Urinary Tract Infection

The urinary tract (which consists of the kidneys, the ureters, the urinary bladder and the urethra) is free from any infection/ organism/bacteria.

On the other hand, the intestinal canal usually contains organisms, like Escherichia coli (E. coli), which passes out in large numbers in the faces. Under normal circumstances, they do not cause any harm in the intestine, but they are extremely harmful to the urinary tract when they enter the urethral orifice from the anal orifice. This happens especially when no proper washing/ cleaning is done after each defecation, and the area outside the anal orifice remains contaminated with E. coli.

It is, therefore, the urinary tract infection, especially ,recurrent, is more common in women since the anal as well as the urethral orifice/ opening is lying close together, and the bacteria can easily enter from the anal to the urethral opening. Moreover, the urethra is very short in women (only an inch long), so infection reaches the urinary bladder in no time. On the other hand, the urethra in males is much longer, and is much farther away from the anus or anal orifice, and thus chances of infection from the anus to the urethra are significantly reduced.

However, infection in the urinary tract may also reach there through the blood, or through lymphatics, and besides E. coli, other bacteria may also damage the urinary tract, especially when the infection is carried by a catheter, directly into the urinary bladder.

As soon as the organisms reach the urinary bladder, they start multiplying in the urine present in it, which happens to be an excellent medium for their growth. Chances of the growth of these organisms become much more in any part of the urinary tract, e.g. the kidneys, the ureters, etc., when there is some obstruction in the urinary passages.

For example, a stone, a stricture or some congenital abnormality (like horseshoe kidneys, etc.) which does not allow the free passage of urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder / urethra, and thus allowing it to stay much longer than required, above the site of the obstruction. This collection/stagnation of urine facilitates the growth or multiplication of bacteria. If the obstruction is in either part of the ureter, the infection/ growth of the organisms will occur above the obstruction in the ureter and in the kidneys of the side involved. However, if the obstruction is much lower down, say in the urethra, as a result of an enlarged prostate, in males, which is a common occurrence, the growth/infection will be in the urinary bladder, and may, in advanced cases, go higher up, in both the ureters and in both the kidneys as well.

In the urinary bladder, the organisms cause marked inflammation, in which case pus cells are formed, which are passed out in the urine. Once the urinary bladder is infected, and the patient is not careful, and does not take proper antibiotics or takes half-hearted treatment, the infection goes up to the kidneys through the ureters. The infection of the urinary bladder is called cystitis, and of the kidneys, pyelonephritis.

By Krishan B Kumar

Labels: infection urinary, infection urinary tract, urinary, urinary infections, urinary tract, urinary tract infection, urinary tract infection symptoms, urinary tract infections, urine infection

Did you know that Urinary Tract Infections can cause severe body damage including kidney damage and failure? Unfortunately, there will be about 12 million people who develop a urinary tract infection in this year alone. Most will seek expensive medical treatments and millions will cope with the painful symptoms which include: frequent urination; constant need to urinate but with no success; nighttime urination; aches above pelvis; clouded urine; blood in urine; fatigue; vomiting; fever; and chills and night sweats.

These debilitating symptoms can make life miserable. And still, after all of these symptoms, doctors still find people who do not seek any treatment because of embarrassment or costly treatment. Do you or a loved one suffer from a urinary tract infection? If the answer is 'yes' we encourage you to seek treatment immediately to avoid severe kidney complications. In fact, a urinary tract infection (UTI) is an ailment with a simple cure. Let me explain.

The Cause of Urinary Tract Infections Can Lead to Cure

Whenever you deal with body wellness it is important to understand the cause of any ailment. If you know the cause then you can understand the cure. So what is the cause of a urinary tract infection?

In most cases, UTIs are the result of bacteria, such as E. coli that make their home in your urinary tract and bladder. This bad bacteria (E. coli) is usually fought off by a healthy immune system. However, E. coli can spread when immunity is lower and a UTI can result. In addition, UTIs (especially urethritis) can result from sexually-transmitted diseases, such as herpes simplex virus, gonorrhea, and Chlamydia.

