Coronavirus symptoms 'overlap' with winter flu says Dr Amir
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High temperature, cough, and change to the senses of smell and taste have been identified as the main symptoms of coronavirus. COVID-19, however, is still a relatively new and unknown virus and data on it is still accumulating. Diagnosing the virus could be still difficult on occasion, because of unclear symptoms. Recent research has shined a light on urinary complications in men, and their link to COVID-19.
Urinary frequency is one of the most common symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
These are more common in women and are usually treated with antibiotics.
Other key symptoms include a burning sensation when urinating, urine that is cloudy or red, pelvic and pelvic pain.
A new study, however, has reported that urinary frequency is a common symptom affecting COVID-19 patients in hospitals.
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“We have noticed that some patients with COVID-19 suffered from dysuria and irritative urinary symptoms,” study authors said.
Researchers found UTI in the lower tract to be “statistically significantly increased in elderly [male] patients after COVID-19 infection”.
They found that following COVID-19, a person’s urinary bladder might be at a higher risk of infection.
The study also reported that this increase was not visible in younger patients.
Another study concerning the link between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the lower urinary tract of male genitalia demonstrated that “patients with COVID-19 may have signs indicative of involvement of the lower urinary tract and of the male genital system”.
In men affected by the coronavirus, discomfort or pain in the male genital system were the most common symptoms.
The study observed scrotal discomfort in eight patients, swelling of genitalia in 14, pain in 16, and erythema in one.
A case-control trial reported that males with moderate symptoms of COVID-19 also showed a significant reduction of sperm concentration.
As the NHS suggests, however, the first and easiest way to check whether any existing symptoms are linked to coronavirus is by getting a PCR test.
Should the test come back negative, any urine-related symptoms may be linked to UTIs.
Most UTIs are caused by a bacterium called Escherichia coli, which is naturally present in your body.
The bacterium usually comes from the bowel, and it gets into the urinary tract through the urethra.
The most common cure for UTI is taking antibiotics.
However, it’s also key to drink a great amount of water, as urinating can help flush the bacteria from the system.
Drinking cranberry juice could also help clear the infection and lower bacteria in the bladder.
Recovery usually takes place within three days.
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