|
Urinary Tract Infection Treatment |
Treatment of
urinary tract infections is
focused on eliminating the cause (bacteria, fungus, etc.), and treating
the associated symptoms. If the cause is
bacterial, then antibiotics are
prescribed. For chronic UTIs,
prophylactic treatment may be
recommended. To treat the painful
urination, an analgesic specific to
the urinary tract can be purchased
over the counter or prescribed.
Alternative therapy
should focus on enhancing the immune
system and supporting the tissues of
the urinary tract. Herbal
antimicrobials can be used for
prophylaxis, but antibiotic
treatment may be the best course of
action for a symptomatic UTI to
avoid further complications.
|
Supplements helpful for Urinary
Tract Infection |
Cranberry
Cranberry juice and
cranberry tablets are commonly
used to treat urinary tract
infections. The mechanism is
believed to be a process of acidifying the
urine, making it an inhospitable
environment for
bacteria. Also there are
substances in the cranberry juice
that inhibit the E.coli bacteria
from adhering to the bladder cell
wall. In one study, cranberry was
found to be effective at
preventing recurrent UTIs in women
with a history of chronic urinary
tract infections. [6]
Vitamin C
Vitamin C has been
used as a prophylactic
treatment for urinary tract
infections. Vitamin C enhances
immune function, and can also be
used to acidify the urine, if
administered in high dosages. In one
particular study, Vitamin C was shown to be
protective against developing a UTI in college aged women, regardless of other treatments. [7]
Arctostaphylos uva
ursi
Uva ursi is a
botanical medicine, used for the
treatment of urinary tract
infections. It is
considered an
antiseptic, largely due to the
component arbutin. It has proven especially
effective against E.coli. Uva ursi
is both an effective
treatment for UTI and when used as
a prophylaxis. [8]
|
Learn More About
Urinary Tract Infection |
|