Knowing these facts can lead to a natural cure with no use of medications (with harsh side-effects) or surgery!

An Acidic Diet and Vitamin C lead to Urinary Tract Infection Natural Remedy

It is important to remember that bacteria is growing and multiplying in your urinary tract and bladder. To cure urinary tract infections, you must kill the bacteria from your system and flush it out of your body. In fact, this is what your body was made to do if given the correct means.

By creating a hostile environment for bacteria in the urinary tract you can actually naturally cure urinary tract infections! And just how do you do this? The answer lies in killing bacteria with acidic foods and Vitamin C (also called ascorbic acid). By allowing natural acids to reach the bladder you can actually kill the harmful bacteria in the urinary tract. Also, the Vitamin C will give a boost to a weak immune system (one cause of UTI) allowing your immunity to fight the bacteria.

If you choose to treat your urinary tract infection with a home remedy, it would be important to know how to balance the Ph in your urinary tract. By discovering what alkaline ingredient balances the acidic diet you will be on a sure path to naturally curing your urinary tract infection.

Recent research has discovered by consuming acid foods, flushing the urinary tract, and balancing the acids with an alkaline ingredient; a UTI suffer can actually naturally cure their urinary tract infection in hours.

By Joe Barton

Labels: infection urinary, infection urinary tract, urinary, urinary infections, urinary tract, urinary tract infection, urinary tract infection symptoms, urinary tract infections, urine infection

Do you remember the last time you were completely, 100% healthy? Was it years, months, weeks or days ago? It seems like it is always easy to reminisce about the healthy times in one's life but I think it might be helpful when dealing with a urinary tract infection too. Why? Because you can actually cure yourself if you do suffer from a urinary infection and be as healthy as you wish. In fact, there is actually a natural urinary tract infection remedy that works off of the body's imbalance of Ph. Let me explain!

What causes UTI?

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a result of bacteria (typically E. Coli) nesting in the urinary tract which includes the kidney, bladder or urethra. Normally, a healthy body can fight off the bacteria which causes UTI. But, when given the right conditions of low immunity, UTI can appear and if left untreated can lead to serious kidney problems and even kidney failure. If you have a urinary tract infection you should act immediately!

Common symptoms of urinary tract infections include: diarrhea; fever; lower back pain; painful urination; cloudy urination; blood in urine; chills, pain in upper abdomen; and inability to urinate. Though these symptoms can make life miserable, it is your choice whether you choose to live with UTI or live UTI-free. And urinary tract infection-free is only a half a day away!

Natural Urinary Tract Infection Remedy - Vitamin C

You have heard it from your mom and you will hear it again, "Take your Vitamin C!" Unfortunately, millions upon millions of people are Vitamin C deficient and have a weak immunity. The poor immune system could possibly be the reason the UTI sufferer contracted the bladder infection and could possibly be the reason the body cures the infection. Vitamin C (also called ascorbic acid) has been quite possibly the most popular of all vitamins and deserving so!

The body's whole health is determined by the body's healthy immune system. Therefore, it is extremely vital to get enough Vitamin C each and every day. If you suffer from a urinary tract infection or smoke, you should take about 100 mg/day. Consider supplements or fruit (note: high in sugar). If you live in a developed country, you have no excuse for low levels of Vitamin C because supplements are everywhere. Finally, Vitamin C can also create a hostile environment for UTI by raising your body pH.

Natural Urinary Tract Infection Remedy - pH

Right now, bacteria is growing and multiplying in your urinary tract and bladder. Two things must happen to get rid of the infectious bacteria. 1. Bacteria must be killed. 2. Bacteria must be flushed from body.

How is it possible to kill bacteria and create a hostile environment for bacteria to live? The answer lies in raising the body's pH (acidic levels) by eating acidic foods and drinks. Notice that Vitamin C is also called ascorbic acid! By eating the right kinds of foods, drinking the right kinds of juices and taking the right type of vitamins you can actually cure your UTI with a natural urinary tract infection remedy with your body pH and Vitamin C working together.

