ALL ABOUT URINARY INFECTION

By Dr. Vasilis Koubanis, Microbiologist

What is it: It is one of the most frequent bacterial infections, where pathogenic micro-organisms develop and multiply in the urinary system.

Pathogenesis: Usually the microbe will infiltrate through the urethra to the bladder and from there to the kidneys. It usually occurs to women for anatomic reasons. Another reason is that women tend to avoid using strange toilets so they hold in the urine for long periods of time. Lastly, if there is no smooth flow of urine due to stones or a swollen prostate in men. 

Causes: The most frequent cause is the Escherichia coli, which is a microbe that normally exists in the intestine. Under certain conditions it develops into the urinary infection. Other, less frequent reasons are microbes like proteus, enterococcus, and staphylococcus.

How it reveals itself: In most women the infection concerns the lower urinary system with inflammation in the bladder (cystitis). It might also present an inflammation in the kidneys or it could be asymptomatic.

Symptoms: In the case of cystitis, there is a burning sensation during urination; frequent urination; a weighty feeling in the abdomen and sometimes low grade fever. If the microbe inflames the kidneys, then there is high fever and intense kidney pain.

Diagnosis: It depends on the symptoms and urine analysis. It is important that cleaning of environment and hands precedes collecting the urine in a sterile container and dispatch immediately for testing.

Treatment: The issuing of a suitable antibiotic, which is based on the results of the urine culture and the microbe's sensitivity to antibiotics. It is recommended that a general check-up and a urine culture is repeated two weeks after the treatment and also three months later.

Advice: Consumption of liquids, particularly in the summer. Urinate regularly and try to empty the bladder each time. Good hygiene of the sensitive region. Do not use antibiotics without checking with the doctor and be sure to complete the treatment even though symptoms might back off.  

FREQUENT QUESTIONS
REGARDING ROOT CANAL

By Nikos Papadakis, Dental Surgeon

Part one:

Does a tooth needing root canal hurt? Not always. Usually, though, there is a pinch from light to unbearable, sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when biting or a swelling around the tooth. In certain cases, however, there can be no symptoms. For this reason if you have a toothache, visit your dentist.

Must I immediately begin treatment if there is damage in the pulp? If the damage is permanent, then yes, because the toxins produced by the infected pulp can cause inflammation and abscesses outside the tooth root.

What will happen if there is no treatment? Unfortunately the tooth cannot cure itself. Without treatment the tooth and the surrounding tissue continues to degenerate and the pain worsens. When the destruction of the tooth is too much, extraction is the only answer. 

Can the pulp inflammation be cured just by taking antibiotics? No.  And this is because, when pulp necrosis sets in, the blood ceases to circulate in the pulp area so the antibiotic cannot reach it to kill the microbes. Dentists prescribe antibiotics to combat acute inflammations in the jawbones. Naturally, afterwards, root canal must be completed so the tooth can be saved. 

Why is root canal work preferable to extraction? With the root canal treatment the natural tooth is maintained, while, with extraction, the tooth loss must be restored by a bridge or an implant at a greater cost, and no additive work can totally replace the natural tooth.

Can this treatment be applied to all patients? Absolutely. Anyone suffering from damaged pulp who wants to save the tooth can go through the treatment. Usually there is restriction only if the tooth is so damaged that capping is not feasible afterwards. 

Can the treatment be applied to children? Yes. The need to keep permanent teeth is bigger in kids because of their age and their growing jawbones. The treatment is the same as with adults.

Is root canal a painful procedure?  No. You can have a local anesthetic every time.     

Can there be pain between visits?  No because the treatment is painless as a rule. Seldom will you experience pain but if you do your dentist will treat it. 

What must I do if the temporary filling falls out while I’m still being treated? In between visits, and while you are being treated, your tooth will remain temporarily filled. Avoid chewing on that side. If the temporary filling falls out, see your dentist immediately before your tooth gets re-infected.  

What happens after the completion of the treatment? The tooth is filled with temporary filling and immediately after the tooth should be permanently reconstructed.

(Continued next month)