 What is Urinary Tract Infection?
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is an encroachment by the bacteria of the urinary tract which includes kidney, ureters, bladder or urethra. This bacterium enters the opening of the urethra and procreates in the urinary tract causing urinary tract infection. This can be very painful and a major cause of distress in your life. If it is not contained in the earlier stages it is likely to spread to your kidneys, which can become a serious health issue. The infection of the bladder can develop into cystitis- a very common problem faced by women. Urinary Tract Infection can infect anyone but women are more susceptible to this disease. Children too suffer from this disorder but the headcount is very low in comparison to adults.
As with any health condition the treatment depends on the causes and likewise the treatment for bladder infection will depend on the causes of the bladder infection. Treatment if begun promptly is usually very effective and the condition should resolve within days or a week, depending on the severity of the infection. There is always the risk of recurrence however, which is why it is important that you continue the full course of medication prescribed by your doctor, whether or not the symptoms of the bladder infection have dissipated. Mild cases can also be treated at home with home remedies for bladder infections. If the condition does not respond to treatment with bladder infection remedies at home within a few days however it would be advisable to consult a doctor. Similarly recurring infections should also be treated with professional medical attention.
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection
Need To Go – All Time
A very common symptom which UTI patients face through this condition- is the constant urge to urinate.Very often there will also be pain felt just above the pubic bone or radiating towards the lower back. Despite the presence of a constant urge to urinate there is a very minimal amount of urine passed.
Burning Sensation and Traces of Blood
Urination is painful as well as leaves a burning sensation. Sometimes the sign is so relevant in the form of blood which is seen in your urine. The urine is also likely to be cloudy and have a stronger odor than usual.
Fever, Vomiting along with Other Pains
You may suffer from fever if you have infection in you kidneys. Bouts of vomiting and nausea are also possible if you are affected by the kidney infection. Backache and pain below your ribs are some of the other symptoms. Bladder infections in children or infants can be a lot harder to recognize as these more obvious symptoms may not be present. If the child displays changes in appetite and seems irritable or has a fever that can not be explained it may be possible that the child is suffering from a bladder infection. The child may also suffer from urinary incontinence and diarrhea. It is therefore best to seek medical attention when dealing with a child suspected of a urinary infection rather than attempt treatment with home remedies for bladder infections.
Causes of Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Symptoms, Causes, Remedy and Diet
Bacteria in the Urethra
It is mainly caused when the bacteria from the digestive tract holds on to the opening of the urethra, this poses a problem.
Through Sexual Intercourse
Sexual intercourse is another reason for urinary tract infection. During a sexual intercourse the bacteria present in the vaginal tract is pushed inside the urethra by the movement of the penis.
Having Different Sexual Partner
Having different sexual partners can be another reason for urinary tract infection. Waiting too long to urinate may cause this infection.
Holding Back the Urge to Urinate
Prolonging urination causes stretches the bladder. This stretching weakens the bladder - disallowing it to completely empty itself. The urine which remains in the bladder increases your chances of the infection. The symptoms and signs of bladder infection in men and children are often rather mild and so they are sometimes ignored until the condition becomes severe. It is therefore important to detect the preliminary signs of bladder infection so that the individual can receive appropriate treatment.
Urinary Tract Infection Causes
There are different causes of bladder infections in men and women and so bladder infection remedies for men and women may differ.
Cystitis: which is a type of urinary infection, is particularly common among women. Many women suffer from recurring episodes of this condition. Women are susceptible for a number of reasons.
Anatomy: The main reason for the high incidence of bladder infections in women is attributed to the shorter length of the urethra and its proximity to the vagina and the anal region, where the bacteria responsible for such infections are typically present.
Sexual Activity: Sexual intercourse may contribute to the development of bladder infections because of the motion, which could enable bacteria to travel to the urethra and ultimately reach the bladder.
 Contraception: Women who use a diaphragm may be more vulnerable to bladder infections, since the spermicide used with the diaphragm also suppresses the normal vaginal bacteria, upsetting the balance and allowing harmful bacteria to flourish. Pregnancy: Pregnancy can cause interference with the emptying of the bladder, which can lead to the development of cystitis. Menopause: Post menopausal women may be susceptible to bladder infections because of the effects of decreased estrogen production. This can cause a thinning of the vaginal and vulvar tissues that are located around the urethra. Cystitis and bladder infections although a lot less common in men can also occur for a variety of reasons: Bladder infections in men can usually be traced to the urethra, from where they move to the prostate, progressing to the bladder. A persistent bacterial infection of the prostate is in fact the most widely known cause of recurring bladder infections in men. The resilience or persistence of bladder infections in men is explained by the action of the antibiotics used to treat bladder infections. While these antibiotics are extremely effective at curing an infection in the bladder, the action of these drugs is limited when dealing with the prostate. It is absolutely essential that you follow the full course of medications for treatment to be effective. Recurring infections are commonly observed when treatment is stopped abruptly because the remnants of bacteria in the prostate rapidly re-infect the bladder. There are other possible causes of bladder infections that could affect both sexes equally: If there is any obstruction to the flow of urine because of bladder stones or because of enlargement of the prostate in men, there is an increase in the risk of bacteria remaining trapped in the bladder, where they would normally be flushed out with urine. This causes a rapid buildup of bacteria and repeated bouts of bladder infections. Catheter: Bacteria may also be introduced into the bladder when a catheter is used.
