ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES SERIES : 28 : BLADDER INFECTIONS

Kay Kay Healthcare Ltd.

BLADDER INFECTIONS

SYMPTOMS




• A burning sensation when urinating; this is the most common sign of a bladder infection, but any pain or difficulty in urination may also indicate the condition.

• Frequent urge to urinate

• Urine with strong ,foul odor

• In the elderly; lethargy, incontinence, mental confusion

In severe cases, these symptoms may be accompanied by fever and chills, abdominal pain, or blood in the urine.



WHAT IS BLADDER INFECTION

Bladder infection- generally termed Cystitis, which means inflammation of the bladder- are common in women and very rare in men. In fact, about half of all women get at least one bladder infection at some time in their lives. Although doctors are not sure exactly why women have more bladder infections than men, they suspect it may be because women have a shorter urethra, the ube that carries urine out of the bladder. This relatively short passageway- only about an inch and half long- makes it easier for bacteria to migrate into the bladder. Also, the opening to a women’s urethra lies close to both the vagina and anus, giving bacteria from those areas access to the urinary tract.

Bladder infection is not serious if treated promptly. But recurrences are common in susceptible people and can lead to Kidney infections, which are more serious and may result in permanent kidney damage. So, it is very important to treat the underlying causes of a Bladder infection and to take preventive steps to avoid recurrences.

In elderly people, bladder infections are often difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are less specific and are frequently blamed on aging. Older people who suddenly become incontinent or who begin acting lethargic or confused should be checked by a doctor for a bladder infection.

CAUSES

Most bladder infections are caused by various strains of Escherichia Coli ( E.Coli) , the bacteria commonly found in testiness. Women sometimes get bladder infections as a direct result of intercourse, which can push bacteria up into the bladder through the urethra. Some women contract the infection- dubbed “Honeymoon Cystitis”- almost very time they have sex. Women who use a diaphragm as their primary method of birth control are also particularly susceptible the device presses on the bladder and keeps it from empting completely. Bacteria then rapidly reproduce in the stagnant urine left in the bladder. Pregnant women, whose bladders become compressed as fetus grows, are prone to infections for the same reasons. Some people develop symptoms of a bladder infection when no infection actually exists. These disorders are usually benign but are difficult to treat.

While they can be quite uncomfortable and potentially serious if complications set in, the bladder infections that most women get clear up quickly and are relatively harmless. In men, however, a bladder infection is almost always a symptom of an underlying disorder and is generally regarded as cause for more concern. Often the other part of the body, signaling problems in those locations. Or it may indicate the presence of a tumor or other obstruction that is interfering with urinary tract. Some studies have shown that uncircumcised boys are at some what greater risk of contracting a bladder infection during their first year of life because bacteria may collect under the foreskin.

In recent years, an increasing number of bladder infections in both men and women have been linked to two sexually transmitted bacteria, Chlamydia and Mycoplasma. And both home and hospital use catheters- tubes inserted into the bladder to empty it- can also lead to infection.

DIAGNOSTIC AND TEST PROCEDURES

Bladder infections usually can be diagnosed readily with a urine test. If you are experiencing persistent of frequent infection, or if an anatomical defect is suspected as the cause of the problem, your physician may also want you to undergo Cystoscopy.a diagnostic procedure in which a lighted tube is inserted through the urethra and is used to examine the inside of the Bladder. And to make sure your kidneys have not been affected, your physician may order an intravenous pyelogram (IVP) a special X-Ray technique for viewing kidneys, or a ultrasound scan to produce an image of the entire urinary tract system.

TREATMENT

Mild bladder infections often clear up quickly in response to simple home remedies. But if you experience no relief within 24 hours, you should consult a physician for more aggressive treatment. Delay in clearing your body of the infection can lead to more serious problems.

CONVETIONAL MEDICINE

Bladder infections are treated with a wide variety of Antibiotics to clear up the infection; with Phenazopyridine , which is often given to relive the pain and burning; and by increased intake of fluids to flush out urinary tract. The antibiotic your physician prescribes and the number of the days you will need to take it will depend on the type of bacteria that are causing the infection. Although some studies indicate that uncomplicated infections require only one to three days treatment, your physician may prefer to treat you for a longer period of time in order to ensure that all of the bacteria are eradicated. Elderly people and those with a chronic underlying health condition such as diabetes or HIV infection, are often prescribed a longer course of antibiotics-sometimes up to 14 days.

After the treatment has run its course, you may be asked to come in for a follow up urine test to make sure your bladder is free of all signs of infection. People with frequently recurring bladder infections are often prescribed low daily doses of antibiotics to take each time they have intercourse. Some doctors prescribe the hormone Estrogen, either as topical cream or in pill form, to prevent recurrences in postmenopausal women .For cases where the infection is result of a blockage or obstruction, such as kidney stone or an enlarged prostate, surgery may be required.

ALTERNATIVE CHOICES

If begun promptly at the first hint of burning during urination, alternative means of treatment can be successful in getting rid of a bladder infect. But if these methods do not bring relief within 24 hours, you should call your doctor for antibiotic treatment. Consult with your doctor if you wish to continue with alternative methods while on the antibiotics to speed up the recovery process.

ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture treatment may help prevent recurrence of bladder infection. Consult a professional acupuncturist.

CHIROPRACTICE

Adjusting the bones and joints around pelvis can act to strengthen the bladder muscles, helping to ward off recurrences of the infection. An Osteopath can also provide this treatment.

HERBAL THERAPIES

Some herbs have been found useful in both clearing up bladder infection AND EASING THE BURNING THAT ACCOMPANIES THEM. Perhalps the best known is Cranberry , which , recent scientific studies show, has a remarkable ability to combat bladder and other urinary tract infections.

Another herb useful in treating bladder infection is Nettle ( Urtica Dioica), which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Mix 1 Tsp dried, crushed nettle leaves or root in 1 Cup boiling water. Allow the infusion to cool, then drink 1tbsp every hour or two-up to 1 cup a day.

The evergreen shrub UVA URSI ( Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) or Bearberry, which act as diuretic and an anti-inflammatory medication, has a long history as a folk remedy for bladder infections. Soak fresh leaves in brandy or other liquor for a few hours, then add to boiling water- about 1tsp leaves per cup of water .If you have dried leaves, you can boil them directly in the water wiothot a preliminary alcohol soak.

Women who are prone to bladder infections after sexual activity can help prevent recurrences by washing their perineal areas with medicinal solutions of herb Goldenseal ( Hydrastis Canadensis) before and after intercourse, bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. cool to room temperature before using.



HOMEOPATHY


Depending on the symptoms, homeopaths recommend a number of different remedies to help relive pain of bladder infection. Here are three of the most commonly prescribed;

• If the urge to urinate is very strong and the burning is intense, Cantharis.

• If you experience painful cramping with urination or your urine is very dark or bloody. Mercurrius Corrosivus.

• For women whose infections are brought on by sexual contact : Staphysagria.

Take these remedies hourly until symptoms disappear. If you experience no relief after 24 hours seek professional help.



HYDROPATHY  & AROMATHERAPY

Hot sitz baths can help relive the symptoms of a bladder infection. Adding certain pungent herbal oils to the bathwater creates a soothing, fragrant steam that aroma therapist believe makes the treatment particularly effective. Try putting in a few drop of the essential oils of Juniper berry , eucalyptus, sandalwood, pine, parsley, cedar wood, chamomile or cajuput.

You can also try a massage oil made with 1 Oz vegetable oil and 5 drops each of any combination of the herbs mentioned. Massage daily, rubbing the oil over your lower back, abdomen, stomach and hips.

NUTRITION & DIET

Both conventional and alternative practitioners agree that drinking plenty of fluids to keep you urinating frequently and to flush out your urinary tract thoroughly is one of the most effective means of combating a bladder infection- whatever its cause. However, you should avoid beverages that might irritate the urinary tract and aggravate the burning. Culprits include alcohol, coffee, black tea, chocolates milk, carbonated beverages and citrus juices. until clear of the infection, you should also avoid potentially irritating foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, chocolates, artificial sweeteners and heavily spiced dishes. Wait 10 days after the burning is gone before reintroducing these foods and drinks- one at a time- into your diet.

Supplements of Vitamin C ( 500 mg every two hours) and Vitamin A ( 25,000IU each day) may also aid recovery. but check your doctor before taking supplements. Vitamin C increases the acidity of the urine, which hampers the growth of bacteria but can also interfere with the action of some antibiotics, making them less effective.



CRANBERRY JUICE : A PROVEN FOLK REMEDY

For centuries, Native Americans used crushed Cranberries as a treatment for bladder and other urinary tract infection. Controlled studies now give scientific support to that ancient remedy.

The research suggests that the berries proficiency in fighting off infection is due to their high level of hip uric acid, a substance that inhibits the growth of E.Coli bacteria and keeps them from adhering to the lining of the bladder.

to treat an existing bladder infection and to help prevent future ones, drink 12 to 16 OZ of Cranberry juice each day. Or, if you prefer take Cranberry capsules; follow the directions on the packages. You can also try alternating Cranberry juices with blue berry juices, which appears to have similar infection fighting properties.

AT HOME REMEDIES

• Take Aspirin or Ibuprofen to reduce inflammation and burning

• Drink Cranberry Juice daily



PREVENTION

• Practice good bathroom hygiene. Clean the anal area thoroughly after bowel movement. Women should wipe from front to back to avoid spreading fecal bacteria to the urethra.

• Urinate as soon as possible when you feel the urge, and make sure you empty your bladder completely each time.

• Wear cotton underwear and loose, nonbinding clothing that does not trap heat and moisture3 in crotch.

• Drink plenty of Liquids



WOMEN

• Empty your bladder as soon as possible after intercourse to wash out any bacteria that may have been pushed into the urethra.

• Avoid using perfumed soaps, bubble baths, scented douches and vaginal deodorants. These contains substances that can irritate the urethra and make it more vulnerable to infection.

• If you use a diaphragm for birth control, make sure it fits properly and donot leave it in too long.