Urinary Tract Infections - Overview

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) affect married women more commonly. They often have to deal with abdominal discomfort, pain and burning sensations while passing urine. Though antibiotic treatment provides temporary relief, as the condition recurs, it is distressing to their physical and mental health, often posing as a hindrance to their married life. Many even avoid intimacy, and are frightened, confused or unable to express themselves openly. Thus, young and sexually active women develop a condition known as honeymoon pyelitis.

Even menopausal women may suffer from UTIs, largely owing to the lack of oestrogen, which protects the vagina from bad bacteria and prevents infections.

Men and children have also shown susceptibility to UTIs, though in smaller numbers. Elderly men with enlarged prostates seem to develop frequent UTIs owing to the retained urine in their bladder. Poor hygiene, ill health, malnourishment, and kidney and bladder stones are linked to frequent UTIs among children.

In case of diabetics or obese people, matters can become more complicated, as they may end up with a kidney infection.

In recent years, drug resistance has increased with an alarming rate; the probable reason might be an abuse of antibiotics, thanks to easily available over-the-counter drugs. Ignoring such conditions can result in kidney damage and increased drug dependency.

Urinary Tract Infections - Causes

·        kidney stones

·        frequent sex

·        diabetes

·        low immunity

·        spermicidal and tampons

·        antibiotics

·        back flow of urine

Improper emptying of bladder:

·        avoidance in passing urine for a long time

·        enlarged prostate in men

·        pregnancy

·        obesity

Genetic: some women are predisposed to have recurrent UTIs.

Structure: abnormalities of the urinary system can also increase the tendency of recurrent UTIs.

Risk factors

Predisposition to stone formation:

·        increased intake of calcium

·        increased intake of protein

·        starvation or malnourishment

·        hospitalised patients

·        post-menopausal women

·        chronically ill individuals

Triggers:

·        use of non-lubricated condoms or diaphragms for birth control

·        hygiene sprays or perfume douches and bath products

Urinary Tract Infections - Symptoms

The signs and symptoms depend upon the area of involvement in the urinary system, that is, kidney, bladder and/or urethra.

If the kidneys are involved, there may be:

·        pain along the sides (flanks) and lower back

·        nausea and vomiting

·        fever with chills (shivering)

If the bladder is involved, there may be:

·        constant urge to urinate

·        urinary incontinence

·        burning sensation while passing urine

·        blood in urine

If the urethra is involved, there may be severe burning pains while passing urine.

Urinary Tract Infections - Diagnosis

·        A detailed, clinical evaluation will include understanding signs and symptoms to identify upper or lower UTI.

·        Based on identified causes, triggering and risk factors,

·        Blood test and urine analysis are necessary to understand the extent of infection.

·        An X-ray, sonography or expert opinion may be considered in complicated or long-standing cases of UTI.

The above parameters will help design a customised treatment plan and further management for patients with UTI.

Complications

·        Chronic UTIs

·        Nephrotic syndrome that involves loss of protein in the urine, resulting in fluid retention (swelling) of the body

·        Hydronephrosis, or swelling of the kidneys due to an obstruction in any part of the urinary tract, commonly seen in kidney stones

·        Permanent kidney damage, leading to scar formation, affecting kidney functioning and resulting in chronic and non-responding anaemia, high blood pressure and kidney failure

·        Pre-term delivery, or delivery before the completion of nine months of pregnancy.

·        Septicemia, or blood poisoning due to the spread of infection.

Urinary Tract Infections - Treatment

Homeopathic treatments ensure safe, sure and easy solutions, without any side-effects for patients of all ages and types, including immune compromised, chronically ill patients.

In a study conducted in Switzerland on some patients with spinal injury, it was found that these patients were resistant to antibiotic treatment, and were a clinical challenge due to their immobility. When homeopathy was added as a supplementary treatment to conventional medicines for these hospitalised, bed-ridden patients, it was found to be effective in preventing the recurrence of UTIs.

Another study published in the Indian Journal of Homeopathy has shown the effectiveness of homeopathic medicines in preventing the formation of kidney stones.

To sum up, a series of case studies supported the effectiveness of homeopathic treatment when given for a sustained period of time as well as helped reduce the tendency of stone formation and normalise creatinine levels in patients with kidney damage.

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