Home remedies for Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) home remedies and natural cures, Questions and answers
Treating Urinary Tract Function by use of Baking Soda
A mixture of 1/2 tsp baking soda in eight ounce glass of water can be very helpful on the first signs of urinary tract infection. The presence of baking soda in your system raises the acid-base balance of the acidic urine.
Treating Urinary Tract Infection by drinking water or fluids
It is very important for your system to have a good flow of urine. This can be done by consuming plenty of water. It cleanses your body by diluting and flushing out the unwanted substance. Fruit and vegetable juices are also excellent home remedies for bladder infection as they provide your body with the vitamins and minerals it requires to fight off the infection.
Treating Urinary Tract Infection by Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice disallows bacteria to cling to the cell, which line the urinary tract. It is a great remedy to fight this infection. If you cannot have the cranberry juice directly you can mix it with apple juice to add some taste.
Fresh cranberry juice is one of the most effective home remedies for bladder infection and it is a better option as compared to bottled cranberry juice. However, if fresh cranberry juice is not available, you should choose a bottled variety that has the minimum amount of added sugars and additives. Processed sugars and additives could aggravate the condition and so they should be avoided as far as possible. Cranberry juice is one of the most commonly used home remedies for bladder infection in men and women.
Treating Urinary Tract Infection by Aromatherapy
You can make an essential oil by using equal parts of sandalwood, bergamot, tea tree, frankincense and juniper. Mix all these ingredients to make an oil to be rubbed over your bladder area. Continue this massaging technique for three to four days once the symptoms subside. This is one of the simplest home remedies for bladder infection and can also be used from time to time to prevent bladder infection. These aromatherapy treatments are used to reduce the severity of the symptoms and not the infection itself and are considered to be excellent home remedies for bladder infection symptoms.
Treating Urinary Tract Infection by Echinacea
You can consume at least two capsules three times a day of Echinacea and Oregon grape root or goldenseal to fight the infection.
Treating Urinary Tract Infection by Tincture
In acute cases try having 1/2 tsp of tincture every hour. Severe infection needs severe measures. Blend equal parts of pipsissewa, buchu, echinacea, and uva ursi tinctures. Have 20 drops of this blended mixture every two hours for first two days and later 1 tsp four times a day, till you have completely recovered. Have a soothing tea such as marshmallow root to counter the strong antiseptic effect of urva ursi.
Urinary Tract Infection Diet
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) : Home Remedies suggested by users
Increase the Intake of Vitamins C
Vitamin C prevents the bacterial growth due to the acidic environment created in the bladder and the urinary tract. It is very important to have a healthy diet which is rich in minerals and other supplements for your daily quota. You can maintain the alkaline content in urine by a rich diet of milk, fruits, and fresh vegetables.
Citrus fruits are an excellent source of Vitamin C and can be added to your diet in the form of a mixed fruit platter. You can also use a salad dressing made out of Olive oil and fresh lemon juice or orange juice.
Fresh Berry Juice
Women consuming fresh berry juice as part of the daily diet, turns out to be very useful in the long run.
You can make your own fresh berry juice every morning and night for quick results. Mixed berry juice is one of the best home remedies for bladder infection as this will help to provide you with a variety of antioxidants and vitamins.
Avoid Irritant Foods
A diet which consists of processed food like cheese, chocolate, dairy products should be avoided. You should also avoid spicy food, caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes which otherwise is also harmful. Avoid carbonated drinks like beer, soda or any other drink with fizz. You should also restrict your intake of processed flour products and bakery products must be avoided altogether as they have a high processed sugar, processed fats, and processed flour content.
Stay away from Artificial Sweetener
Aspartame is one of a kind of artificial sweetener. You will find many artificial sweeteners in the market which should be avoided. It is mainly consumed by diabetic patients and is used in many beverages and other foods.
Artificial sweeteners may aggravate a bladder infection and so it would be better to avoid such sweeteners for a couple of weeks or at least until your symptoms have subsided.
Other suggestions for Urinary Tract Infection
Hot Compression
You can place a heating pad on the lower abdominal area to provide some relief to your pain. You can also use a hot water bottle but make sure that you refill it with hot water as soon as it starts to cool down. A hot compress not only helps to decrease inflammation but the extra heat helps to prevent the spread of the infection. Most bacteria and fungus require a warm condition to thrive but cannot survive in hot temperatures.
Reflexology
Working on the bladder or kidney points can provide you some relief from this infection.
Dressing Comfortably
Wearing loose-fitting and cotton clothes helps a great deal. Wearing tight undergarments and tight fitting clothes creates more room for infection.
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