By Joe Barton

Labels: infection urinary, infection urinary tract, urinary, urinary infections, urinary tract, urinary tract infection, urinary tract infection symptoms, urinary tract infections, urine infection

Cranberry juice is a common home remedy for urinary tract infections, but it is only recently that the way in which it works is beginning to be understood. Cranberry grows in acidic wetlands throughout the Northern hemisphere, including Canada and the Northern parts of the USA. The main areas of cultivation in the USA are Wisconsin and Massachusetts. It is used as a juice, sauce and dried and is one of what are classed as ‘superfoods’ for its antioxidant properties.

Early Europeans and Americans used it topically to treat infections and wounds, and it was also used in the treatment of scurvy. The effectiveness of Vitamin C was known at that time, and cranberries are now known to possess large quantities of Vitamin C which is also a powerful antioxidant with a beneficial effect on the heart.

However, it is in its effect on urinary tract infections that cranberry is currently under major investigation, and a 2001 study in Finland strongly supported this. Urinary tract infections (UTI) such as cystitis are extremely painful, with a sometimes severe burning sensation when you urinate and pain in the lower back and abdomen. Normally you will urinate frequently in small amounts, and there is no relief from the pain and discomfort. It is one of the most common bacterial infections in the USA and Europe, and is generally treated with antibiotics.

Up to 60% of women contract a UTI and of these 30% will contract it twice. A total of 5% - 6% of women will have it three times or more in their lifetime, and seven million women annually will visit a doctor with the problem. It is world wide problem that cause great expense to industry and to health authorities, let alone the pain and misery it causes to the patients.

However, there is a growing problem with antibiotics in that their continued use is creating a natural resistance of many bacteria to them and researches have been seeking alternatives to antibiotics for the more common infections. Cranberry is known for its antibacterial properties, and it has recently been established that it may be capable of curing this particular infection. Not only that, but a regular intake of cranberry juice could prevent its recurrence.

The urinary tract infections caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli (commonly E Coli) are cystitis and pyelonephritis. The former is an infection of the bladder and pyelonephritis is a kidney infection caused by the migration of the E coli to the kidneys. The bacteria normally live in the colon. There is another, urethritis, which is an infection of the urethra that runs from the bladder out, but this is a normally a viral infection and so not affected by antibiotics, natural or synthetic.

Studies have shown that cranberry (Vaccinium in four different species) contains a glycoprotein that can prevent E. coli from attaching to the bladder wall and so causing it to be flushed out of the system, and thus preventing infection. Tests amongst women with a history of repeated infections with cystitis have indicated that regular taking of cranberry juice reduced the frequency and number of incidences.

Women are more prone than men to this condition because while in the male the urethra is about 10 inches in length, and not straight, in women it is around only 2 inches and straight. Bacteria therefore find it easy to move up the female urethra into the bladder. This is exacerbated by tight clothing and intercourse, making it easier for women to contract the infection. Women also have frequent recurrences since the bladder lining is injured by the initial infection, and is therefore weakened and more susceptible to further attack.

Not all E. coli strains cause urinary tract infections, but those that do are common. At one time it was thought to be the acidity of the cranberry juice that was the reason for its effect, and the reduction in pH of the urine, but that is now known not to be the case. For the infection to proceed, it is necessary for the bacteria to bind to the bladder wall early on in the infection, otherwise they are flushed out. Cranberries contain chemicals known as proanthocyanidins that inhibit this process, fructose, and mannose that is also believed to have an effect.

Because cranberry has an effect on the adhesion of E. coli to the uroepithelial cells of the bladder, it is thought that it might also have an effect on the adhesion of Heliobacter pylori to the cell lining of the stomach. This bacterium cause conditions such as stomach ulcers and gastritis. There is evidence that this is so and investigations are continuing. There is also evidence that cranberry juice has a mitigating effect on the formation of bacterial aggregates in the mouth, and its use as an oral mouthwash is being investigated.

