|
What Is
UTI ?
An infection that begins in the urinary system. UTIs can be
painful and annoying. They can also become a serious health
problem if the infection spreads to the kidneys.
The urinary system is composed of the kidneys, ureters, bladder
and urethra. All play a different role in removing waste from the
body. The kidneys, a pair of bean-shaped organs in the back part
of your upper abdomen, filter waste from the blood. Tubes called
ureters carry urine (fluid excreted by the kidneys) to the
bladder, where it is stored until it exits the body. |
|
|
|
Generally,
there are two main types of bladder infections:
Community-acquired bladder infections. These infections occur when
people who are not hospitalized develop a bladder infection. This
condition is very common in women between the ages of 30 and 50,
but is rare in men of the same age. However, men over 50 may be at
risk of this type of infection because of prostate enlargement, a
common condition in older men that can block urine flow.
Nosocomial (nos-o-KO-me-uhl) bladder infections. These infections
occur in people under hospital care. They mostly occur in those
who have had a catheter placed through the urethra and into the
bladder to collect urine, a common procedure done before some
surgical procedures or for some diagnostic tests.
Top
Signs and Symptoms
Not everyone with a bladder infection will develop symptoms. But
most people, particularly those with community-acquired bladder
infections, will have some. They can include:
-
A
strong, persistent urge to urinate
-
A
burning sensation when urinating
-
Passing
frequent, small amounts of urine
-
Blood
in the urine (hematuria)
-
Passing
cloudy or strong-smelling urine
-
A
feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen
-
Low-grade
fever
-
In
young children, new episodes of bed-wetting may also be a sign
of a UTI.
Top
Causes
UTIs
typically occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract from the
outside, usually through the urethra, and begin to multiply. The
urinary system is uniquely designed to keep out such microscopic
invaders. Urine also has antibacterial properties that inhibit the
growth of bacteria. However, certain factors increase the chances
that bacteria will take hold and multiply into a full-blown
infection.
Top
Prevention
You can take steps to reduce the risk of bladder infections. Women, in particular, may benefit from the following:
-
Drink plenty of liquids, especially water. Cranberry juice may have infection-fighting properties.
-
Urinate frequently, and avoid retaining your urine for a long time when you feel the urge to void.
-
Wipe from front to back after a bowel movement to prevent bacteria in the anal region from spreading to
the vagina and urethra.
-
Take showers rather than tub baths.
-
Wash the skin around the vagina and anus daily.
-
Empty your bladder as soon as possible after intercourse, and drink a full glass of water to help flush bacteria.
-
Avoid using deodorant sprays or feminine products such as douches in the genital area that could irritate the urethra.
Top
UTI
& Homeopathy
Plagued
with urinary tract infections? There are more treatment options
than you think.
Anyone who's experienced the discomfort of a urinary tract
infection (UTI) is unlikely to forget it. In addition to being
painful, UTIs, also known as cystitis or bladder infections, are
all too common: They account for more than eight million doctor
visits a year, second only to respiratory complaints such as colds
and flu. Although it's unclear why some people -- especially women
-- are prone to bladder infections, 80 percent of those who suffer
more than two infections are likely to have recurrences. Depending
on your symptoms, homeopathic remedies may give relief. But be
smart: Educate yourself and discuss any concerns with your health
care practitioner.
A Case from my memory:
At the onset of the treatment ,the girl was 15 years old and
had been suffering from chronic ,repeatedly recurring urinary
tract infections for the past 6 years. Originating from a harmless
cystities treated with antibiotics .
The child had been healthy the first four years of her life ,
until the first infection appeared .She was treated with
antibiotics as were intercurrent sore throat,otitis media and
pyoderma .
The following year,the cause of the stubborn infections was
believed to be found in a narrowing of the urethra with reflex of
urine.Consequently ,the urethra was streched to several times
until the child developed neuroticbehavioural disturbances and the
mother finally refused to allow any further streching , especially
since ]he infections kept recurring despite concurrent therapy
with antibiotics .
Another urologist was consulted in whose opinion three to four
urinary tract infection a year are quite acceptable ,and this
pronouncement frightened the family .The antibiotic prescribed by
him worked well ,but two weeks later ,another urinary tract
infection appeared etc.
The child came for homeopathic treatment in june 1998 .a through
anamesis revealed few leading symptoms .Fear of ghosts ,problem
with darkness and frightening events indicated homeopathic
medicine sulphur .She received the daily doses . She was
absolutely normal after seven months .No urinary tract symptoms
until the present time.
Homeopathic physicians use a multifaceted approach to treating
UTIs. "Instead of just killing bacteria, we're interested in
the underlying mechanism and [want to know] why the bladder can't
resist bacteria as it does in healthy people.we choose a medicine
designed to stimulate resistance [to the bacteria]." The
correct remedy will work quickly; however, if there's no
improvement within 24 hours, a different medicine should be tried.
For recurrent infections......Dr.ILa
Kathuria
Top
|
