DEFINITION:– infection of the bladder
Symptoms:
- Frequent, urgent need to urinate
- burning or painful sensation during urination (dysuria)
- urinary incontinence
- fever (rare)
- pain usually above the pubic bone and lower back
- nocturia
- cloudy urine with visible blood
Complications –
- Kidney infection
Causes:
- Bacterial infection due to –
- improper toilet habits (females who wipe from the back to the front);
- irritation to the urethra or bladder;
- prostate disorders;
- catheter use
High risk –
- Female
- Diabetes
- Bladder disorders
Treatment:
Lifestyle Recommendations
- Drink lots of water to flush the bacteria out
- Urinate frequently
- Women: wipe from the front to the back
- Empty the bladder after sex
- Avoid feminine hygiene sprays and douches
Supplement Recommendations
- Drink lots of fluids; cranberry juice
- Include the following in your diet as they are natural diuretics and UT cleansers: watermelon, celery, parsley (also parsley tea)
- The leaves and juices from the stems of the Nasturtium plant are used in the treatment of cystitis