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Overview:
A urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection of the urethra,
ureters, kidneys, or bladder. An infection of the bladder, called
cystitis, is the most common form.
Factors that can increase the likelihood of a UTI include constipation,
malnutrition, and sexual intercourse. Chemicals in bubble baths
and scents and dyes in some toilet tissue can cause local irritation
that leads to an infection.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Painful urination, with a burning sensation, frequency, and
urgency
- Blood or pus in urine
- Pain or cramping in the lower abdomen
- Chills, fever (fever may be the only symptom in infants and
children)
- Strong-smelling urine
Diagnosis:
After a physical examination and review of the symptoms, your doctor
may ask for a urine sample to test for the infection.
Treatment Options:
Conventional treatment of UTIs is antibiotics. In some cases, structural
problems may be the cause of recurrent UTIs and surgery may be needed.
However, this is uncommon.
Traditional Treatments:
- UTIs are usually treated with antibiotics. Nitrofurantoin, sulfamethoxazole,
sulfamethoxazole plus trimethoprim, and amoxicillin are commonly
prescribed.
- Phenazopyridine, a urinary tract analgesic, is sometimes prescribed
to anesthetize the urethra.
- An infection of the kidney requires more aggressive treatment
with intravenous antibiotics, plus possible hospitalization, extensive
radiological examination, and/or catherterization. Ultrasound
and x-rays of the kidney area may be ordered.
Complementary and Alternative Therapies:
Nutrition, herbs, and homeopathic remedies may be useful in fighting
infection and relieving pain.
Nutritional Supplementation:
- Take a probiotic supplement to replace "friendly' flora
killed by antibiotics.
- Vitamin A supports the health of mucous membranes. Take 25,000
IU daily until the infection clears. Warning:
If you are pregnant, intend to get pregnant, or if you have
liver disease, consult your doctor before taking supplemental
vitamin A.
- Vitamin C is an important nutrient whenever you are fighting
an infection of any type. Take 1,000mg of vitamin C in calcium
ascorbate form three to four times daily.
Alternative Therapies:
- Cat's claw enhances the immune response and has antibacterial
properties.
- Cranberries and blueberries both contain a compound that prevents
bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall. They also have diuretic
and antibiotic properties.
- If you cannot tolerate drinking cranberry juice, take cranberry
extract.
- Grapefruit-seed extract is an excellent antibacterial.
- Goldenseal may reduce the ability of invading bacteria to adhere
to the lining of the urethra. Warning: Do not take
goldenseal internally on a daily basis for more than one week
at a time, do not use goldenseal during pregnancy, and use it
with caution if you are allergic to ragweed.
- Oregano has antibacterial properties that help fight infection.
- Uva Ursi is used by Native Americans to treat urinary disorders.
It has antispetic and astringent properties that can be effective
in treating mind UTIs
General Recommendations:
If urination is very painful, sitting in a tub of warm water can
help to relax the muscles and dilute the urine so that it is easier
to pass.
Warnings:
If you are pregnant, intend to get pregnant, or if you have liver
disease, consult your doctor before taking supplemental vitamin
A.
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