Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a prevalent multiple sclerosis (MS) consequence that offers special dangers to MS patients. Infections may trigger MS symptoms. So if you have MS, you must know how to spot a UTI.
Symptoms, treatment, and prevention are here.
Why Are UTIs Common In MS?
Bladder issues affect at least 80 percent of MS patients. Inflammation, scarring, and nerve damage in the brain or spinal cord caused by MS may disrupt brain-to-urinary system connections. This may make the bladder have problems retaining and draining pee, causing UTIs.
Barbara Giesser, M.D., a board-certified neurologist and MS expert at Pacific Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, says, “When you have too much pee in your bladder, it’s sort of like a stagnant pool of water—it can produce germs.” Thus, bladder issues may make MS patients more susceptible to UTIs.
According to Giesser, many MS patients with bladder difficulties like incontinence or trouble retaining pee don’t consume enough water to manage their symptoms. Avoiding fluids may cause dehydration and UTIs. Geisser adds, “If you’re very dehydrated, again, it leads to more concentrated urine, which might also predispose you to a UTI.”
RELATED: 5 UTI-Fighting Smoothies
Symptoms Of UTIs In MS
Urinary tract infections often cause:
- Frequent urination is termed urinary frequency
- Urge to urinate
- Feeling urgent but urinating little
- Dysuria is urination pain or burning
- Nighttime urination, or nocturia
UTIs in MS patients may present differently. “These typical UTI symptoms may undoubtedly arise in persons with MS—but occasionally they don’t,” Geisser explains. “Sometimes a UTI can aggravate other MS symptoms.” Pseudo-exacerbations or pseudo-relapses worsen MS symptoms without new inflammation or damage. Fever and infection cause these.
UTI-induced MS symptoms may include:
- Weakness
- Spasticity
- Back discomfort
After treating the UTI, MS symptoms should improve.
How To Treat A UTI In MS
Antibiotics can treat many UTIs. Bacteria cause UTI symptoms. “Seventy percent of urinary tract infections are due to