Alternative Management of Uncomplicated UTIs in Women

What is it about?

UTIs typically cause women to have a severe urge to urinate, and to do so frequently. It’s also often very painful when they do, and many experiences a burning sensation in their bladder or urethra. Two common factors emerged in urine that had a better ability to resist bacterial growth: it had a high pH-one that’s more alkaline, in other words-and higher levels of certain metabolites formed by gut microbes. Physicians already know how to raise urinary pH with things like calcium supplements, and alkalizing agents are already used in the U.K. as over-the-counter UTI treatments. However, early on in an infection, cells produce a protein called siderocalin that blocks bacterial growth, including the growth of E. coli. Uncomplicated UTIs usually go away with drugs within two to three weeks, but in some cases, women may take antibiotics for 6 months or longer if their UTIs keep coming back. Most UTIs are caused by the bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli), and recent surveillance data shows a significant rise in cases of UTIs caused by E. coli that are resistant to the antibiotics most commonly used to that treat them. Doctors say “It’s uncomfortable but not life-threatening, so women don’t go in”.

Featured Image

Photo by Anthony Tran on Unsplash

Photo by Anthony Tran on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The sudden, unforeseeable, and distressing nature of painful UTI (মূত্রনালীর সংক্রমণ) episodes often causes patient anxiety. In a study of patients’ quality of life (QoL), 60% UTI patients exhibited some degree of depression. In US, UTIs result in an estimated 7 million office visits, 1 million ED visits, and over 100000 hospitalizations with an associated annual cost of $3.5 billion. Bacterial infections tend to account for 80% of all UTIs, and antibiotics may sometimes prove ineffective. Treatment is aimed at preventing spread to the kidneys or developing into upper tract disease/pyelonephritis. Different vaccines based on the whole cells (killed or live-attenuated vaccines) and antigens (subunits, toxins and conjugated vaccines) have been evaluated against UTI pathogens. Vaccinium macrocarpon, Tribulus terrestris, Trachyspermum copticum, Cinnamomum verum and Hybanthusenn easpermus are found helpful to cure.T. vulgaris and O. vulgare essential oils showed the strongest antimicrobial activity against E. coli, Enterococcus spp., C. albicans and C. famata. D-mannose can be an effective aid available in cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), apples, oranges, peaches, broccoli, green beans, dandelion extract, hibiscus, rose hips, probiotics. Bearberry was found safe and effective in combination with ibuprofen for relief of the distressing symptoms of uncomplicated UTI in women.