UTI infection

An infection in the urinary tract that carries the urine from kidneys to external orifice is called UTI infection.

As the flow of blood is through the two bean-shaped kidneys, whose function is to remove waste material and urine is get stored in the bladder.

A balloon-like organ located in the pelvis is known as the bladder in between your abdomen and thighs. A tube that carries urine from the bladder and out of the body is called the urethra.

Comparing to sex women are at greater risk of developing a UTI than men as women have a shorter urethra. The infection of the bladder can be painful and annoying.

However, serious consequences can occur if a UTI spreads to your urinary system. It requires medical attention, but if ignored it leads to a serious health concern.

Mostly it is caused by bacteria like Enterococcus, staphylococcus, Klebsiella, and sexually transmitted organisms like chlamydia Trochomatis and Neisseria gonorrhea that interfere in the normal functioning of the kidney and might lead to various chronic kidney diseases. 

Causes of UTI

The main causes of urinary tract infections (UTI) are caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli (E.COLI), usually found in the digestive system. Chlamydia and mycobacterium bacteria can infect the urinary tract but not the bladder.

UTI are given different names depending on the location of the affected part. For example:

• A bladder infection is known as cystitis.
• A urethra infection is known as urethritis.
• A kidney infection is known as pyelonephritis.
• Sexual intercourse also leads to urinary tract infection
• Use of the diaphragm to avoid pregnancy also leads to infection.
• Conditions like menopause and spinal cord injury also lead to UTI.
• Unhygienic conditions like improper washing of hands also lead to infections.
• Catheterization is one of the most common causes of hospitals.
• Immune-compromised people like (HIV/DIABETES affected) are a risk to develop these infections.

Signs & symptoms of UTI

• A burning sensation when urinating
• Frequency of the urine may decrease
• Urine that appears cloudy
• Strong smelling urine
• Leaking of urine
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Fever with or without chills
• Pelvic pain in women -especially in the affected part of the body and pelvis and around the lower area of the pubic bone.

In children, common symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Foul smell in urine
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Irritability or fussiness
• Being less active
• Stomach pain during the Urinary Tract Infection
• Pain in Back
• Wets his or her clothes even though he or she is potty trained

Ayurvedic view

Mutra vaha srotas are channels that carry urine waste in Ayurveda. The kidneys are the main origin of this channel, the bladder is the container, the passageways are ureters, and the end or opening is the urethra.

According to Ayurveda, when pitta dosha gets imbalanced UTI’S. Ayurveda offers the best remedies to balance pitta dosha which provides strength to the urinary tract to avoid recurrent urinary tract infection.

Main factors that aggravate pitta dosha and contribute to UTI are:

• Eating foods that are too hot, sour, or spicy
• Drinking alcohol
• Suppressing the urge to urinate
• Habitually retaining urine in the bladder for long periods
• Exposure to extreme heat, and overexposure to sunlight.
• The emotion of anger, impatience, jealousy.
• Environmental factors such as working with fire, chemical, or toxic fumes.
• Not drinking enough water.

IN MEN:

UTI infection does not afflict men more. Commonly found in females. Male patients hospitalized are affected by urinary tract infection during catheter insertion.

Catheterized urinary tract becomes more prone to get affected by bacterial infections.

IN WOMEN:

In women, these infections are more common as compare to men as the female urethra is shorter than the male urethra.

Sexual intercourse also leads to UTI infection. The use of intrauterine devices, condoms, and other contraceptive methods alter the ph of urethra and vagina making it prone to develop UTI infection.

Risk factors

• Urinary catheterization
• Renal stone
• Retention of urine
• Consuming heavy and spicy food
• Enlarge prostrate
• Pregnancy
• Fecal incontinence
• Old age
• Diabetic patients
• Multiple partners for sexual intercourse
• Enlarged prostate
• Consuming heavy and spicy foods
• Use of oral contraceptives
• Using spermicidal

Diagnosis

• Urine culture test
• Visual bladder and urethra examination
• CT scan

PREVENTION

• Keep your perineum (anal and urethral area) region clean and hygienic
• Females should use sanitary pads instead of tampons during menses
• Maintain sexual hygiene
• Drink plenty of water
• Drink cranberry and coconut juice
• Don’t use alkaline soaps much
• Complications:
• Kidney diseases
• Septicemia
• Premature delivery in case of pregnancy females
• Hydronephrosis

Home remedies

Regular urination helps flush bacteria out of the body to prevent infection. To remain hydrated and meet fulfill your fluid needs, it’s best to drink water throughout the day and always when to feel thirsty.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps to kill off the bacteria that cause infection by increasing the acidity of the urine. Fruits and vegetables are especially high in vitamin C and are a good way to increase your intake.

