Urinary tract infection

URINARY SYSTEMS – Urinary tract infection

Passing of urine is so very important to clean our blood or body. Urine is normally sterile, till it gets lodged in the bladder. The main contamination occurs from urethra which usually has bacteria. The problem in secretion of urine, its storage and carrying can reflect as infection. During the infective process, the natural defence mechanism increases the frequency of urination to wash away the infective bacteria. Normally, people urinate about 6 to 8 times a day.
This will go up to 20-30 times in case of urinary tract infection. But, due to frequent urination, the volume of urine goes on decreasing. In most complicated cases, it may even cause passing of few drops or complete absence of urine (Anuria) or inability to pass urine.
The urinary tract infection, commonly abbreviated as UTI, is the infection of the urinary system. It may be due to bacterial infection or due to concentrated acidic urine which can irritate the mucous membranes of the urinary tract which attracts or is followed by bacterial infection. As infection proceeds or persists, the mucous membrane of the urinary tract becomes swollen and obstructs the pathway of urine, so that urine is passed with great difficulty. When the swelling obstructs and blocks the way of flushing out the bacteria, symptoms (discomfort and pain) and complications begin.

Incidences and risk personalities

• Women – are more likely to have urinary tract infections since anatomically the urethra, vagina and anus are present very close to each other. So, any infection or contamination can easily spread to the other. Also, unlike the male urethra, the female urethra is very short i.e. only 1½ inches. So any infection can easily spread into the bladder. People who are more prone to infection are:
• Women who often suffer from white discharges, constipation, etc.
• Old women who suffer from poor vascularity, loss of skin texture, dryness and cracks of the parts, prolapse uterus or vagina, etc.
• Pregnant women due to change of position of the urinary tract

Men

• Old men are more likely to suffer from UTI recurrently since their enlarged prostate can act as a reservoir for bacteria
• Phimosis (condition where the foreskin of the penis cannot be retracted fully) which obstructs the pathway of the urine and spreads the infection

Babies – girls suffer more than boys. The suffering is mainly due to stool contamination on using diaper or not being clean. Affected babies will cry during urination

Sexually active adults – Sexual activity can cause UTI in women if the parts are dry and crack during activity. Also sexual activity can contaminate the urethra with vaginal secretions.

Diabetic patients – sugar excreted in the urine helps bacteria to grow, so such patients have recurrent infection unless properly treated.
Causes: Everyone might have suffered from UTI at one time or the other, after travel for a long time or after reduced intake of water or after heavy running or after sex or after operative procedures which involves catheterisation of the bladder for passing urine or bathing for a long time in contaminated water, etc. What is the main cause behind it? It is the bacteria. It enters the urinary system when there is lack of hygienic condition or weak resistance.
Some of the other causes are:
1) Lack of frequent urination or washing out the bacteria or stagnation of urine
2) Presence of residual urine in prostate problems or bladder complaints
3) Lack of proper function of urethral sphincter
4) Feacal contamination of urethra or high infection of E.coli bacteria in the alimentary tract
5) Reflux of urine into the ureter, when there is obstruction or stenosis of urethra or uretric valve damage
6) Diseases like diabetes, systemic lupus erythematous, kidney disorders, sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS, cancer, etc., which weaken the immune system
Symptoms – are usually alarming and make the patient restless. Symptoms usually vary according to the type and place of infection. In many cases, routine urine test often reveals the pus cells and bacteria, but sometimes there won’t be a symptom at all. In such cases, there is a greater risk of getting deeper infection due to constant infection.

