Introduction
A urinary tract infection can be described as an infection that occurred in any part of the urinary system including the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. Most commonly, infection occurs in the lower part of the urinary tract which includes the urethra and the bladder. The infection limited only to the bladder is quite annoying and painful. However, severe complications can develop if the infection gets spread into the kidneys.
Women are more frequent urinary tract infections as compared with men. Also, the population belonging to undeveloped countries or unhygienic sanitary conditions can also get influenced by urinary tract infections.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of urinary tract infections are not always clear to be observed, but some most observed signs and symptoms are:
- Strong-smelling urine
- Signs of blood in urine- red, bright pink, or cola-colored appearance of urine
- Urine that looks cloudy
- Increased frequency of urine, the small output of urine
- Burning sensation while passing urine
- Persistent, strong urge to pass urine
- Pelvic pain, in women- mainly in the center area of the pelvis and in the surrounding area of the pubic bone
Causes
Usually, Urinary tract infections occur after entering bacteria in the urinary tract via the urethra. After that, bacteria start to multiply in large numbers in the bladder. Our urinary system is naturally designed in such a way to invade micro-organisms, but sometimes, this defense system becomes ineffective and bacteria gets to hold and develop into a severe infection in the urinary tract.
The most common bacteria for the progression of infection in the bladder are Escherichia coli (E.coli), but some bacteria are also responsible for the causing infection. It can be entered by unhygienic sanitary conditions and through sexual intercourse also.
Risk Factors
There are some factors that can trigger the development of infection in the urinary tract. These factors include
- Unsafe sexual intercourse: Unsafe sexual intercourse can transfer the infection-causing bacteria from one partner to another.
- Menopause: Afterwards menopause, a decrease in estrogen circulation can increase the alterations in the urinary tract which can further make it more vulnerable to infections.
- Being a female: As the urethra in females is shorter as compared to males. Due to which bacteria have to cover less distance to come to the bladder.
- Use of birth control pills: Females using birth control pills are at increased risk of being prone to urinary tract infections.
- Blockage in the urinary tract: Enlarged prostate or kidney stones can block the passage of urine in the bladder and can cause infection.
- Abnormalities in the urinary tract: Children born with abnormalities in the urinary tract are at higher risk because their urinary system doesn’t allow complete urine excretion from the body or make the urine back up in the urethra.
Diagnosis
When you visit a doctor’s clinic, the doctor may ask about your medical history along with your current body symptoms. To diagnose Urinary tract infection, the doctor may also recommend some test, which may include:
- Urine test: Your urine sample is taken in a sterilized sample tube and sent to the lab for analysis. In test results, the doctor will look for bacteria, red blood cells, or white blood cells coming in urine.
- Imaging test: To create an image of the urinary tract, the doctor may prescribe you an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI of the urinary tract to detect any type of infection developing in the bladder, urethra, or any part of the urinary tract.
- Cystoscopy: The doctor may also use a scope to see inside the bladder and the urethra. In this procedure, a long, thin tube with a camera is inserted inside the urethra and passed through the bladder.
Treatment
The treatment of urinary tract infection is very easy by following the 5000 years old Ayurvedic system of medicines. Ayurveda has natural treatment of each disease as only natural plants or herbs are brought into use in Ayurveda. Thus, they heal the body in a natural manner or without showing any side-effect. To overcome the infections of the urinary tract, Ayurvedic literature describes some wonderful herbs which restore the health of the urinary tract and makes it work in a wise manner. These herbs involve:
- TULSI (OCIMUM SANCTUM)
Tulsi is a well-known herb due to its multiple health beneficial properties. It consists of antibacterial, anticancer, antifungal, antioxidant, and antiseptic properties. The antibacterial and antifungal properties present in Tulsi helps to inhibit the growth and spreading of bacteria in the urinary tract. Thus, treats the infection. Along with urinary tract infection, Tulsi is also used in hypertension, diabetes, cold, cough, fever, hyperlipidemia, and many other health ailments.
- GOKSHURA (TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS)
Gokshura is a very effective herb in the treatment of urinary tract infections, respiratory disorders, cardiac disorders, digestive disorders, etc. The diuretic property of Gokshura doesn’t allow the development and spreading of bacteria in the urinary tract. Thus, maintains the normal functioning of the various parts present in the urinary tract.
- CHIRCHITA (ACHYRANTHES ASPERA)
Body metabolism and kidney functions are enhanced by the Chirchita herb which further helps in managing urinary tract infections. Consumption of this herb will pacify the Vata and Kapha dosha and also manage pain, inflammation, ascites, hemorrhoids, and cardiovascular disorders.
Conclusion
As we read above the various aspects of Urinary tract infections, it is mandatory to take the treatment of urinary tract infections at the right time. The use of above mentioned herbs will help you in getting relief from infections in urinary parts as well as maintain their proper functioning.
Consult a Doctor
If you think you are also suffering from urinary tract infections or observe any of the above-given symptoms, you need to consult a doctor immediately. You can book a free online consultation with highly experienced Ayurvedic doctor by visiting www.avedaayur.com
