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Why Monsoon May Raise UTI Risk—and How to Prevent It

Why Monsoon May Raise UTI Risk—and How to Prevent It
5 reasons your UTI risk may be higher during monsoon—and how to prevent it · indianexpress.com

Rain does not directly cause a UTI.

However, monsoon weather can make people sweat and stay in damp clothes.

Dirty water and poor hygiene may also expose people to bacteria.

People may drink less water when the weather is cool, so they may urinate less often.

Urinating regularly helps wash bacteria away.

A UTI usually starts in the bladder but can spread to the kidneys if untreated.

Warning signs include painful urination, frequent urges, cloudy urine and lower-abdominal discomfort.

Fever, chills, back pain, nausea or vomiting need prompt medical attention.

Drinking water, changing out of wet clothes and keeping clean can help reduce the risk.

Key facts

Main risk factors
Humidity, sweating, damp clothing, contaminated water, reduced water intake and infrequent urination.
Common symptoms
Burning or pain during urination, frequent or urgent urination, small urine quantities, lower-abdominal discomfort, and cloudy or bad-smelling urine.
Possible complications
An untreated UTI can spread from the bladder to the kidneys and, in severe cases, enter the bloodstream and cause sepsis.
Kidney warning signs
Fever, chills, side or back pain, nausea and vomiting may indicate kidney involvement.
Recurring infections
Repeated UTIs may be associated with kidney stones, urinary obstruction, constipation or incomplete bladder emptying.
Prevention
Stay hydrated, avoid holding urine, keep the genital area clean and dry, change wet clothes promptly, and practise good toilet hygiene.
Antibiotic advice
Antibiotics should not be taken unnecessarily because inappropriate use can contribute to antibiotic resistance.

Quotes

Dr Lokesh Sinha

Consultant urologist at Jupiter Hospital, Thane

“Fever, chills, pain in the side or back, nausea or vomiting are all signs that the infection might have reached the kidneys and should therefore lead to immediate medical attention.”
indianexpress.com
“Make sure that the genital area remains clean and dry, get out of any wet or damp clothes as soon as possible and practise good personal hygiene.”
indianexpress.com

Sources

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