The common signs of UTI are:

• Frequent uncontrollable urge for urination with great fear of pain
• Very little urine or even few drops may be passed at times due to frequent urination
• Lower abdominal pain with fever usually associated with rigor
• Burning pain at the start or during or after urination
• High coloured and strong smelling urine
• Bloody or cloudy urine which indicate the presence of blood cells. If the infection is greater, occurrence of blood in urine can indicate the location of infection. If blood appears at the start of urination and then if urine flow is normal in colour – it indicates infection in the urethra. If blood appears pinkish i.e. totally mixed with urine, then the infection may be in the bladder or above it. If blood appears microscopically, then it could be due to anaemia, mild infection, etc.
• Nausea, vomiting and low back pain are also associated with UTI

Infection of urethra (Urethritis) often occurs after sexual activity. It is the most common symptom of sexually transmitted diseases. It can also be due to faecal contamination. The urethritis pain will be more in the beginning of urination and diminishes with the flow.
Infection of bladder (Cystitis) – It is often noticed with frequent, little urination since the infected bladder cannot hold urine for a long time. Also, it cannot empty fully due to pain while contraction. The sharp pain with catch of breath during the middle and end of urination usually indicates bladder infection.
Infection of ureter (Ureteritis) is often identified with colicky pain in the lower abdomen or flanks. The main cause of infection is due to the descending of renal stone or from bacterial infection from the reflux urine which enters the ureter from the bladder.
Infection of kidney (Pyelonephritis) occurs in untreated cases of UTI with pain in the lumbar area and has other symptoms of nausea and vomiting.
Effects of UTI

• Urinary tract infection can reflect in BP due to deranged body water metabolism
• It can also cause weakness or anaemia due to excretion of essential things like glucose, proteins, blood cells, etc. These occurrences are mainly due to improper absorption in the kidney due to fast elimination of urine to wash off the bacteria.

Diagnosis of UTI in the initial period itself is essential to arrest the progress of the disease and complications. So, if there is any lumbar pain or lower abdomen pain or burning urination, it is better to do urinalysis. If there is any findings or if complaints persist even after routine treatment, it is better to evaluate with culture and imaging studies like X-rays, IVP, ultrasound scan, CT, MRI, etc. Finally, if necessary, cystoscope can help in analysing the wall of the bladder or urinary tract. Early diagnosis & care for UTI in pregnant women with routine urinalysis should be advised since BP, renal damage can complicate pregnancy and delivery.

Ways to prevent recurrent UTI
General precaution
Take
Plenty of water, tender coconut water, fruit juices, buttermilk, lime juice, etc.
Diet rich in vegetables, spinach, radish, cucumber, fruits, garlic, onion and dairy products
Develop habits of
Urinating often to wash off the bacteria and to avoid stagnation of urine
Wearing loose and cotton dresses
Taking care while cleaning the anus after passing stool, to avoid contamination of the urinary tract
Urination after sexual activity since it can wash away the bacteria
Avoid
Sprays and lotions used for getting quick erection and better sex
Spermicidal condoms which can cause irritation
Use
Lubricated condoms
Lubricants if there is dryness of parts during sexual activity
Other methods of birth control measures, if copper T irritates and causes UTI often
For getting fast relief during UTI
Take

• Plenty of water since water is the first medicine. The water not only washes away the bacteria, but also dilutes the concentrated urine and bacterial colonies, so that the symptom will disappear at the earliest
• Barley water and tender coconut water often

