid holding your urine in – go when you have the urge
- Do not wear tight underwear made from synthetic materials, such as nylon
- Do not drink large volumes of alcohol
- Do not have large amounts of sugary food or drinks
Sometimes, it can be easier said than done, but having the right information is important and it is good to know that your local pharmacist can be provide reassurance and treatment if and when required.
No comments
Post a Comment