Red peppers, oranges, and kiwifruit all contain the full recommended amount of vitamin C

Cranberry juice

Drink cranberry juice is one of the most well-known natural remedies for urinary tract infections. It helps to prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract, thus preventing urinary tract infection.

Healthy tips

• Don’t hold urine too long
• Avoid using spermicidal
• Wipe your toilet from front to back to prevent urinary tract infection.
• Use cranberry extract
• To use garlic extract as it possesses antimicrobial properties. And prevent the growth of bacteria.
• Avoid tight-fitting pants
• Avoid bubble baths
• Use cotton underwear

Ayurveda Treatment

Ayurved provides numerous herbs that deal with all the signs and symptoms in the urinary tract infection.

Chandigarh Ayurved center provides natural and herbal treatment for UTI without causing any side effects on the body. This herbal kit comprises of four products in it mentioned below:

1) Liver care tablet

The Liver care tablet of CAC is a herbal mineral pure ayurvedic formulation. It mainly works in balancing pitta doshas.

Liver care tablet consists of ingredients like Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Kutaki(Picrorhiza kurroa), Bhumi amla( Phyllanthus niruri), Giloy(Tinospora Cordifolia), Yavakshar( Hordeum vulgare), Imli Kshar( Tamarindus indica), Mukta Shukta pisti etc.

Its main function is to improve the circulation of blood. It works against burning sensation of urine, removes urinary infection and other inflammatory conditions.

Dosage: Take one tablet twice daily with plain water after a meal.

2) UTI CARE TABLET

• It’s a 650 mg pure herbal mineral ayurvedic formulation. It treats the root cause of diseases without any side effects. Along with the UTI problem it also treats problems related to chronic kidney disease, urinary bladder, urethra, and ureters.
• It consists of ingredients like Yavakshar (Hordeum vulgare) -200 mg, Kalmi Shora (Potassium nitrate) -150 mg, Nuashadar (Ammonium chloride) -150 mg, Swarna Gairik (Red ochre) -150 mg.
• It removes kidney stones, renal colic, painful micturition, hypertension, and burning sensation during the passage of urine.
• It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Also useful in dysuria, pelvic pain, urine incontinence, foul odor, etc.

Dosage: take 1 tablet twice daily with plain water after meal.

3) TRIKATU SYRUP

Trikatu syrup is pure ayurvedic formulation comprises of mainly three herbs such as Pippali (Piper longum), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), & Marich (Piper nigrum).

The main function of trikatu syrup is it removes excess of Kapha doshas and supports the respiratory system, helps to reduce body weight and hence detoxifies the body.

It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant properties. It boosts metabolism and works in dysuria, painful micturition, and reduce inflammation of the kidney occurs due to any diseases. It is free of chemicals, additives, colors, and fillers.

Dosage: 2 tsp twice daily before a meal.

4) DETOX PREMIUM POWDER

Detox premium powder is purely a herbal formulation for treating UTI that helps to remove toxins from the body due to its antioxidant properties.

It maintains the hormonal balance of the body. It comprises of Moti Pishti, Parwal Pishti, Shukta Pishti, Giloy Satav, Kamdudha Ras, Jahar Mohra, Akik Pishti, Gandhak Rasayan, Tal Sindoor, Shankh Bhasma, Sutshekhar Ras, Sudhyog Tab, Shwet Parpati, Yavakshaar.

It has an antibacterial action and provides a cooling and calming effect on the body. It rejuvenates the body cells and gives strength, stamina, and power to the patients. It mainly works on pitta doshas vitiation.

Dosage: Take one sachet twice a day with normal plain water.

5) Sheet dhara

Sheet dhara is pure herbal mineral ayurvedic formulation which works on doshas of the body especially pitta doshas.

It mainly consists of herbs like Ajwain, Kapur (camphor) and Mint leave that provides a cooling effect and helps to reduce burning sensation during micturition. It also controls mood swings, bloating and nausea.

Dosage: Take 1/2 or 1 teaspoon of sheet dhara twice daily empty stomach.