is there any herbal remedy or remedy in general good for urinary tract infection?

Answer 1

Urinary tract infection
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Urinary tract infection
Classifications and external resources ICD-10 N39.0
ICD-9 599.0
DiseasesDB 13657
MedlinePlus 000521
eMedicine emerg/625 UTI Male
emerg/626 UTI Female
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the urinary tract. An infection anywhere from the kidneys to the ureters to the bladder to the urethra qualifies as a urinary tract infection.

Contents [hide]
1 Symptoms & Signs
2 Diagnosis
3 Causative agents
4 Prevention
5 Epidemiology
6 Treatment
6.1 Recurrent UTIs
7 References
8 External links



[edit] Symptoms & Signs
Urethritis: discomfort or pain at the urethral meatus or a burning sensation throughout the urethra with micturition (dysuria).
Cystitis: pain in the midline suprapubic region and/or frequent urination
Hematuria (bloody urine)
Cloudy and foul-smelling urine
High temperature lasting for more than 3 days should be a trigger to get the urine culture done to ascertain whether the fever is due to UTI or not. UTI is very harmful especially in infants since it can cause permanent renal damage.
Nausea and vomiting, accompanied by high fever may indicate a more complicated UTI in which the kidney is infected
Some urinary tract infections are asymptomatic.
Increased confusion and associated falls are common presentations to Emergency Departments for elderly patients with UTI.

[edit] Diagnosis
A patient with dysuria (painful voiding) and urinary frequency generally has a spot mid-stream urine sample sent for urinalysis, specifically the presence of nitrites, leukocytes or leukocyte esterase. If there is a high bacterial load without the presence of leukocytes, it is most likely due to contamination. Pyelonephritis is ruled out by checking for costovertebral angle tenderness (CVAT). The diagnosis of UTI is confirmed by a urine culture.

If the urine culture is negative:

symptoms of urethritis may point at Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrheae infection.
symptoms of cystitis, may point at interstitial cystitis.
in men, prostatitis may present with dysuria.
In severe infection, characterised by fever, rigors or flank pain, urea and creatinine measurements may be performed to assess whether renal function has been affected.


[edit] Causative agents
Common organisms that cause UTIs include: Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. Less common organisms include Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterbacter spp, and Enterococcus spp.

A mnemonic that can be used to remember the bacteria that cause UTIs is SEEK PP (Staph saprophyticus, E. coli, Enterococcus, Klebsiella, Proteus, Pseudomonas).


[edit] Prevention
The following are measures that studies suggest may reduce the incidence of urinary tract infections. These may be appropriate for people, especially women, with recurrent infections:

Cleaning the urethral meatus (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.[1]
It has been advocated that cranberry juice can decrease the incidence of UTI (some of these opinions are referenced in External Links section). 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. A review by the Cochrane Collaboration of randomized controlled trials states 'some evidence from trials to show cranberries (juice and capsules) can prevent recurrent infections in women. Many people in the trials stopped drinking the juice, suggesting it may not be a popular intervention'[2].
For post-menopausal women, a randomized controlled trial has shown that intravaginal application of topical estrogen cream can prevent recurrent cystitis[3]. In this study, patients in the experimental group applied 0.5 mg of estriol vaginal cream nightly for two weeks followed by twice-weekly applications for eight months.
Often long courses of low dose antibiotics are taken at night to help prevent otherwise unexplained cases of recurring cystitis.
Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in preventing new infections in recurrent cases[4] [5] [6]. One study showed that urinary tract infection occurrence was reduced by 50% for 6 months[7]. However, this study has been criticized for several reasons [8]. Acupuncture appears to reduce the total amount of residual urine in the bladder [citation needed]. All of the studies are done by one research team without independent reproduction of results.
The following measures seem sensible, but have not been studied:[citation needed]

Cleaning genital areas prior to and after sexual intercourse.
For sexually active women, and to a lesser extent men, 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.
Not resisting the urge to urinate.
Taking showers, not baths, or urinating soon after taking a bath.
Practicing good hygiene, including wiping from the front to the back to avoid contamination of the urinary tract by faecal pathogens.

[edit] Epidemiology
UTIs are most common in sexually active women, and increase in diabetics and people with sickle-cell disease or anatomical malformations of the urinary tract.

