Two urinary diseases are easily contracted in cold weather 7
Doctor Nguyen Ngoc Tan, Department of Urology – Andrology, Tam Anh General Hospital, Hanoi, said that when exposed to cold weather, the body has physiological changes to protect itself and optimize function.
Cold temperatures cause muscles to contract and tense to keep warm, affecting the pelvic floor muscles, which can put more pressure on the bladder, increasing symptoms of urinary disorders.
Cold-induced diuresis may also occur.
According to Dr. Tan, the above changes can lead to two common urinary diseases in winter: overactive bladder (overactive bladder) and urinary tract infections.
Overactive bladder (OAB) is a medical condition characterized by a sudden, uncontrolled urge to urinate.
The exact cause of OAB is not fully understood but is linked to changes in the bladder muscles and nerves that control bladder function.
A 2019 study conducted by the International Journal of Urology found that cold weather tends to trigger OAB symptoms more than warm weather, because of cold-induced diuresis.
People with more severe and prolonged symptoms of urinary disorders should see a urologist for examination and diagnosis of the cause.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that occurs in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra.
The disease has many symptoms such as pain or burning when urinating, frequent urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and sometimes fever or chills.
According to Dr. Tan, cold weather is not a direct cause of UTIs but can increase the risk of the disease.
When people are cold, they drink less water, which reduces the frequency of urination and increases the concentration of bacteria in the urinary tract, leading to infection.
To protect the health of the urinary system in winter, Dr. Tan recommends that people keep their bodies warm and prevent diuresis due to cold.
Avoiding holding urine and drinking enough water reduces the risk of UTI and reduces OAB symptoms.
Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and maintain an exercise routine.
People with unusual symptoms such as burning pain when urinating, hematuria, frequent urination… should see a urologist for examination.
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