Urinary Tract Infections
Men, Women and Children
More commonly experienced by women due to the shorter length of the Urethra, Urinary Tract Infections (Cystitis – bladder infection, Urethritis – inflammation of the urethra, or Pyelonephritis – a bladder infection that has spread to the kidneys). This affects men too and should never be ignored as urinary symptoms can be a signal that prostate disease is present. Always seek help!
We are seeing many more children experiencing UTI’s and this could be due to the increased sugar in their diets, and simply not drinking enough water rather than sugary squash etc. Clearly it is not that simple but will definitely be a factor.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of UTI’s include: urinary frequency, a feeling of fullness in the bladder after emptying, pain (dysuria) on, during or after urination, the presence of blood (haematuria) in urine, chills, fever and low back or loin pain.
Most often E.coli (bacteria) is present and easily detected via a urine sample although antibiotic resistant bacteria or Chlamydia should be ruled out with a swab test.
Homeopathy can help
If you have access to Homeopathic remedies there are several which can be very effective in the management of early stage UTIs. If in doubt about which one fits your specific symptoms seek the advice of a Qualified Practitioner.
Berberis
- Bubbling sensation in the kidneys
- Burning pains from the bladder downwards to legs
- Darting pains from kidneys down to the bladder
- Feels like urination is NOT complete
Apis Mellifica
- Burning/stinging pains at beginning of urination
- Frequent painful urination
- Scanty urination
- Pain severe when last drop is passed
Arsenicum Album
- Burning pains in the bladder not related to urination
- Feel anxious, restless and fearful
- Urine is dark with a rotten odour
Equisetum
- Painful, full sensation in the bladder
- Urging increases as the volume in the bladder decreases
- Urging continues after urination is completed
Cantharis
- Intense burning pain with urination. Feels like scalding acid
- Terrible bladder pain which is relieved temporarily by urination
- Intense urging from the slightest amount of urine which dribbles out
- Feels like the bladder isn’t empty
Nux Vomica
- Constant urging and full sensation
- Painful retention of urine
- Hot, highly concentrated urine
Pulsatilla
- Sudden strong urges to urinate with no capacity to hold back
- Involuntary urine unless concentrating
- Sharp pain after urination
- Worse during menses or lying on back
- Onset after an emotional upset
(There are many more remedies with Urinary symptoms, if none of the above fit, please contact me)
How to take a remedy at home
Dose: 30c every two hours until symptoms subside.
Don’t forget that when symptoms change you need to select a new remedy or contact me for advice.
Continue to take the indicated remedy even if you have been prescribed a course of antibiotics and remember to always use a good probiotic whilst you are on an antibiotic and for at least ten days afterwards.
As always, if your symptoms persist or become worse you should seek Medical attention and in particular if you suffer from recurring UTI’s this should be checked out by a Urologist.
It’s really important that an infection is managed carefully just incase it progresses and becomes more serious so here are a few extra tips :-
- Drink plenty of water to keep kidneys and bladder flushed through
- Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake
- Avoid refined sugar
- Avoid holding urine as this will aggravate the bladder
- Avoid fragranced bath products and do not use soap in the area
- Consider drinking Uva ursi tea, Stinging nettle tea or Dandelion tea
- Refrain from sexual intercourse, baths and hot tub use until several days after the infection has cleared.
I hope this has given you some useful information but as always if you need any clarification or assistance please book a FREE 15 min chat with me
Other blogs to check out:
What People Say After their 1st Consultation
Remedy Selection and How to Decide
