Natural Treatments for Pyelonephritis

Pyelonephritis, or kidney infection, is a very common renal disease that is primarily caused by bacterial infection. The infection can either be acute or chronic and will affect the interstitial area and renal pelvis or, at times, the renal tubules. The kidneys are essential for the body to perform tasks like filtering any waste products from the blood, maintaining steady levels of electrolytes or even the regulation of blood pressure, so one can imagine what an infection of these organs could do to the overall working of the body. While a kidney infection can happen to anyone at any time, performing certain actions can put individuals at a higher risk level than others. Women indulging in sexual intercourse are at a higher risk, due to the possibility of bacteria around the urethra being introduced into the urinary system. A pregnancy or use of urinary catheters can also increase the likelihood of kidney infection or urinary tract infection. The basic building block in the lead up to a kidney infection is always bacteria being present in the urine.

At most times, urine is a sterile liquid that contains minimal bacterial infection. However, if there is significant bacterial activity in the urine, this is abnormal and once the bacteria gets access to urinary system from outside the urethra, the bacteria may ascend into the kidneys causing an infection. Depending on severity of the condition, kidney infections could have a fatal outcome. Therefore it is highly recommended that you also have a general practitioner analyze the situation. Following home remedies for pyelonephritis alone would not be the best option. A patient must always drink large amounts of water or cranberry juice to help minimize the effects of this condition. Cranberry juice is known for its high anti-bacterial properties and drinking about 4 ounces of the juice a day will help flush out any bacterial infections, as well as help ensure that your urinary tract remains bacteria free for some time.

You could also try heating up some water; pour the water it in a hot water bottle and place it on the lower abdomen to ease the pain. It is also important to make sure that when you feel the urge to urinate, you do so immediately instead of holding it in your system, as doing this may aggravate the condition. Any intake of alcohol is strictly prohibited as it is an irritant for the bladder. The same should be said of caffeine, caffeinated soda pop, tea or coffee.