The use of urinary catheters in both men and women who are elderly, people experiencing nervous system disorders and people who are convalescing or unconscious for long periods of time may result in an increased risk of urinary tract infection for a variety of reasons. Scrupulous aseptic technique may decrease this risk. The bladder wall is coated with various mannosylated proteins, such as Tamm-Horsfall proteins (THP), which interfere with the binding of bacteria to the uroepithelium. As binding is an important factor in establishing pathogenicity for these organisms, its disruption results in reduced capacity for invasion of the tissues. Moreover, the unbound bacteria are more easily removed when voiding. The use of urinary catheters (or other physcial trauma) may physically disturb this protective lining, thereby allowing bacteria to invade the exposed epithelium.

Women are more prone to UTIs than males because in females, the urethra is much shorter and closer to the anus than in males. The article on vulvovaginal health has some health tips for preventing UTIs.

A common cause of UTI is an increase in sexual activity, such as vigorous sexual intercourse with a new partner. The term "honeymoon cystitis", although somewhat demeaning, has been applied to this phenomenon[1].


[edit] Treatment
Most uncomplicated UTIs can be treated with oral antibiotics such as trimethoprim, cephalosporins, Macrodantin, or a fluoroquinolone (e.g. ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin). (Whilst co-trimoxazole was previously used (and continues to be used in the U.S.), the additional benefits of the sulphonamide gave little additional benefit compared to the trimethoprim component alone, but was responsible for its both high incidence of mild allergic reactions and rare but serious complications.)

If the patient has symptoms consistent with pyelonephritis, intravenous antibiotics may be indicated.


[edit] Recurrent UTIs
Patients with recurrent UTIs may need further investigation. This 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.

For treatment of recurrent UTI, see prevention section above.


[edit] References
^ Meyhoff H, Nordling J, Gammelgaard P, Vejlsgaard R (1981). "Does antibacterial ointment applied to urethral meatus in women prevent recurrent cystitis?". Scand J Urol Nephrol 15 (2): 81-3. PMID 7036332.
^ Jepson R, Mihaljevic L, Craig J. "Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections.". Cochrane Database Syst Rev: CD001321. PMID 14973968.
^ Raz R, Stamm W (1993). "A controlled trial of intravaginal estriol in postmenopausal women with recurrent urinary tract infections.". N Engl J Med 329 (11): 753-6. PMID 8350884.
^ Aune A, Alraek T, Huo L, Baerheim A (1998). "[Can acupuncture prevent cystitis in women?]". Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen 118 (9): 1370-2. PMID 9599500. (cf acupuncture group, x2 incidents in the sham group, x3 in the control group)
^ Alraek T, Baerheim A (2001). "'An empty and happy feeling in the bladder.. .': health changes experienced by women after acupuncture for recurrent cystitis". Complement Ther Med 9 (4): 219-23. PMID 12184349.
^ Alraek T, Baerheim A (2003). "The effect of prophylactic acupuncture treatment in women with recurrent cystitis: kidney patients fare better". J Altern Complement Med 9 (5): 651-8. PMID 14629843. (highlights need for considering different TCM diagnostic categories in acupuncture research)
^ Alraek T, Soedal L, Fagerheim S, Digranes A, Baerheim A (2002). "Acupuncture treatment in the prevention of uncomplicated recurrent lower urinary tract infections in adult women.". Am J Public Health 92 (10): 1609-11. PMID 12356607.
^ Katz AR (2003). "Urinary tract infections and acupuncture". Am J Public Health 93 (5): 702; author reply 702-3. PMID 12721123 (no abstract).

[edit] External links
NIH articles on Urinary Tract Infections in Adults and in Children.
The IC Community (ICC)
Drug Watch: Cranberry juice reduces bacteriuria and pyuria
MedlinePlus Overview urinarytractinfections
GPnotebook -375783424
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urinary_tract_infection"

Answer 2

If the lab work is positive for bacteria you need to take a look at how often you change his diaper. Do you clean his penis first then his bottom? Is he circumcised? These are questions the doctor may ask you. For a UTI they often give an antibiotic so it won't turn in to a bladder infection. If he continues to develop them they may do an x-ray or ultrasound of the kidneys to find out why they keep happening. If this is just a one time event then there is not much to worry about. Make sure to offer him water to keep the urine less concentrated. Good luck. P.S. why all the thumbs down? I know what I am talking about, I often work in a pediatric unit and these are the most common reasons for pediatric UTI's. Girls usually more than boys for the obvious.

