subject: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment For Urinary Tract Infection [print this page] A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection involving the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. These are the structures that urine passes through before being eliminated from the body.
The kidneys are a pair of small organs that lie on either side of the spine at about waist level. They have several important functions in the body, including removing waste and excess water from the blood and eliminating them as urine. These functions make them important in the regulation of blood pressure. Kidneys are also very sensitive to changes in blood sugar levels and blood pressure. Both diabetes and hypertension can cause damage to these organs.
Causes for Urinary Tract Infections
The most common cause of UTIs are bacteria from the bowel that live on the skin near the rectum or in the vagina, which can spread and enter the urinary tract through the urethra. Once these bacteria enter the urethra, they travel upward, causing infection in the bladder and sometimes other parts of the urinary tract.
Sexual intercourse is a common cause of urinary tract infections because the female anatomy can make women more prone to urinary tract infections. During sexual activity, bacteria in the vaginal area are sometimes massaged into the urethra.
Women who change sexual partners or begin having sexual intercourse more frequently may experience bladder or urinary tract infections more often than women who are celibate or in monogamous relationships. Although it is rare, some women get a urinary tract infection every time they have sex.
Another cause of bladder infections or UTI is waiting too long to urinate. The bladder is a muscle that stretches to hold urine and contracts when the urine is released. Waiting too long past the time you first feel the need to urinate can cause the bladder to stretch beyond its capacity. Over time, this can weaken the bladder muscle. When the bladder is weakened, it may not empty completely and some urine is left in the bladder. This may increase the risk of urinary tract infections or bladder infections.
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection
Following are the major urinary tract infection symptoms:
1. Constant urge to urinate
2. Burning sensation and traces of blood
3. Fever, vomiting along with other pains
4. Bouts of vomiting and nausea
5. Backache and pain below your ribs
Natural Treatments for UTI
There are several options for natural treatment for UTI. These include:
Cranberry cranberry juice and fruit extract are a natural treatment for UTI. Its acidic component creates a hostile environment for bacteria.
Golden seal root is yet another natural treatment for UTI. This herb has powerful antimicrobial properties that helps heal the infection.
Uva Ursi is an antiseptic herb, making it an excellent natural treatment for UTI.
Horsetail This herb heals the infection by working as an astringent and also as a mild diuretic with tissue healing properties.
Water and Vitamin C the simplest natural treatment for UTI is including Vitamin C in your diet and drinking at least eight glasses of water. Water flushes out the toxins from your body and keeps the system healthy.
Alternative therapies while opting for alternatives like homeopathy, ayurveda, naturopathy and traditional Chinese medication, it is best to consult a known practitioner.
An infection occurs when microorganisms, usually bacteria from the digestive tract, cling to the opening of the urethra and begin to multiply. Most infections arise from one type of bacteria, Escherichia coli (E. coli), which normally lives in the colon.