Vitamin C and zinc for fast healing 
Avoid

• Sweets, coffee, tea, beer, alcohol and cold beverages
• Sexual activity

Controlling urine for a long time

Complications of UTI – If left untreated, complications often occur. The bacteria which enters the urinary system first irritates the system and later on infects the kidney, putting one’s life in danger. Finally kidney damage occurs and causes Anuria (absence of urine). Catheterisation or other surgical procedures may be required to let out urine in cases of total obstruction. Most people give up treatment mid-way and then end up with complications. So, difficulty in urination or painful urination or UTI should be interrogated and treated to eliminate the bacteria completely from the body.
General treatment: Normally, powerful antibiotics are prescribed for treating UTI. Even then, some suffer from UTI constantly. In such cases, the bacteria may become stubborn and persist due to lesser intake of water or infrequent urination. So, along with treatment, everyone should also take precautions and preventive measures. A course of antibiotics may be required to root out the bacteria. Stopping the medication just after getting better should be cautioned for the main reason of recurrent stubborn infection i.e. if the patient didn’t complete the course of antibiotics to eliminate the entire colonies of bacteria, they will continue to have bacteria in the urinary tract. Also, it should be informed that it is better to do a culture test after completing treatment to confirm the absence of bacteria. The recurrent suffering or taking antibiotics constantly will usually make the bacteria immune to drugs or antibiotics.
Homeopathic approach to UTI – The symptoms of urinary tract infection can be stubborn and persistent or recur even after routine treatment. This sort of immune tendency of the bacteria can be aborted easily by Homeopathy. Nowadays, bacteria are suspected to be the main causative factor of infection, but the real ultimate cause is our susceptibility to the bacteria or disease. Homeopathic treatment usually elevates resistance or immunity and diminishes the chance of getting recurrent infection.
When Homeopathy treatment can help very well, what is the need to go for other bitter or painful procedures like heavy antibiotics, IV drips, catheterisation, etc., which can lead to complications later. Homeopathy just ignites the curing process by stimulating the resistance force. Nature takes care of the rest and plays in elimination of bacteria completely from our body and prevents recurrence also. Homoeopathy not only relieves the condition, but also cures the condition, without any persistent usage of drugs or dependency or habit forming or side-effects. Homeopathy can give solutions for a lifetime if we take medicines regularly and follow preventive measures. There are many drugs in Homeopathy which can act like a catheter and bring out the urine freely from the bladder without any surgical intervention.
Homeopathic medicines commonly used in cases of urinary complaints are Acid Nit, Apis mel, Belladonna, Berberis vulgaris, Borax, Cantharis, Clematis, Colocynth, Equisetum, Hydrastis, Lycopodium, Mer cor, Nux vom, Pulsatilla, Rhus tox, Sarsaparilla, Staphysagria, Sulphur, Terebinth, etc. These Medicines should be taken under the advice and diagnosis of a qualified Homeopath.

for new hope

Dr. S. Chidambaranathan, BHMS, MD (Homeo)

Laxmi Homeo Clinic

24 E. New Mahalipatti Road

Madurai, TN 625 001

India

Tel:  +91-452-233-8833 | +91-984-319-1011 (Mob)

Fax: +91-452-233-0196

E-mail:  drcheena@yahoo.com

www.drcheena.com / www.drcheena.in

SPECIALIZED YOGA PROGRAM COULD HELP WOMEN WITH URINARY INCONTINENCE

An ancient form of meditation and exercise could help women who suffer from urinary incontinence, according to a new study from UC San Francisco.

In a study scheduled to be published on April 25, 2014 in Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery, the official journal of the American Urogynecologic Society, UCSF researchers discovered that a yoga training program, designed to improve pelvic health, can help women gain more control over their urination and avoid accidental urine leakage.

"Yoga is often directed at mindful awareness, increasing relaxation, and relieving anxiety and stress," said first author Alison Huang, MD, assistant professor in the UCSF School of Medicine. "For these reasons, yoga has been directed at a variety of other conditions -- metabolic syndrome or pain syndromes -- but there's also a reason to think that it could help for incontinence as well."

Huang and her colleagues recruited 20 women from the Bay Area who were 40 years and older and who suffered from urinary incontinence on a daily basis. Half were randomly assigned to take part in a six-week yoga therapy program and the other half were not. The women who took part in the yoga program experienced an overall 70 percent improvement -- or reduction -- in the frequency of their urine leakage compared to the baseline. The control group -- or the group that did not start yoga therapy -- only had 13 percent improvement. Most of the observed improvement in incontinence was in stress incontinence, or urine leakage brought on by activities that increase abdominal pressure such as coughing, sneezing, and bending over.

Huang and her colleagues believe that yoga can improve urinary incontinence through more than one mechanism. Because incontinence is associated with anxiety and depression, women suffering from incontinence may benefit from yoga's emphasis on mindful meditation and relaxation. But regular practice of yoga may also help women strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor that support the bladder and protect against incontinence.