The most widely used method of distribution of cranberry is in the form of the juice, although there are other cranberry products available. It is also taken in the form of a powder in capsule form. Many physicians treat urinary tract infections with antibiotics to remove the bacteria and then with cranberry capsules over a period time until the damage done to the balder and urinary tract has been repaired. The cranberry capsules prevent reinfection during this critical period when the body is most at risk of further attack by the E. coli.

The juice is also though to contain antioxidant properties and to be an effective aid to the immune system and in the prevention of some cancers. However, these claims have yet to be established with clinical testing. It has also been seen to prevent dental plaque and to be effective in preventing the formation of kidney stones.

People taking warfarin should avoid cranberry, and it should be taken only at the recommended dose since an excessive dose can cause gastric problems and diarrhea. Otherwise cranberry is safe to take with no other known side effects. It is stressed, however, that anybody with a urinary tract infection should consult their doctor and not try to treat it themselves with cranberry juice or capsules since the main benefit of cranberry seems to be in the prevention of infection rather than its treatment.

By Darrell Miller

Labels: cranberry juice, infection urinary, infection urinary tract, urinary, urinary infections, urinary tract, urinary tract infection, urinary tract infection symptoms, urinary tract infections, urine infection

Though Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a general problem, it is more common amongst women than men. This problem becomes serious because many women do not follow the commonest protocol to prevent or minimize the chances of UTI.

Preventive Measures

•Drink 10-14 glasses of water to protect oneself from urinary infection. Drinking so much water flushes out bacteria and other microorganisms which contaminate the urinary tract.

•Do not suppress the urge to urinate, as it may have dire consequences on your health leading to a fully-developed urinary tract infection.

•Always wipe yourself from front to back, this stops the entry of the bacteria from the anus into the vagina or urethra. After having a bath or a bowel movement, follow this simple rule.

•Take showers instead of bubble bath to prevent entrance of bacteria into the urethra which causes UTI.

•Wash your genital area before and after a sexual intercourse. Also urinate before and after an intercourse. This avoids the transference of bacteria from one partner to another.

•Douching and scented sprays can cause infection and irritation of the vaginal area. These do not help the cause of alleviating the Urinary Tract Infection problem.

•Drink good amount of cranberry juice as it one of the most simple and natural way of treating urinary tract infection. It prevents as well as heals the infection due to its medicinal properties.

•Stay away from caffeine found in coffee, tea, carbonated drinks, chocolates and many more.

•On the onset of urinary tract symptoms consume vitamin C supplements. It increases the acidity level of urine which helps to decrease the bacteria present in the urinary tract.

•You can apply a warm heating pad or hot water bottle on your abdomen to ease the pain.

•Use of spices like cinnamon and tincture mixture of herbs like buchu, uva ursi and juniper berries can act as antiseptics to clean kidney and bladder.

•Drink one glass of water for every 10 hours of the day. This will help you keep tab on the amount of water you drink.

•Avoid bladder irritants like citrus, tomatoes, aged cheese, chocolate, spicy food, caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. The irritants may differ for some individuals, but these are some of the common ones.

•Avoid tight underwear as it creates an ideal environment for undesirable bacteria to breed.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

By Sharon Hopkins

Labels: infection urinary, infection urinary tract, urinary, urinary infections, urinary tract, urinary tract infection, urinary tract infection symptoms, urinary tract infections, urine infection, uti symptoms

From the foregoing information on UTI, one should realize that the best course is to follow, strictly, the preventive measures, which are very simple, mostly relating to routine hygiene, rather than being on long-term prophylactic antibiotks; or, in neglected cases, developing terminal kidney disease, i.e. kidney failure, which may, require repeated dialysis, or even kidney transplant, depending on the case.

Various guidelines are mentioned below, and all individuals, irrespective of age and sex, are required to carefully follow them in their everyday life.

(i) Perineal hygiene

The perineum is the area where the openings of the anus, the urethra and the vagina are situated (of course, the scrotum and the penis in the male). It is the most dangerous area, especially in females, as all the three openings are lying close together (Fig. 21), and there is always a threat of infection to the urinary tract from anal-faecal organisms, which invade the urinary tract through the urethral opening. Hence if proper hygiene is maintained after each defecation, the infection from the anus to the urethra can be stopped/prevented since UTI is caused mostly by E. coli organisms present in the faeces. Of course, the various predisposing/associated factors responsible for UTI, if present, have to be simultaneously investigated and treated.

