URINARY TRACT INFECTION

Infection of any of the organs of the urinary tracts such as those of kidneys, Ureters (tube between kidney to bladder), urinary bladder, and urethra, may broadly be called as UTI. Specifically following terms are used: pyelonephritis or nephritis (infection - inflammation) of kidney; ureteritis (for ureters), cystitis (urinary bladder), urethritis (urethra). Pyelonephritis is generally the serious condition.

CAUSES OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION

Urinary tract infection is most common in women affecting bladder and urethra.

Infection in bladder : It also known as cystitis mainly caused due to E-coli bacteria.It mainly decent from the gastrointestinal tract as the urethra opening is close to the anal opening in female, bacteria travels and causes infection, commonly seen in the young sexually active women.

Infection in the urethra : It is also known as urethritis. It is caused mainly due to sexual intercourse, as urethral proximity to the vagina sexually transmitted diseases like STDs, Gonorrhea, and Herpes simplex can also cause urethritis.

SYMPTOMS OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION

The symptoms are as follows:

• Cloudy or bloody urine, which may have a foul or strong odor.
• Low grade fever (not mandatory that everyone will have a fever).
• Constant pain or burning while urination.
• Cramping or sensation of pressure in the lower abdomen, occasionally in back.

Frequent and Strong urge to urinate, even after the bladder has been emptied.   

DIAGNOSIS & TEST OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION

A urine sample is usually collected to perform the following tests:

• Urinalysis : urine is examined to look for white blood cells, red blood cells, bacteria, and to test for certain chemicals, such as nitrites in the urine. Most of the time, your doctor or nurse can diagnose an infection using a urinalysis.
• Urine culture may be done to identify the bacteria in the urine.
• CBC (Complete blood count)
• Blood culture

COMPLICATION OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION

• Sepsis (Blood infection) - risk is greater among the young, very old adults, and those with low immunity(for example, due to HIV or cancer chemotherapy)
• Kidney damage or scarring
• Kidney infection

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR URINARY TRACT INFECTION

CANTHARIS : Useful medicine when there is strong urging to urinate with cutting pains that are felt before,during or after urine.Given when several drops pass at a time, with a scalding sensation. There may be feeling as if the bladder has not been emptied, still feeling a constant urge to urinate.

SARSAPARILLA : Useful in cystitis when symptoms are unclear, or if other remedies have not been effective.There is frequent urging with burning pain at the end of urination.Given when urine passes when the person is standing up, but only dribbling occurs while sitting.There are flakes or sediment are sometimes seen in the urine.

APIS MEL : Mostly indicated when the person frequently needs to urinate, but only small quantities are passed. There is stinging and burning sensations especially with the last few drops and the person may also experience soreness in the abdomen.Helpful when heat and touch make the symptoms worse, and cold applications, cool bathing, and open air bring relief.

BERBERIS VULGARIS : Useful for cystitis with twinges of cutting pain.There is burning feeling that extends to the urethra and its opening.Also given when the passage may also burn at times when no attempt at urination is being made.Recommended when the person feels as if some urine still remains inside.

CLEMATIS : Mostly indicated if a person has to urinate frequently with only a small amount being passed.There is a feeling of constriction in the urinary passage with interrupted flow or there may be dribbling afterward. There is also tingling sensation may occur, lasting long after urination is finished.

SEPIA : Useful medicine if a person has to urinate frequently, with sudden urging, a sense that urine will leak if urination is delayed, and small amounts of involuntary urine loss. There is bearing-down feeling in the bladder region or pressure above the pubic bone.

STAPHYSAGRIA : Mostly indicated for cystitis that develops in a woman after sexual intercourse, especially if sexual activity is new to her, or if cystitis occurs after every occasion of having sex. There is pressure feeling in the bladder after urinating, as if it is still not empty. Also there is sensation that a drop of urine is rolling through the urethra, or a constant burning feeling, are other indications.Also useful for cystitis that develops after illnesses with extended bed rest, or after the use of catheters.

arp pain, a throbbing sensation or a dull ache. Headaches can develop gradually or suddenly, and may last from less than an hour to several days.