"We thought this would be a good opportunity for women to use yoga to become more aware of and have more control over their pelvic floor muscles," Huang said.

Approximately 25 million adults in America suffer from some form of urinary incontinence, according to the National Association for Continence. Up to 80 percent of them are women. Urinary incontinence becomes more common as women age, although many younger women also suffer from it.

"We specifically developed a yoga therapy program that would be safe for older women, including women with minor mobility limitations," Huang said. "So we were partially assessing safety of this program for older women who are at highest risk for having incontinence in the first place."

Not all types of yoga may help with urinary incontinence. The yoga program used in the study was specially designed with input from yoga consultants Leslie Howard and Judith Hanson Lasater, who have experience teaching women to practice yoga in ways that will improve their pelvic health. Still Huang and her colleagues believe that many women in the community can be taught to preserve pelvic muscle strength and prevent incontinence.

"It would be a way for women to gain more control over their pelvic floor muscles without having to go through traditional costly and time-intensive rehabilitation therapy," Huang said.

Men were not included in this study because urinary incontinence in men is often related to problems related to the prostate, which may be less likely to improve with yoga. Huang and her colleagues hope to eventually build on this study and double the length of the study to 12 weeks.

Neuropathy In The Genital Urinary System

Today's post from blog.diabetv.com (see link below) looks at a subject that many neuropathy patients may literally keep 'below their belts' thanks to societal embarrassment but it's surprisingly common, especially with people living with autonomic neuropathy over which they have no control. It's about so-called genito-urinary neuropathy which basically means, dysfunction of your bladder, digestive system and sexual performance. It's a useful post especially if you're a bit older because many of you will put the symptoms down to ageing and normal reduction of function due to age. It may not be that, so it's worth talking to your doctor or neurologist to see what, if anything can be done. Worth a read for all neuropathy patients (men and women). By the way, the article suggests that it only affects those with diabetes - absolutely not true - it can apply to all people living with neuropathy.

WHAT IS GENITOURINARY NEUROPATHY?
Posted by Dr. Leonel Porta

  Genitourinary neuropathy is another major forms of Autonomic Neuropathy that occurs in men and women with diabetes mellitus. The exact prevalence is unknown but in most of these patients are asymptomatic, however it is believed that up to half of the diabetics suffering from complications can have it.

The involvement of the lumbo-sacral innervation alters the proper functioning of the urogenital system, causing manifestations such as Neurogenic Bladder and Sexual Dysfunction.

Neurogenic Bladder and Diabetic Cystopathy: It is characterized by the loss of sensation of a full bladder due to decreased sensitivity to bladder distention. One in every two diabetics suffer from it. Symptoms usually appear in a progressively unpleasant way. The main symptom is a decreased frequency of urination, especially at night, with an increased volume of the first morning urination above 400mL. Later manifestations are an incomplete emptying of the bladder, bladder distention, urinary stasis and, in rarer cases, urinary incontinence.

Neurogenic bladder is a hypotonic bladder, and the presence of residual urine in it , predisposes to recurrent urinary tract infections, which can lead to long-term kidney failure. Diagnosis can be made by an ultrasound that shows the residual urine or by Flow Cystometry, which evaluates the neural pathways. In many cases a mechanical voiding of the bladder using urinary catheters probes is advisable as a relief measure.

Male sexual dysfunction: This is one of the most common clinical signs of Genitourinary Neuropathy and it is often the first manifestation of Autonomic Neuropathy, being three times more likely to be occurring in diabetics. The cause is multifactorial and includes neuropathy, vascular disease, metabolic abnormalities, and psychological factors. It is based on the alteration of erection and ejaculation. Erectile Dysfunction is defined as the consistent inability to achieve and maintain an erection for a satisfactory sexual intercourse. It must happen repeatedly and never change during several months and occur in more than 50% of the sexual intercourse encounters to be considered as such. Impotence, as it is known colloquially, can progress from partial to total within a few years until it becomes familiarly irreversible.

Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction has been previously cited in DiabeTV. It includes dietary habits changes, psychological counseling, administration of drugs such as Sildenafil, Tadalafil or Vardenafil and, ultimately, to the placement a prostheses within the penis. On the other hand, ejaculatory disorders are less frequent. This is caused by alterations in the sympathetic nervous system and must be treated under strict medical supervision.

Female sexual dysfunction. It is a decreased sexual desire (libido), anorgasmia (lack of orgasm), and dyspareunia (painful intercourse) due to inadequate vaginal lubrication. We invite you to read the article about how to overcome vaginal dryness posted by DiabeTV.

Genitourinary Neuropathy is one of those complications of diabetes that can be prevented if the basic recommendations known by most diabetic patients are followed. A balanced diet, physical activity, and an adequate glycemic control, together with a routine medical evaluation can spare you from multiple diabetic complications. Those can make your life miserable, lower your self-esteem and affect your quality of life.

http://blog.diabetv.com/what-is-genitourinary-neuropathy/

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR URINARY INCONTINENCE

Urinary incontinence — the loss of bladder control — is a common and often embarrassing problem. The severity ranges from occasionally leaking urine when you cough or sneeze to having an urge to urinate that's so sudden and strong you don't get to a toilet in time.

Cause-Urinary incontinence isn't a disease, it's a symptom. It can be caused by everyday habits, underlying medical conditions or physical problems. A thorough evaluation by your doctor can help determine what's behind your incontinence.

Temporary urinary incontinence

Certain drinks, foods and medications can act as diuretics — stimulating your bladder and increasing your volume of urine. They include:

·         Alcohol

·         Caffeine

·         Decaffeinated tea and coffee

·         Carbonated drinks

·         Artificial sweeteners

·         Corn syrup

·         Foods that are high in spice, sugar or acid, especially citrus fruits

·         Heart and blood pressure medications, sedatives, and muscle relaxants

·         Large doses of vitamins B or C

Urinary incontinence also may be caused by an easily treatable medical condition, such as:

·         Urinary tract infection. Infections can irritate your bladder, causing you to have strong urges to urinate, and sometimes incontinence. Other signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection include a burning sensation when you urinate and foul-smelling urine.

·         Constipation. The rectum is located near the bladder and shares many of the same nerves. Hard, compacted stool in your rectum causes these nerves to be overactive and increase urinary frequency.

Persistent urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence can also be a persistent condition caused by underlying physical problems or changes, including:

·         Pregnancy. Hormonal changes and the increased weight of the uterus can lead to stress incontinence.

·         Childbirth. Vaginal delivery can weaken muscles needed for bladder control and also damage bladder nerves and supportive tissue, leading to a dropped (prolapsed) pelvic floor. With prolapse, the bladder, uterus, rectum or small intestine can get pushed down from the usual position and protrude into the vagina. Such protrusions can be associated with incontinence.

·         Changes with age. Aging of the bladder muscle can decrease the bladder's capacity to store urine.

·         Menopause. After menopause women produce less estrogen, a hormone that helps keep the lining of the bladder and urethra healthy. Deterioration of these tissues can aggravate incontinence.

·         Hysterectomy. In women, the bladder and uterus are supported by many of the same muscles and ligaments. Any surgery that involves a woman's reproductive system, including removal of the uterus, may damage the supporting pelvic floor muscles, which can lead to incontinence.

·         Enlarged prostate. Especially in older men, incontinence often stems from enlargement of the prostate gland, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia.

·         Prostate cancer. In men, stress incontinence or urge incontinence can be associated with untreated prostate cancer. But more often, incontinence is a side effect of treatments for prostate cancer.

·         Obstruction. A tumor anywhere along your urinary tract can block the normal flow of urine, leading to overflow incontinence. Urinary stones — hard, stone-like masses that form in the bladder — sometimes cause urine leakage.

·         Neurological disorders. Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, stroke, a brain tumor or a spinal injury can interfere with nerve signals involved in bladder control, causing urinary incontinence.