A simple cleansing with water, and preferably with soap and water after passing stools, and urine in the case of females, is strongly recommended at all ages, more so in children, girls, both married and unmarried women. However, those using toilet-paper, after passing stools, should be more careful, and see that the area has been thoroughly cleaned, especially in the case of females. Hence, it is of the utmost importance to always keep the perineal area clean, and thus it has been rightly said that 'cleanliness is next to godliness.'

(ii) Passing of ur'ine after sexual intercourse (postcoital voiding) Since during sexual activity, the organisms may gain entry through the urethral opening into the urinary bladder, it is advisable for all women to pass urine after each sexual intercourse, so that the bacteria, in case they have entered the urinary bladder, are washed out. It is safer if urine is also passed before sexual intercourse.

Further, women who are more prone to UTI, or get recurrences of UTI as a result of intercourse, are advised to take a single dose of prophylactic broad-spectrum antibiotic like norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, lomefloxacin or ofloxacin, etc., after sexual intercourse/ coitus. This is an important step in the prevention of UTI in such patients, and has shown promising results..

The above step for the prevention of UTI is very important and calls for an urgent need to impart sex education at the appropria te age. Physicians / obstetricians / gynaecologists / paediatricians can also guide their patients as and when an opportunity arises. Mothers can also advise their children in this matter.

(iii) Passing of urine frequently

All persons, and especially those who are more prone to UTI, should pass urine frequently, say every 3-4 hours, so that the urinary bladder is constantly washed out, and the bacteria, if any, are pushed out in the urine. If the bladder is not evacuated frequently, the bacteria will get more time to increase in number in the urine collected in the urinary bladder. Hence, frequent urination is an esseI)tial step towards the prevention of UTI, which should be observed by everyone.

In any case, urination should not be postponed, as this will increase the rise of UTI.

(iv) Passing of urine at bedtime

Similarly, urine must be passed at bedtime, so that the minimum quantity of urine remains in the urinary bladder during the night. Since the duration of the night is long, there should be as little urine as possible in the bladder, and one should pass urine even during the night, if he or she happens to wake up.

(v) Plenty of fluids

It is obvious that the intake of plenty of fluids is required, so that there is frequent urination, and the bladder is constantly kept clean. At least about three litres of water/fluids must be taken daily to achieve the desired results.

Ideally, the habit of frequent urination or bladder training, including cleanliness, should be instilled right from childhood, especially in the case of female children. Above all, once the subject is made clear to the sufferers/others, it becomes routine.

(vi) Immediate treatment of predisposing factors

As soon as some predisposing/ obstructive lesions happen to occur, e.g. urinary stones, benign enlargement of prostate, etc., immediate attention should be paid, and surgery, if required, should not be delayed, so that UTI does not develop at all, and there is absolute prevention.

(vii) Control of high blood pressure and diabetes

Control of high blood pressure and diabetes is an essential requirement to prevent the kidneys from contracting an infection, since a damaged kidney, as a result of high blood pressure and/or high blood sugar, is always prone to get infection. The infection in such kidneys can only be avoided/ prevented if it is protected from damage by these diseases. That is, a strict control of both high blood pressure and diabetes is required. This aspect has also been emphasized earlier.

By Krishan B Kumar

Labels: infection urinary, infection urinary tract, urinary, urinary infections, urinary tract, urinary tract infection, urinary tract infection symptoms, urinary tract infections, urine infection, uti symptoms

Only the doctor can tell for sure whether such infection is present in your child.

To determine this, an urine sample of your child will be used for tests. This sample is taken in case of very small children through a plastic collection bag or, in case of older children - by means of a container. Sometimes, a small tube introduced inside the urethra to grant a more sterile mean to collect urine, and, other times, the most appropriate is a needle that is introduced into the bladder to ensure the purity of urine.

