Alternative Answer for Urinary Tract Infections (UTI's)

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Alternative Answer for Urinary Tract Infections (UTI's)

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that affects

any part of the urinary tract. Although urine contains a variety of

fluids, salts, and waste products, it usually does not have bacteria

in it.[1] When bacteria get into the bladder or kidney and multiply

in the urine, they cause a UTI.

The most common type of UTI is a bladder infection which is also

often called cystitis. Another kind of UTI is a kidney infection,

known as pyelonephritis, and is much more serious.

Although they cause discomfort, urinary tract infections can usually

be quickly and easily treated when the patient sees a doctor

promptly.

Further investigation may include ultrasound scans of the kidneys and

bladder or intravenous urography (X-rays of the urological system

following intravenous injection of iodinated contrast material). If

there is no response to treatments, interstitial cystitis may be a

possibility.

During cystitis, uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) subvert innate

defenses by invading superficial umbrella cells and rapidly

increasing in numbers to form intracellular bacterial communities

(IBCs).

UTIs are most common in sexually active women and increase in people

living with diabetes and people with sickle-cell disease or

anatomical malformations of the urinary tract.

Allergies can be a hidden factor in urinary tract infections. For

example, allergies to foods can irritate the bladder wall and

increase susceptibility to urinary tract infections. Keep track of

your diet and have allergy testing done to help eliminate foods that

may be a problem. Urinary tract infections after sexual intercourse

can be also be due to an allergy to latex condoms, spermicides, or

oral contraceptives. In this case review alternative methods of birth

control with your doctor.

Elderly individuals, both men and women, are more likely to harbor

bacteria in their genitourinary system at any time. These bacteria

may be associated with symptoms and thus require treatment with an

antibiotic. The presence of bacteria in the urinary tract of older

adults, without symptoms or associated consequences, is also a well

recognized phenomenon which may not require antibiotics. This is

usually referred to as asymptomatic bacteriuria. The overuse of

antibiotics in the context of bacteriuria among the elderly is a

concerning and controversial issue.

Women are more prone to UTIs than males because in females, the

urethra is much shorter and closer to the anus than in males and they

lack the bacteriostatic properties of prostatic secretions. Among the

elderly, UTI frequency is in roughly equal proportions in women and

men. A common cause of UTI is an increase in sexual activity, such as

vigorous sexual intercourse with a new partner. This is

called "honeymoon cystitis" .

Treatment for UTIs

Cleaning the opening of the urethra after intercourse has been shown

to be of some benefit; however, whether this is done with an

antiseptic or a placebo ointment (an ointment containing no active

ingredient) does not appear to matter.

Cranberry juice can decrease the incidence of UTI. A specific type of

tannin found only in cranberries and blueberries prevents the

adherence of certain pathogens (eg. E. coli) to the epithelium of the

urinary bladder. Cranberries (juice and capsules) can prevent

recurrent infections in women.

For post-menopausal women, a randomized controlled trial has shown

that intravaginal application of topical estrogen cream can prevent

recurrent cystitis. Try applying 0.5 mg of estriol vaginal cream

nightly for two weeks followed by twice-weekly applications for eight

months.

Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in preventing new

infections in recurrent cases. One study showed that urinary tract

infection occurrence was reduced by 50% for 6 months. Acupuncture

appears to reduce the total amount of residual urine in the bladder.

For sexually active women, urinating within 15 minutes of sexual

intercourse to allow the flow of urine to expel the bacteria before

specialized extensions anchor the bacteria to the walls of the

urethra.

Having adequate fluid intake, especially water.

Do not resist the urge to urinate.

Bathing in warm water without soap, bath foams.

Practicing good hygiene, including wiping from the front to the back

to avoid contamination of the urinary tract by fecal pathogens.

Avoid sugars and sugary foods. Use stevia or agave syrup as a sugar

substitute. Sugars and alcohol can feed the bacteria causing the

infection, and worsen pain and other symptoms.

Taking vitamin C with the last meal of the day can shorten the time

duration of the infection. Vitamin C at night raises the acidity of

the urine, which retards the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract.

If there is pain in the back (suggesting kidney infection) or if pain

persists, if there is fever, or if blood is present in the urine,

doctor care is recommended.

Pacholyk, MS. L.Ac.http://www.peacefulmind.com/ailments.htm

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