Answer 3

There are several things you can do which may inhibit the bacteria from growing. As several others have already mentioned, cranberry capsules prevent the bacteria from adhering to the inner wall of the bladder because they cause the environment to become acidic. Vitamin C will also help aid in this.

However, what other people do not mention is the DOSE you need to take in order to improve your symptoms. You will need to get a large bottle of 1000mg capsules of Vitamin C, and at least 1-2 bottles of cranberry capsules. I would strongly recommend that you take 1 Vitamin C capsule per half hour, along with 1 cranberry capsule per hour.

Why am I recommending you take so much? The reason for this is that to raise your body's pH level, you need to ingest VERY LARGE quantities of Vitamin C and cranberry concentrate. Otherwise, the vitamins are helpful, but they're not going to make you feel any better because they can't cure your UTI.

Vitamin C is NOT harmful in large doses. If you take too much, you may have some symptoms of loose stools, but that's it. If you go to Wikipedia, you can verify that Vitamin C is not harmful in large doses, in case you're worried. I know some people think vitamins can be toxic in large quantities--and some can--but vitamin C can't.

Good luck with your UTI. The best remedy is going to a doctor and getting a prescription for an antibiotic course, but if you don't have health insurance or can't afford it, you can try to self treat using the tips I mentioned above. Please note that if your symptoms have not improved or resolved within 2 days, you really should go see a doctor ASAP.

Answer 4

Wow-- would you believe I did a whole blog dedicated to overcoming UTIs? Go to http://real-help-for-urinary-infections.blogspot.com/

In the meantime, these are what I would try:

Get your system alkaline-- no, not regular cranberry juice (it's full of sugar) but you can eat whole fruits and drink apple cider vinegar and stevia (non-sugar sweetener that is actually good for you) in either warm or cold filtered water. Drink that, or real lemonade (sweetened with Stevia). Eat juicy organic fruits for a couple of days.

After a couple of days, do a supervised fast. Only sip water. Rest. Take as long as you need to fast to overcome the UTI. Make sure your supervisor is someone who has done quite a few supervised fasts. If you do this and eat a good raw, ripe, organic, fresh vegan diet (raw fruits and vegs and water) for a while, you may NEVER have a UTI in your life again... imagine that!

If you want to try some herbal concoctions, the best ones are listed on my site (above).

God bless-- I hope you get through this forever!

HealthiaCynthia
Certified Comprehensive Coach
Moderator for My Miracle Moments
http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/My_Monday_Miracles/

Answer 5

To get rid of the infection, you will need an antibiotic. If you need something over the counter to relieve symptoms until you can get to the doctor, there is a drug called phenazopyridine hydrochloride, that you can take. Look for AZO or Uristat at the drug store. Drink lots of fluids, especially water and cranberry juice. Make sure you go to the doctor! If you let a urinary tract infection go, it can turn into a kidney infection!

Answer 6

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Answer 7

I haven't heard of any so far but it may be some out there somewhere! But try going to visit your physician and he will give you something for it. After it is cleared up , try drinking plenty of water and eating cranberries or drinking the most potent cranberry juice. Cranberries are good for urinary tract infections. Good luck.

Answer 8

Cranberry pills from the health food store. The juice has too much sugar in it unless you get the organic, unsweetened kind.
Drink a lot of water. And empty your bladder regularly. You want to flush out the bacteria, not hold it in.

Sit in a hot bath. this will give you immediate relief. Temporary, but it helps while you are soaking.

Answer 9

Not an herbal remedy, but a nutritional supplement.....OPC-3. An isotonic supplement that contains grape seed, red wine and pine bark extracts, in addition to bioflavinoids, bilberry and citrus extracts.

Answer 10

I have had them for over 25 years, I own 4 books on the subject, no herbs work ever I have tried a lot of them.
Best thing is to drink 2 glass of water every morning if your prown to it like me. Drink blueberry or cranberry juice (no cocktail it is junk) Antibiotics are the only thing that kills the bacteria...I have suffered all of my life with this it is my curse...guess I should bin nun...I am married it is not easy..

Answer 11

when you have a uti, bacteria builds up on the side of the urinary track walls.To stop or get rid of a uti,you need to take a cranberry pill.Cranberry coats the walls of the uni nary track and prevents the bacteria from sticking to it.DON'T drink cranberry juice.It's to loaded in sugars.Yeast thrives off sugar.If you drink the juice,you may get rid of the uti and end up with a yeast infection.Take the pill and drink TONS of water!!!!