During the microscopic exam, bacteria or pus will be certainly identified in urine, or, in case they are difficult to see a liquid that helps multiplication of any kind of germs will make hem grow, enabling the doctor to determine the specie.

The sample should be cultivated immediately after its collection, or refrigerated, to prevent the apparition of inaccuracies.

What is the normal function of the urinary tract?

The kidneys represent a filter for the water and the wastes from the blood and they eliminate in an adult 1, 5 to 2 quarts of urine every day. Then, the urine is sent through the urethra's and collected by the bladder. In children, the bladder can keep 1, 5 ounces of urine every year. When the urine exists in the bladder, it enters the urethra, which opens in front of the vagina in girls and in the end of the penis in boys.

Bacteria is normally absent from the urine. Their presence indicates and produces urinary tract infections. They enter the urinary tract through the urethra, inflaming and inflecting the bladder and producing cystitis.

Sometimes, the infections get to the kidneys, producing fever and pain, and are much more severe than these that only touch the bladder.

There are children more predisposed to such infections because of abnormalities of the urinary tract. A series of tests may provide information and solutions.

By Rodney Kadel

Labels: infection urinary, infection urinary tract, urinary, urinary infections, urinary tract, urinary tract infection, urinary tract infection symptoms, urinary tract infections, urine infection, uti symptoms

Many people think of urinary tract infections as bladder infections. While this is sometimes the case, the bladder is only one part of the urinary tract. The infection could be located in the bladder, urethra, ureters or kidneys. The general rule of thumb is that the higher up the urinary tract the infection is, the more serious it is. So, a kidney infection is much more serious than a urethral one. But that does not mean infections of the lower urinary tract are any less painful.

Once you have had a bladder infection, it is very likely you will have one again in the future. Around 40% of all women will have a UTI at some point in their lives. Of these, 75% will have one again later down the line. Only 12% of men have urinary tract infections.

No one knows exactly why women are so much more prone to these infections, but one common idea is that the urethra and anus are very close together in women, making it much more likely for bacteria to invade the urinary tract and cause an infection. Another possibility is the fact that the urethra in women is quite short, while in men it is much longer. Bacteria have to travel farther in men to reach the bladder, making the likelihood of a bladder infection or upper urinary tract infection much less likely.

If you have had a urinary tract infection before, you will definitely know when you are getting one again. The symptoms are pretty obvious and uncomfortable. Here are some of the most common signs of a lower urinary tract infection:

- Pain while urinating

- Burning feeling while urinating

- Frequent need to urinate

- Waking up in the middle of the night to urinate

- Urgent need to urinate or it feels as though you cannot hold urine

- Even after you urinate you still feel as though you need to empty your bladder

- Blood in the urine

- Cloudy urine

- Bad smelling urine

- Pain in the abdomen

- A slight fever

Luckily, all it takes is a simple test to determine whether or not you have a urinary tract infection. There are many types available as well. You can urinate in a cup and then use a dipstick in the specimen then read the results. You can urinate directly on the test strip. You will need to head off to the doctor to get antibiotics to treat it, however. A UTI left untreated can travel up the urinary tract into the ureters or kidneys. Symptoms of an upper urinary tract infection include:

- High fever

- Chills

- Nausea

- Pain in your side—usually only on one side—just above your hip.

- Vomiting

- Symptoms of lower urinary tract infection (sometimes)

If you are exhibiting signs of an upper urinary tract infection, see your doctor immediately. You may even need to seek urgent care. This can be very serious so the earlier you obtain treatment, the better off you will be.

If you have symptoms of a lower urinary tract infection, you should see your doctor right away as well. However, if you cannot get an appointment for a day or two, drink plenty of water and cranberry juice and eliminate sugary, acidic, and caffeinated drinks or foods from your diet. You can also use over the counter medications to help ease the symptoms while you wait to be treated.

By Brenda Stokes

Labels: infection urinary, infection urinary tract, urinary, urinary infections, urinary tract, urinary tract infection, urinary tract infection symptoms, urinary tract infections, urine infection