Symptoms-- Some people experience occasional, minor leaks of urine. Others wet their clothes frequently.

Types of urinary incontinence include:

·         Stress incontinence. Urine leaks when you exert pressure on your bladder by coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising or lifting something heavy.

·         Urge incontinence. You have a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by an involuntary loss of urine. You may need to urinate often, including throughout the night. Urge incontinence may be caused by a minor condition, such as infection, or a more severe condition such as neurologic disorder or diabetes.

·         Overflow incontinence. You experience frequent or constant dribbling of urine due to a bladder that doesn't empty completely.

·         Functional incontinence. A physical or mental impairment keeps you from making it to the toilet in time. For example, if you have severe arthritis, you may not be able to unbutton your pants quickly enough.

·         Mixed incontinence. You experience more than one type of urinary incontinence.

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

CAUSTICUM  200-CM—Homoeopathic medicine Causticum is the leading remedy for this condition. There is involuntary passage of urine during coughing , laughing and sneezingIt has not only control of urine but also any associated complaints of arthritis and spondylitis

AMRA GRESIA  30—200—Another excellent remedy for urinary incontinence. Feeling in urethra as if a few drops passed out. Burning and itching in urethra while urinating

EQUISETUM Q- Incontinence day and night. Profuse emission

BENZOIC ACID – 3X—Incontinence  with very strong odor of urine

VERBASCUM  30—Constant dribbling of urine

KALI PHOS  6X—Due to nervous debility

Urinary tract infection

Urinary tract infection

URINARY SYSTEMS – Urinary tract infection

Passing of urine is so very important to clean our blood or body. Urine is normally sterile, till it gets lodged in the bladder. The main contamination occurs from urethra which usually has bacteria. The problem in secretion of urine, its storage and carrying can reflect as infection. During the infective process, the natural defence mechanism increases the frequency of urination to wash away the infective bacteria. Normally, people urinate about 6 to 8 times a day.

This will go up to 20-30 times in case of urinary tract infection. But, due to frequent urination, the volume of urine goes on decreasing. In most complicated cases, it may even cause passing of few drops or complete absence of urine (Anuria) or inability to pass urine.

The urinary tract infection, commonly abbreviated as UTI, is the infection of the urinary system. It may be due to bacterial infection or due to concentrated acidic urine which can irritate the mucous membranes of the urinary tract which attracts or is followed by bacterial infection. As infection proceeds or persists, the mucous membrane of the urinary tract becomes swollen and obstructs the pathway of urine, so that urine is passed with great difficulty. When the swelling obstructs and blocks the way of flushing out the bacteria, symptoms (discomfort and pain) and complications begin.

Incidences and risk personalities

• Women – are more likely to have urinary tract infections since anatomically the urethra, vagina and anus are present very close to each other. So, any infection or contamination can easily spread to the other. Also, unlike the male urethra, the female urethra is very short i.e. only 1½ inches. So any infection can easily spread into the bladder. People who are more prone to infection are:
• Women who often suffer from white discharges, constipation, etc.
• Old women who suffer from poor vascularity, loss of skin texture, dryness and cracks of the parts, prolapse uterus or vagina, etc.
• Pregnant women due to change of position of the urinary tract

Men

• Old men are more likely to suffer from UTI recurrently since their enlarged prostate can act as a reservoir for bacteria
• Phimosis (condition where the foreskin of the penis cannot be retracted fully) which obstructs the pathway of the urine and spreads the infection

Babies – girls suffer more than boys. The suffering is mainly due to stool contamination on using diaper or not being clean. Affected babies will cry during urination

Sexually active adults – Sexual activity can cause UTI in women if the parts are dry and crack during activity. Also sexual activity can contaminate the urethra with vaginal secretions.

Diabetic patients – sugar excreted in the urine helps bacteria to grow, so such patients have recurrent infection unless properly treated.

