Urinary Tract InfectionsUrinary tract infections (UTI's) is a general term for bacterial infections that develop in the urinary tract. Urine is usually sterile and free of bacteria or viruses. An infection can occur when bacteria enters the urethra. If the infection is limited to the urethra, it's called eurethritis. If the bacteria reach the bladder and cause an infection there, it's called cystitis, which is the most common type of UTI, commonly referred to as a bladder infection. If left untreated, bacteria can reach the kidneys. A urinary tract infection in the kidneys is also known as pyelonephritis. It can be a very serious infection, but if treated quickly, there is usually no permanent damage. Urinary tract infections are most commonly caused by stool bacteria called Escherichia Coli (E. coli). This is very common in women because of the close proximity of the opening of the urethra to the anal opening. In most cases, the body can fight off the bacteria, but women, especially are more prone to infection, especially older women. Changes in hormonal levels increase the likelihood of urinary tract infectionsAs women enter menopause, hormonal levels begin to change and the entire body is affected. With lower levels of estrogen, the urethra shortens minimizing its defense against bacteria.It becomes more difficult to empty out the bladder, due to loss in elasticity, which can create a breeding ground for bacteria to multiply. The acidic environment of the vagina changes causing it to be more susceptible to infection. The immune system weakens and women find themselves more susceptible to all kinds of infections. Symptoms
If you suspect that you have UTI, go to your doctor and have your urine tested. It's a quick simple procedure and results are usually given on the spot or within a few hours. If you suffer from UTI's often, additional tests might be needed. TreatmentThe most common treatment for urinary tract infections is antibiotics. For treatment of cystitis, antibiotics are usually prescribed for 3 days and for pyelonephritis, treatment is usually 7 to 14 days.Taking antibiotics has some drawbacks. Although excellent results are attained by many women, because of the frequency that antibiotics are used for urinary tract infections, bacteria are building a resistance to antibiotics, making them less and less effective. Antibiotics can also weaken the immune system making you prone to more infections. Alternative treatmentsThere are number of treatments that work very effectively and are ultimately healthier for the body. For those women for whom antibiotics have not met their need or for those women who do not want to use antibiotics, the methods below may provide relief.No matter what treatment you decide to use it is very important to see a doctor if you are feeling any symptoms associated with UTI. D-MannoseD-Mannose is a simple sugar similar to glucose. It is found in many fruits including oranges, cranberries and blueberries and is also produced in the body. When a concentrated amount is ingested it attaches itself to the bacteria and prevents them from attaching to the walls of the urinary tract, so bacteria are washed away by urine. D-mannose has no side effects and can be used safely by diabetics.
Cranberry juiceUnsweetened 100% cranberry juice or cranberry extract tablets have been found to be effective for many women. While it was once thought that the acidifying effect on the urine destroyed bacteria, recent research has shown that cranberries contain a low level of D-mannose and other compounds that reduce the ability of bacteria to adhere to the walls of the urinary tract, and are flushed away by urine. In addition, cranberries strengthen the immune system, which helps the body fight off infection.First Aid Self Help for UTIThe pain caused by UTI can be unbearable, especially if it goes untreated for a few days. This can happen especially, for first time infections.When I got a bladder infection for the first time, about 25 years ago, I had no idea what was happening to me. I thought I would go out of my mind with pain, going to the toilet every few minutes and nothing was coming out, and a terrible, burning pain that was unlike anything I had ever felt. Realizing this problem was not going to go away by itself, I finally went to the doctor, received antibiotics and never suffered again until about four years ago, when I remembered the symptoms very quickly. It was the middle of the night, but this time around I had the internet to help me out. Below are some great suggestions that helped me get immediate relief:
What can women boomers do to help reduce the chance of bladder and kidney infections?
|
