Common sign of COVID infection you can witness while peeing
Coronavirus infection is not limited to the respiratory system. The virus that multiplies in the respiratory tract can affect other parts of the body affecting every organ and leading to a wide range of symptoms. Two years into the pandemic, we know how the contagious virus can affect our heart, muscles, brain and other sensory organs. Now new evidence has come to light that indicates how the virus can even affect the urinary system leading to urinary tract infections (UTI).
What is a UTI?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) can affect any part of the urinary system - kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most of the time the infection involves the lower urinary tract- the bladder and the urethra. Urine does not contain bacteria and moves through the urinary system without any contamination. The bacteria enter the body from outside and lead to infection and inflammation, referred to as UTI.
The problem of UTI is more common in women as compared to men because in women urethra from where the urine is released out from the body is shorter and closer to the anus, a common type of bacteria called E. coli bacteria are found. If the infection is only limited to the bladder it can be painful and annoying. In serious cases, it can spread to the kidneys. UTIs are generally treated with antibiotics.
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The connection between COVID and UTI
Although UTIs is mostly caused due to hygeine issues, sexual activities, taking particular type of birth control pills and also due to menopause, a recent study suggests that COVID-19 infection can also be a reason. The contagious virus affects the lower tract, leading to the typical symptoms of UTI. Surprisingly, UTIs due to coronavirus infection are more common in men as compared to women. People who are hospitalized due to severe COVID-19 infection are more likely to suffer from UTIs as compared to others.
Other study on UTI and COVID
Another study carried out to understand the link between SARS-CoV-2 infection and male genitalia suggest the involvement of the lower urinary tract. In men, discomfort or pain in the male genital system is a common symptom of UTIs caused by coronavirus. During the study, it was observed that 8 patients suffered from scrotal discomfort, 14 from swelling of the genitalia, 16 from pain and 1 from erythema. Although men suffering from mild infection did not develop UTIs, they showed a significant reduction of sperm concentration.
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The symptoms of the UTIs
The typical symptoms of UTIs when suffering from coronavirus include:
Persistent urge to urinate
Burning sensation when urinating
Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
Urine that appears cloudy
Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-coloured
Strong-smelling urine
Pelvic pain, in women
Some patients may even suffer from dysuria and irritative urinary symptoms. These signs are more common in elderly males as compared to younger ones.
How to detect if you are suffering from UTI due to COVID
There is no sure-shot way to know if COVID-19 infection would lead to UTI infection. All you can do is get the RT-PCR test when suffering from typical COVID symptoms or UTI to confirm the presence of the virus in the body. If the test comes positive that means your UTI is due to the viral infection, if not it is due to normal bacterial infection. UTIs are mostly caused by a bacterium called Escherichia coli, which is naturally present in your body. If you have UTI, drink plenty of water, maintain proper hygiene and consult your doctor to initiate proper treatment. It usually takes 4 to 7 days to recover from UTI in normal cases. If it is caused due to COVID-19, it may take longer.