Causes: Everyone might have suffered from UTI at one time or the other, after travel for a long time or after reduced intake of water or after heavy running or after sex or after operative procedures which involves catheterisation of the bladder for passing urine or bathing for a long time in contaminated water, etc. What is the main cause behind it? It is the bacteria. It enters the urinary system when there is lack of hygienic condition or weak resistance.
Some of the other causes are:

1) Lack of frequent urination or washing out the bacteria or stagnation of urine

2) Presence of residual urine in prostate problems or bladder complaints

3) Lack of proper function of urethral sphincter

4) Feacal contamination of urethra or high infection of E.coli bacteria in the alimentary tract

5) Reflux of urine into the ureter, when there is obstruction or stenosis of urethra or uretric valve damage

6) Diseases like diabetes, systemic lupus erythematous, kidney disorders, sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS, cancer, etc., which weaken the immune system

Symptoms – are usually alarming and make the patient restless. Symptoms usually vary according to the type and place of infection. In many cases, routine urine test often reveals the pus cells and bacteria, but sometimes there won’t be a symptom at all. In such cases, there is a greater risk of getting deeper infection due to constant infection.

The common signs of UTI are:

• Frequent uncontrollable urge for urination with great fear of pain
• Very little urine or even few drops may be passed at times due to frequent urination
• Lower abdominal pain with fever usually associated with rigor
• Burning pain at the start or during or after urination
• High coloured and strong smelling urine
• Bloody or cloudy urine which indicate the presence of blood cells. If the infection is greater, occurrence of blood in urine can indicate the location of infection. If blood appears at the start of urination and then if urine flow is normal in colour – it indicates infection in the urethra. If blood appears pinkish i.e. totally mixed with urine, then the infection may be in the bladder or above it. If blood appears microscopically, then it could be due to anaemia, mild infection, etc.
• Nausea, vomiting and low back pain are also associated with UTI

Infection of urethra (Urethritis) often occurs after sexual activity. It is the most common symptom of sexually transmitted diseases. It can also be due to faecal contamination. The urethritis pain will be more in the beginning of urination and diminishes with the flow.

Infection of bladder (Cystitis) – It is often noticed with frequent, little urination since the infected bladder cannot hold urine for a long time. Also, it cannot empty fully due to pain while contraction. The sharp pain with catch of breath during the middle and end of urination usually indicates bladder infection.

Infection of ureter (Ureteritis) is often identified with colicky pain in the lower abdomen or flanks. The main cause of infection is due to the descending of renal stone or from bacterial infection from the reflux urine which enters the ureter from the bladder.

Infection of kidney (Pyelonephritis) occurs in untreated cases of UTI with pain in the lumbar area and has other symptoms of nausea and vomiting.

Effects of UTI

• Urinary tract infection can reflect in BP due to deranged body water metabolism
• It can also cause weakness or anaemia due to excretion of essential things like glucose, proteins, blood cells, etc. These occurrences are mainly due to improper absorption in the kidney due to fast elimination of urine to wash off the bacteria.

Diagnosis of UTI in the initial period itself is essential to arrest the

progress of the disease and complications. So, if there is any lumbar pain or lower abdomen pain or burning urination, it is better to do urinalysis. If there is any findings or if complaints persist even after routine treatment, it is better to evaluate with culture and imaging studies like X-rays, IVP, ultrasound scan, CT, MRI, etc. Finally, if necessary, cystoscope can help in analysing the wall of the bladder or urinary tract. Early diagnosis & care for UTI in pregnant women with routine urinalysis should be advised since BP, renal damage can complicate pregnancy and delivery.

