Urinary Tract Infection

By: julia85 Click author's name for more of his/her articles

A urinary tract infection ( UTI ) is a bacterial infection that affects any part of the urinary tract. The most common cause of UTI are bacteria from the bowel that live on the skin near the rectum or in the vagina which can spread and enter the urinary tract through the urethra. Urinary tract infections usually develop first in the lower urinary tract (urethra, bladder) and, if not treated, progress to the upper urinary tract (ureters, kidneys). The urinary tract is normally sterile. Uncomplicated UTI involves the urinary bladder in a host without underlying renal or neurologic disease. Urinary tract infection, or UTI, is colonization of microorganisms in the urinary tract in such an amount and such a way that damages or symptoms are produced. When only the urethra and the bladder is affected, it is called lower urinary tract infection. When the ureters and the kidneys are affected, the name used is "upper urinary tract infection".

Symptoms of UTI:

• Pain or burning (discomfort) when urinating

• The need to urinate more often than usual

• A feeling of urgency when you urinate

• Blood or mucus in the urine

• Cramps or pain in the lower abdomen

• Pain during sexual intercourse

• Chills, fever, sweats, leaking of urine (incontinence)

Remedies for UTI:

1. The most effective way to prevent recurring U.T.I.s is to eat a high fiber diet that is properly balanced. Begin to eat at least 5 fruits or vegetables a day to stay regular and flush your body. We recommend these fiber foods that will keep the pH of the urinary tract balanced: kale, spinach, potatoes, yams, zucchini, carrots, squash, onions, broccoli, beet greens, and eggplant, green beans, avocado, grapes, pears, apples and mineral water.

2. Did you know that your kidney is extremely important in the fight against infections? An alfalfa juice concentrate can improve your kidney's function by helping it rid your body of toxins and increase the flow of urine. Another tip would be to use cranberry fruit tablets to aid with the alfalfa juice concentrate. Cranberries contain a compound which can keep the E coli bacteria from adhering to the walls of your bladder.

3. We also recommend using vitamin C and zinc to give your immune system a quick boost. A healthy immunity is extremely important when you are trying to fight off the bacteria associated with the infection.

4. Water! Water! Water! Did you know that 80% of Americans are not getting enough water per day? And when your body is not able to flush itself properly, urinary tract infections are more likely to result because of bacteria being left in the bladder. You should be drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water per day.

5. And lifestyle changes! You should know some simple rules to follow during an infection like wiping from front to back. Never using fragrances or soaps. Eating a balanced diet. And urinating after intercourse.

Urinary tract infections can be treated with antibacterial drugs. After the urine test doctors realize which the type of bacteria is and prescribes treatment. The sensitivity test is also important because it helps doctors to select the optimal treatment and dosage. For normal cases of UTI treatment is not needed for more than 2 days and it can contain trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, amoxicillin, nitrofurantoin and ampicillin. Along with these old types of treatment new drugs like ofloxacin, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin and trovafloxin are used in treating urinary infections.