The NHS has issued an alert to anyone who wakes up during the middle of the night. While waking at 3am may be a habit for some people, it can indicate health issues for other people who may need to contact their GP.
Health officials warn there could be cause for concern if you experience a sudden change in the night. If you typically wake up to go to the toilet then there is no need to worry but, if you start to have unusual symptoms, it may be worth visiting your doctor.
As reported by the Daily Record, some usual signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) include needing to urinate a lot or feeling like you need to go urgently during the night. Other symptoms include a burning feeling when you urinate or seeing cloudy or bloody urine.
People with a UTI may also experience pain in their lower back or feel sick. Meanwhile, a UTI may cause children to be sick, wet the bed or feel cranky.
The NHS advises anyone with particularly bad symptoms, such as having trouble talking or confusion, to dial 999 or go to A&S. These could indicate a serious kidney infection.
The NHS website states: “Urinary tract infections (UTIs) affect your urinary tract, including your bladder (cystitis), urethra (urethritis) or kidneys (kidney infection). UTIs may be treated with antibiotics, but they’re not always needed.”
UTIs are normally caused by bacteria from poo entering the urinary tract. The bacteria enter through the tube that carries urine out of the body (urethra).
As women have a shorter urethra than men, bacteria is more likely to reach the bladder or kidneys in order to cause an infection. The NHS says that having sex, pregnancy, conditions such as kidne stones, and not drinking enough fluids can increase the risk of bacteria getting into the bladder.
The health service recommends the following to prevent a UTI:
- wipe from front to back when you go to the toilet
- keep the genital area clean and dry
- drink plenty of fluids, particularly water, so that you regularly pee during the day and do not feel thirsty
- wash the skin around the vagina with water before and after sex
- pee as soon as possible after sex
- promptly change nappies or incontinence pads if they are soiled
- wear cotton underwear
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
