Health

Urinary Tract Infection Home Remedies

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Urinary Tract Infection Home Remedies

Horrified to see blood in your urine? It may be one of the symptoms of Urinary tract infection (UTI). Statistics say that 1 out of every 5 women in the USA may develop Urinary tract infection, which makes the condition extremely commonplace. It is often referred to in common everyday language as a bladder infection.

Well, any infection occurring anywhere along the entire urinary tract (which extends from Kidneys to Urethra) is described by a broad term- Urinary tract infection. But medical professionals prefer to use specific terms like Urethritis, Nephritis, etc according to parts of the urinary tract involved.

Causes of UTI:

  • Kidney stones
  • Stricture of Urethra
  • Enlargement of Prostate gland
  • Yeast infections of Vagina and Penis
  • Chronic Diabetes
  • AIDS
  • Cancer
  • Catheterization of Urethra
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection:

  • Burning or burning pain associated with urination
  • Frequent urge to urinate
  • Discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen
  • Swelling over ankles, face, abdomen, etc
  • Fever
  • Body pain and sense of fatigue
  • Pain in adjacent areas like in tip of the penis, testicles, lumbar area, flanks, etc.
  • Blood or pus in the urine; urine appears to be cloudy
  • The offensive smell of urine
  • Lack of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Vaginal discharge
  • Conventional Treatment of UTI

Treatment is usually modified to suit the infecting pathogen. The severity of the infection and location of the infection determines the need for hospitalization and administration of intravenous medications. Usual antibiotics used are ciprofloxacin, cephalosporin, penicillin (in case of Sexually transmitted diseases), etc.

Other medications used are Pyridium or Urogesic which help to relieve the burning sensation and discomfort. Additional measures like administering intravenous fluids to encourage urination and flushing away from bacteria. If the infection does not require hospital stay, doctors advise drinking lots of water or coconut water. This helps in alkalizing the urine.

Many of the antibiotics and medication used by conventional medicine are not suitable during pregnancy and for young children. Alternative therapy is extremely useful to manage urinary infections / UTI. Many of the herbs used as home remedies like goldenseal, Oregon grape, cranberry, etc can help in the free passing of urine (diuresis).

This is a very welcome advantage in UTI, as increased urination not only helps in flushing away the pathogens but also relieves the burning and tenesmus of UTI, and in flushing away gravel and small kidney stones that were causing obstruction and resultant infection of the urinary tract.

Home Remedies for UTI:

Cantharis: This remedy is suggested when there is severe burning and excoriating pain on attempting to pass urine. This burning sensation often continues after urine is passed. The urine is hot and may contain blood.

Berberis-vulgaris: Can be used for urinary infections arising as a sequel to stones in the urinary tract/kidneys.

Apis Mellifica: This remedy is often indicated in acute cases where the patient has very scanty urine and has lot of swelling or bloating all over the body.

Note: But before I suggest any homeopathic home remedies for urinary infection, please make sure that you consult your physician.

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