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Advice and Cure for UTI

Can UTI infections affect the bowel and if so what harm can it do and is there a cure for it?
( 5 Jun 2006)

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Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) affects the urinary tract. The urinary tract comprises of the kidney, urinary bladder, ureter and urethra. The symptoms of UTI include pain while urinating, urge to urinate frequently, blood in urine and sever abdominal pain and discomfort.


UTI infections do not affect the bowel; it is the other way around. Excreta containing bacteria released from the bowels enter the urethra causing Urinary Tract Infection.

The disease causing germs or bacteria can also enter the bladder and kidneys causing more severe reactions such as fever, vomiting and abdominal pain.


Women are more prone to such infections due to the close proximity between the urethra and the anus. Cystitis is one such type of infection mainly found among women. Pregnant women are also more likely to be affected by this condition.  Diagnosis of the urine sample is a measure to understand the severity of damage exerted by the bacteria.

Mild to moderate Urinary Tract Infections can be treated and prevented. Prevention is an important aspect of treatment given that such condition can recur within short intervals. Urinary Tract Infection can be treated with simple home remedies such as drinking a mixture of half a teaspoon of baking soda with eight ounce glass of water. Drinking cranberry juice or cranberry extracts also reduces the chance of bacteria entering the urinary tract. Blueberries are equally helpful in juice or fresh form. Bromelain enzyme found in pineapples is also known to treat Urinary Tract Infection .Applying hot compresses or heating pads on painful areas can also help relieve the pain, though temporarily.

There are various herbs that increase the amount of urine thus helping flush out the toxins or bacteria such as dandelion leaves, parsley and hydrangea. Marshmallows help soothe inflammations and help build immunity while mullein helps reduce the chances of contracting Urinary Tract Infections. Horsetail herb is known to stop bleeding from the urinary tract and also encourage the urine flow.

Recommended Urinary Tract Infection prevention tips include : drinking adequate water at least seven to eight glasses every day, urinate frequently never hold your bladder, wipe from front to back when cleansing, avoid perfumed deodorants and chemicals, wear airy, cotton undergarments and avoid use of douches and feminine sprays. Having more liquids or juices such as carrot juice, sugarcane and lemon juice can reduce the chances of contracting Urinary Tract Infection. Intake of Vitamin C enriched foods also helps balance the acid base preventing bacterial growth. It is advisable to avoid intake of hot and spicy foods, artificial sweeteners, processed and refined foods, stimulants such as tea, coffee and carbonated beverages till such condition persists.
answered by G M on 16 Apr 2009, 2:25:18

 

The most common cause of UTI infections is e.coli bacteria.  Although it is possible for e. coli to cause bowel symptoms, it is more likely that other bacteria in feces will infect either the vagina or urinary tract.  Viruses, bacteria and fungi tend to coexist in our bodies at all times symptoms result when one of the three gets out of balance.

 

A common treatment for UTI is D-mannose (the concentrated constituent in cranberry juice.)  Also, oral probiotics will tend to shift the bacterial balance into more favorable ratios.  Herbal teas including uva ursi, galium, pipissewa and calendula may be helpful for kidney and urinary tract support.  Depending upon the specific symptoms, there are also homeopathic remedies such as cantharis which may be beneficial.  Chronic UTIs should be treated with immune supportive therapies which may include castor oil packs, dry skin brushing, and dietary modifications.

answered by Dr K B N on 6 Jun 2006, 12:38:45

 

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