Your health with Pharmacist Advice

General Health - Urinary Tract Infection

DEFINITION

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is an infection, generally caused by bacteria, of the ureter, kidney, bladder, urethra or prostate gland(1).

DESCRIPTION

The majority of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are caused by bacterial infection. The normal urinary tract is sterile (germ free), but can become infected when bacteria that occur in the region of the anus pass up into the urinary aperture(2). These bacteria then multiply to cause a type of UTI:(3)

  • Urethritis occurs when bacteria colonise in the urethra. The urethra is a tube leading from the bladder to the outside of the body, through which urine passes during urination.
  • Cystitis occurs when the bacteria travel up and infect the bladder as well as the urethra.
  • Prostatitis occurs in men when there is also a bacterial infection of the prostate gland.
  • Pylonephritis occurs when the bacteria also infect the kidneys.

UTIs are much more common in women than men, with the risk of contracting UTI increasing for sexually active women(4). Using spermicides and/or a diaphragm may further increase a woman's risk of contracting a UTI(5).

All UTIs cause painful, frequent and difficult urination(6). Other symptoms vary according to the site of the infection within the urinary tract. In urethritis, the symptoms appear gradually but in cystitis, the symptoms tend to appear quickly and there may also be pain in the lower stomach region and back pain(7). Prostatitis can cause chills and fever(8). Pyelonephritis also causes chills and fever, but nausea and vomiting and abdominal pain may also occur(9).

HEALTH MANAGEMENT

Always consult your Doctor for the diagnosis and treatment of UTI. It is important that patients suffering UTI seek medical attention, as untreated UTI can cause permanent damage. The diagnosis of UTI usually involves the patient providing a urine sample, which will be analysed in a laboratory to determine the type of organism (e.g. bacteria) that is causing the infection. Your Doctor will give you instructions on how to collect this sample. Your Doctor may prescribe a course of oral antibiotic medications to treat the infection(10). More severe infections may require intravenous medications. Your Doctor may also recommend steps you can take to reduce your risks of contracting another infection.

PHARMACIST

Ask your Pharmacist for advice.

  1. After going to the toilet, wipe away from the direction of the vaginal opening to avoid spreading bacteria(11).
  2. Avoid using strong or highly perfumed soaps, talcum powder or deodorants in the vaginal and anal areas(12).
  3. Drink plenty of water (2 litres a day) to dilute the urine(13).
  4. Urinate when the need is there and do not put it off(14).
  5. During your period, change tampons and pads regularly(15).
  6. Ask your Pharmacist for a special alkalising powder which will help to make the urine more alkaline. Dissolve a sachet of the powder in a glass of water and drink a glass several times a day. This will decrease the burning sensation.
  7. Wear cool cotton underwear, rather than a synthetic material to help with ventilation. Avoid wearing pantyhose and tight jeans. Do not sit in cold or draughty areas, particularly when you are wet e.g. after swimming.
  8. If the diet is inadequate consider some supplements. Ask your Pharmacist for advice.

DIET HINTS

Avoid acid foods, including wine, salt, salad dressings containing vinegar, cheese and hot spicy foods.

Pure cranberry, blueberry and bilberry juices are helpful for treating and preventing urinary tract infections.

Avoid caffeine as it may cause the muscles around the bladder neck to contract, and can produce painful bladder spasms(16).

VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS

  • Garlic is a natural antibiotic, which may assist with Cystitis infection(17).
  • Vitamin C and bioflavonoids may have an antibacterial action.(18) (19)
  • Acidophilus is needed to restore 'friendly' bacteria, especially if antibiotics have been taken(20).
  • Cranberry is the herb of choice for bladder infections. Components in cranberry juice prevent bacteria from adhering to the lining of the bladder. If pure cranberry juice is unavailable, cranberry capsules may be substituted(21).
  • Buchu may be useful for bladder infections(22).
  • Marshmallow root may help inhibit bacterial growth(23).