This very common disease mainly affects women. However, it can be seen in men and children. So how does urinary tract infection arise? Discover the main causes as well as the symptoms of this pathology. We also tell you all about the natural solutions to prevent the risk of urinary tract infection and relieve the signs when the disease appears. Follow our natural advice to overcome this evil often confused with cystitis.
Summary
A urinary tract infection: What is that ?
Urinary tract infection, often assimilated by misuse of language to cystitis, is a disease that is very common, especially in women. It is also one of the main reasons for consultation with the general practitioner. Note that this evil can affect men and children, especially babies.
The urinary tract infection is mainly manifested by urinary burns as well as by a very frequent desire to urinate. However, despite the pressing desires, the subject only manages to evacuate a few drops of urine. On the other hand, heaviness can also be felt in the lower back or pelvis.
You should know that most urinary tract infections take care of themselves, without recourse to drug treatment. Most of the time, good hydration is enough to overcome this disease.
To know : Unlike cystitis which is an inflammation of the bladder, urinary tract infection is linked to microbes, usually bacteria.
The causes
The bacteria responsible
At the origin of a urinary tract infection, there are many bacteria including:
- the intestinal bacterium Escherichia coli, better known as E.coli;
- the bacterium Staphylococcus saprophyticus. Very common, it is frequently observed in young women;
- Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter bacteria. Less widespread, these microbes can also be implicated in the appearance of a urinary tract infection.
To diagnose urinary tract infection, there is a test in the form of a reactive strip. The examination takes place in the practitioner’s office. Usually, the doctor then prescribes an antibiotic to fight the E.coli bacteria. And when the symptoms persist, the drug treatment undergoes a readjustment.
Risk factors
On the other hand, there are a number of risk factors involved in the occurrence of UTI. Depending on the sex of the subject, these factors diverge.
In women, we see:
- most often, a lack of hydration;
- wiping from back to front after a bowel movement. This bad gesture promotes urinary tract infections;
- failure to urinate immediately after intercourse. This allows the bacteria that have entered the urethra to be evacuated;
- constipation with prolonged stagnation of feces in the rectum. This is a source of infestation;
- a malformation of the urinary tract. This factor is much rarer.
In men, it is common to observe a urinary tract infection due to:
- unprotected sex;
- an enlarged prostate. This cause is most common in older men:
- obstacles to the flow of urine. It can be stones, compressions of the urinary tract, pathology of the prostate, etc.
- neurological bladder dysfunction.
Symptoms
Sometimes the urinary tract infection does not cause any symptoms. This is all the more noticeable in the elderly.
Nevertheless, the following signs are observed in the subject affected by this disease:
- an isolated fever, especially in children or the elderly;
- burning during urination and frequent urination. Sometimes the urine turns out to be cloudy, hemorrhagic and/or malodorous;
- heaviness in the lower back or the small pelvis.
Namely: an infection of the urethra, kidney or prostate manifests itself with the appearance of similar symptoms.
Natural treatments
Home remedies and natural solutions do not replace drug treatment. However, there are foods, plants and gestures known for their benefits on urinary tract infections.
cranberry juice
This natural solution is renowned for its antibacterial properties. Indeed, the substances contained in cranberry juice prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the mucous membranes of the urinary system.
You can absolutely drink this juice for prevention. There are capsules to be taken 4 times a day, before meals. This is a three week cure. And there are no contraindications.
bilberry
Lingonberry has an antiseptic power on the intestinal and urinary tracts. You will find cranberry buds in organic stores. Dilute 6 drops in a tablespoon of mineral water, morning and evening, for a month. The operation can be repeated twice a year. And there are no contraindications. However, the drops should always be diluted in water.
Green clay
The power of green clay no longer needs to be demonstrated. To relieve your pain in the lower abdomen, use a green clay poultice. Apply a ready-to-use poultice to the bladder area. And at the first signs of heat, remove it. If necessary, repeat the operation some time later.
To note : safe and without contraindication, green clay must be at least 2 cm thick to be effective.
Essential oils
Many have decongestant and antiseptic benefits. Do yourself a massage with essential oils at the level of the lower abdomen when an attack occurs. The operation is to be repeated up to 4 times a day, if necessary.
Use a mixture of savory, tarragon, sandalwood and thunajol thyme essential oil (1 drop of each) and 5 drops of calophyllum essential oil.
Please note that massage with essential oil is strongly discouraged for pregnant women and children.
Probiotics
To restore the vaginal flora, it is advisable to take a course of probiotics. This also helps boost mucosal immunity.
This is a two-month cure used after taking antibiotics or for prevention. The product comes in two possible forms: capsule or sachet. It is taken on an empty stomach, with a glass of water or fruit juice.
acupressure
To speed recovery from a UTI, you can use an acupressure point. And to stimulate your bladder energy, massage the point behind the lateral malleolus of your foot. This small bony growth is located on the outside of the ankle. Note that it is also possible to massage the hollow located between the ring finger and the middle finger.
If there are no contraindications in children, on the other hand, the acupressure point is not recommended for pregnant women.
homeopathy
In some cases, homeopathic treatment can overcome a urinary tract infection and soothe the symptoms.
Take 3 granules of Cantharis 5 CH and Mercurius Corrosivus 10 DH every hour.
A herbal tea made from several plants
Boil in a liter of water, for about twenty minutes:
- cherry stems (a handful);
- dried heather flowers (4 tablespoons);
- cranberry berries (1 tablespoon).
After letting it steep for 45 minutes, filter then drink 5 or 6 cups during the day for a maximum of 10 days.
Please note that this natural remedy is not suitable for children under 6 years old, and the doses should be divided between 7 and 12 years old. However, it can be used in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Foods to avoid
On the other hand, it is advisable to adopt a specific diet to avoid repeated urinary tract infections. Foods to avoid include tea, coffee, spices, white wine, champagne and sugar. Know that the E.coli bacterium multiplies more in a ground where there is sugar.
