Urinary Tract Infection |
The urinary system is highly sterile and bacteria-free. A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria invade the urinary system and multiply. There are three types of urinary tract infections: urethritis, which is an infection of the urethra; cystitis, which is an infection of the bladder; and pyelonephritis, which is infection of the kidney. An infection that moves into the kidneys can become life-threatening. Often, bacteria from the bowel can enter the urinary tract through the urethra.
UTIs are a common health problem affecting millions of people each year. It is believed that because the urethra is shorter in women, bacteria can enter the urinary system easier than in men, and between 20% and 50% of all women will experience at least one UTI in their lifetime.Health authorities and experts have expressed concern about the emerging threat of antibiotic resistance among UTI patients. In fact, they are considering this to be one of the reasons why urinary tract infection, particularly among women, has becoming acute or persistent as a disease.
In America alone, an estimated 11 million people are suffering from acute UTI, despite the fact that over-the-counter antibiotics have increased its sales by 800%, ever since the FDA approved its sale even without medical prescription.
According to the medical community, overuse of antibiotics in treating urinary tract infection is the main reason why a great number of UTI patients no longer respond to antibiotic medications.
Doctors nowadays allow some UTI patients to try alternative forms of medication if antibiotic resistance has become apparent. However, this recommendation comes with the condition that proper consultations should first be made before actually treating urinary tract infection with an alternative form of therapy. One of the safest and most recommended form of alternative treatment is the Chinese acupuncture.
Medical studies and clinical tests have already been conducted to provide medical support for acupuncture as effective natural treatment for UTI. The results of the clinical studies undertaken by the medical researchers of the University of Bergen in Norway revealed that acupuncture was highly efficient in treating urinary tract infection of 75% of the women who participated in the clinical studies
Chinese medicine, which has been evolving for several thousand years, does not have a "germ theory" of disease. However, diagnosis and treatment are based on careful observation and time-tested approaches to every type of disease and injury. To diagnose health problems, symptoms are grouped into patterns, and the patterns are then typically treated with acupuncture and herbal formulas, as well as dietary modifications and other lifestyle recommendations. Two common patterns of urinary tract infections are the retention and accumulation of Damp Heat in the body, and Spleen and Kidney Deficiency. Damp Heat accumulation can be due to the consumption of hot spicy foods, meals high in fats and sweets, alcohol consumption, certain medications, and improper personal hygiene. Spleen and Kidney Deficiency is based in chronic illness, aging, pregnancy, menopause, and emotional stress. Both these patterns are discussed in detail in the following section. Many of the traditional Chinese herbal formulas have very strong anti-bacterial or anti-viral properties, but are safe enough to take over a longer period of time. In modern China, both Western antibiotics and traditional herbal formulas are used to treat urinary tract infections, but it is generally thought that the herbal formulas are better for chronic infections
Causes of UTI
Bacteria can enter the urinary system in a number of ways and cause infection. These include:
Sexually transmitted diseases - Chlamydia and Mycoplasma have been causally linked to UTIs.
Catheters or tubes placed in the bladder - Elderly people or people that are ill and require a catheter to remove urine from the body are susceptible to UTIs as bacteria on the catheter can infect the bladder.
Diabetes - People living with diabetes are at a greater risk of developing a UTI as it suppresses the immune system.
Sexual intercourse - Although UTIs are not considered sexually transmitted diseases, many women find that sexual intercourse can trigger an infection.
Diaphragm use - Some research exists that indicates women who use a diaphragm are at greater risk of developing a UTI compared to women using other forms of birth control.
Symptoms of UTI
Not all people with a UTI will experience symptoms, and the number, type and severity of symptoms will vary from person to person. Symptoms of UTI include:
Frequent urination
Painful, burning sensation around the bladder area
Painful urination
An urge to urinate though no urine is passed
Cloudy, bloody and/or odorous urine
Flu-like symptoms
The feeling of incomplete elimination
Low back pain
Abdominal pain
The Preventive Approach for Recurring Urinary Tract Infections
Drink lots of fluids to help flush bacteria out of the urethra. Some doctors recommend cranberry juice to acidify the urine and slow bacterial growth.
Urinate when you feel the need; holding urine in the bladder increases the chances of infection.
Women should wipe from front to back after using the toilet; this wipes bacteria away from the opening of the urethra.
Women should urinate before and after sexual intercourse to help clear the urethra of potential infection-causing bacteria.
Acupuncture and Moxibustion treatment can be very helpful to ease discomfort during infection. A series of treatment sessions will help enhance immune system function and prevent recurrent infections.
Nutritional and Herbal Therapy for Urinary Tract Infections
Drink plenty of water and caffeine-free herbal teas. Avoid sweetened drinks.
Drink unsweetened cranberry juice. Cranberries acidify the urine which inhibits bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract.
Vitamin C (250 to 500 mg twice a day) also acidifies urine and it boosts immunity.
Zinc (30 to 50 mg a day) increases immunity.
Acidophilus is important to take if you are taking antibiotics. Not only does antibiotics kill bad bacteria but it also kills the good and vital bacterial flora in your digestive tract. Taking acidophilus helps replenish your body's flora. Plain yogurt is a good source.
The Tao of Nutrition recommends drinking plenty of cornsilk tea (which is readily available at your local health food store).
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