Winter in UAE: Are women, seniors more prone to UTIs?
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are the most prevalent bacterial infections in the UAE that infect many individuals every year.
Doctors said this area had some climatic conditions that make women here, including pregnant women, more susceptible to UTIs. In addition, they mentioned that UTIs spike in winter.
Why UTIs surge in winter
Cold, doctors said, ‘disrupts thirst signals, making us dry’. It pools urine and gives a fertile ground to bacteria.
‘There can be seasonality in UTIs, and there is a rise in winters,’ added Dr Hala Mostafa Kamel Imam, Specialist Internal Medicine, Burjeel Royal Hospital, Asharej. If it’s cold out, you will drink less water, which will create more concentrated urine and more opportunity for infection."
Doctors pointed out that winter is also the time of year when the cold and flu are "and the immune system weakens and makes people more vulnerable to infection such as UTIs". As a diabetic, you might have poorer glycemic control in winters which makes you susceptible to UTIs".
Why women are more susceptible
Physicians told us UTI is very common in the UAE, mostly among women, and that "research shows that women are far more susceptible to UTIs than men."
‘UTIs is among the most common bacterial infections in the UAE and it affects a large percentage of the population every year,’ added Dr Moujahed Hammami, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Consultant and Medical Director of Aman Lil Afia clinic in Dubai. The weather here may be especially at risk for UTIs for some women here, but there would be better studies of the region. It is largely the result of bacteria, Escherichia coli (E. coli) being the most typical culprit."
There can be low levels of hydration, lack of sanitation, retention of urine, and more.
Even the tightest clothing may catch moisture and clog the urethra, increasing the likelihood that bacteria might get into the urinary tract, the doctors wrote.
"That difference is in part due to differences in anatomy; women have a shorter urethra and bacteria have a much easier time getting into the bladder. ‘There’s cultural customs, plus extreme temperatures that can dehydrate people, which could only make it worse in the UAE,’ he said.
Chance of UTIs increase with age.
Medical staff also pointed out that the risk of UTIs goes up with age for both men and women.
"Older women can have oestrogen levels drop in menopause that damage the bladder and urethral lining and increase the risk of infection," Hammami explained. If an older man has problems such as prostate cancer, he can experience retention in his urine, which increases the risk of UTIs."
If you’re seeing any symptoms like excessive urination or aches, see a doctor immediately, doctors say.
"Don’t ignore UTI symptoms like burning feeling while Urinating, urination often, dark urine or bloody urine, strong urine smell, Pelvic pain and fever," said Dr Betty John, Consultant Obstetrics Gynaecology, Medcare Hospital Sharjah. Check with your doctor early if you’re having UTI symptoms."
"Cold showers are easier on the urinary tract," she continued. Some research even suggests that cranberry juice or supplements prevent UTIs by reducing the number of bacteria in the urine. As a helper, Vitamin C/lemon will acidify your urine to keep bacteria out of it. Protecting your body from the cold can help you keep your immune system working well."
Comments