How to beat urinary infections?

Urinary infections, or infections of the urinary tract, are a common health problem, especially among women, that can cause significant discomfort and complications if left untreated. Fortunately, there are many therapeutic options, and preventive measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of recurrent infections.

TYPES AND CAUSES OF URINARY INFECTIONS

Urinary tract infections can occur in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Despite this, most infections affect the lower urinary tract – the bladder and urethra.

According to the affected site, we distinguish types of urinary infections:

kidney – pyelonephritis,

bladder – cystitis,

urethra – urethritis.

Urinary infections are caused by bacteria that are a natural part of our intestinal microbiota, but can enter the urinary system through the urethra and multiply in the bladder. One of them, and at the same time the most common causative agent, is Escherichia coli. Although the body has a mechanism to defend and expel bacteria before they reach the bladder, in some cases this mechanism fails and an infection occurs.

Possible causes and risk factors:

Female anatomy: Women are more prone to urinary tract infections than men due to their shorter urethra, which reduces the distance bacteria have to travel to reach the bladder.

Recovered urinary infections: Previous urinary infections increase the risk of new, recurrent infections.

Sexual activity: During sexual activity, the risk of introducing bacteria into the urinary tract is increased.

Menopause: Postmenopausal women experience changes in the vaginal microbiota, which serves as another form of protection against infections.

Urinary tract abnormalities: Structural abnormalities or blockages (such as kidney stones or an enlarged prostate) can impede urine flow and increase the likelihood of infections.

Catheter use: People who use catheters are at greater risk because of the direct route that catheters provide for bacteria.

Bad hygiene

Other risk factors include certain conditions such as pregnancy or diabetes.

SYMPTOMS OF URINARY INFECTIONS

Some of the symptoms of uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections (urethritis and cystitis) are as follows:

– the need for frequent urination

– pain, discomfort or burning when urinating

– sudden need to urinate

– cloudy urine with a strong smell

– feeling that the bladder is not completely empty

– feeling of fatigue and weakness

TREATMENT AND PREVENTION

Antibiotics

Treatment of uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections is successfully carried out with antibiotics. The choice of antibiotic depends on the symptoms, the person’s medical history, the type of bacteria that is the cause and bacterial resistance.

When taking antibiotics, it is important to follow the rules of rational use of antibiotics. The therapy must be carried out according to the doctor’s instructions, and it usually lasts 3 to 7 days. Although the symptoms often pass before the end of treatment, it is important to take the antibiotic until the end of the prescribed therapy in order to destroy as many bacteria as possible and prevent the development of bacterial resistance.

The antibiotic can also be used in the prevention of frequent recurrent infections over a longer period of time if the doctor deems it necessary.

Uva tea

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, known in our country as bearberry, is a plant whose leaves are traditionally used in the form of urological teas or dry extracts as a urinary antiseptic. It exerts its action in the alkaline urine of the bladder, and therefore, when using uva tea, it is necessary to avoid the consumption of foods that acidify the urine, i.e. lower its pH (sweets, meat…).

It is recommended to take uva tea after eating, due to possible gastrointestinal side effects. Uva tea is a dietary supplement, so it is necessary to follow the instructions on the preparation as well as the recommended daily doses. Due to causing nausea and other effects potentially harmful to the fetus, the use of these preparations is not recommended for pregnant women.

Studies have shown that uva tea is not as effective in treating urinary infections as antibiotics, but it is a good option as first aid in the event of an infection.

D-mannose

D-mannose is a monosaccharide found naturally in fruit, and has proven to be useful in the treatment and prevention of urinary infections. It works by preventing the adhesion of E. coli bacteria to the inner surface of the bladder, and they are washed out of the urinary system by regular urination. Research shows that it shortens the duration of treatment and reduces symptoms, but it shows the best results precisely in the prevention of urinary infections.

Cranberry

Another strong ally in the prevention of urinary infections is cranberry. Research shows a significant reduction in the risk of developing infections in people who take cranberry preparations. Cranberry contains proanthocyanidin polyphenols that have antimicrobial and antioxidant effects and are responsible for its action. Also, proanthocyanidins have been found to help inhibit bacterial biofilm formation in the urinary tract.

Preparations with cranberry are very sweet and should not be used in combination with uva tea because they can prevent its effect by lowering the pH of urine.

It is recommended to take preparations with cranberry for prevention, as it proved to be the most effective then.

BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY

Urinary tract infections are common and uncomfortable infections, but there are many ways to prevent and treat them. Maintaining good personal hygiene and using some of the above preventive measures can greatly reduce the risk of infection. Taking dietary supplements such as cranberry or d-mannose has proven to be a very successful prevention method, and when choosing it, it is advisable to consult a doctor or pharmacist because of possible side effects or interactions with existing therapy.

Translated by: Nina Šlopar