Ways to prevent recurrent UTI

General precaution

Take

Plenty of water, tender coconut water, fruit juices, buttermilk, lime juice, etc.
Diet rich in vegetables, spinach, radish, cucumber, fruits, garlic, onion and dairy products

Develop habits of
Urinating often to wash off the bacteria and to avoid stagnation of urine
Wearing loose and cotton dresses
Taking care while cleaning the anus after passing stool, to avoid contamination of the urinary tract
Urination after sexual activity since it can wash away the bacteria

Avoid

Sprays and lotions used for getting quick erection and better sex
Spermicidal condoms which can cause irritation

Use

Lubricated condoms
Lubricants if there is dryness of parts during sexual activity
Other methods of birth control measures, if copper T irritates and causes UTI often

For getting fast relief during UTI

Take

• Plenty of water since water is the first medicine. The water not only washes away the bacteria, but also dilutes the concentrated urine and bacterial colonies, so that the symptom will disappear at the earliest
• Barley water and tender coconut water often

Vitamin C and zinc for fast healing 

Avoid

• Sweets, coffee, tea, beer, alcohol and cold beverages
• Sexual activity

Controlling urine for a long time

Complications of UTI – If left untreated, complications often occur. The bacteria which enters the urinary system first irritates the system and later on infects the kidney, putting one’s life in danger. Finally kidney damage occurs and causes Anuria (absence of urine). Catheterisation or other surgical procedures may be required to let out urine in cases of total obstruction. Most people give up treatment mid-way and then end up with complications. So, difficulty in urination or painful urination or UTI should be interrogated and treated to eliminate the bacteria completely from the body.

General treatment: Normally, powerful antibiotics are prescribed for treating UTI. Even then, some suffer from UTI constantly. In such cases, the bacteria may become

stubborn and persist due to lesser intake of water or infrequent urination. So, along with treatment, everyone should also take precautions and preventive measures. A course of antibiotics may be required to root out the bacteria. Stopping the medication just after getting better should be cautioned for the main reason of recurrent stubborn infection i.e. if the patient didn’t complete the course of antibiotics to eliminate the entire colonies of bacteria, they will continue to have bacteria in the urinary tract. Also, it should be informed that it is better to do a culture test after completing treatment to confirm the absence of bacteria. The recurrent suffering or taking antibiotics constantly will usually make the bacteria immune to drugs or antibiotics.

Homeopathic approach to UTI – The symptoms of urinary tract infection can be stubborn and persistent or recur even after routine treatment. This sort of immune tendency of the bacteria can be aborted easily by Homeopathy. Nowadays, bacteria are suspected to be the main causative factor of infection, but the real ultimate cause is our susceptibility to the bacteria or disease. Homeopathic treatment usually elevates resistance or immunity and diminishes the chance of getting recurrent infection.

When Homeopathy treatment can help very well, what is the need to go for other bitter or painful procedures like heavy antibiotics, IV drips, catheterisation, etc., which can lead to complications later. Homeopathy just ignites the curing process by stimulating the resistance force. Nature takes care of the rest and plays in elimination of bacteria completely from our body and prevents recurrence also. Homoeopathy not only relieves the condition, but also cures the condition, without any persistent usage of drugs or dependency or habit forming or side-effects. Homeopathy can give solutions for a lifetime if we take medicines regularly and follow preventive measures. There are many drugs in Homeopathy which can act like a catheter and bring out the urine freely from the bladder without any surgical intervention.

Homeopathic medicines commonly used in cases of urinary complaints are Acid Nit, Apis mel, Belladonna, Berberis vulgaris, Borax, Cantharis, Clematis, Colocynth, Equisetum, Hydrastis, Lycopodium, Mer cor, Nux vom, Pulsatilla, Rhus tox, Sarsaparilla, Staphysagria, Sulphur, Terebinth, etc. These Medicines should be taken under the advice and diagnosis of a qualified Homeopath.

for new hope

Dr. S. Chidambaranathan, BHMS, MD (Homeo)

Laxmi Homeo Clinic

24 E. New Mahalipatti Road

Madurai, TN 625 001

India

Tel:  +91-452-233-8833 | +91-984-319-1011 (Mob)

Fax: +91-452-233-0196

E-mail:  drcheena@yahoo.com

www.drcheena.com  / www.drcheena.in

(Disclaimer - The contents of this column are for informational purpose only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional healthcare advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of healthcare professional for any health problem or medical condition.)