The Urinary Tract comprises of a pair of kidneys, a pair of ureters, urinary bladder and urethra. Urinary Tract Infection or (UTI) is infection caused by any pathogenic organism like Bacteria, Fungi, or parasite in any of the part comprising Urinary Tract. When it affects bladder, it is called Cystitis, when affects Urethra it is known as Urethritis. Kidney infection otherwise called upper urinary tract infection is also known as Pylonephritis.
Risk factors
UTI is more common in woman as it is seen that in woman urethra is short, hence entry of pathogens is easy because of its location close to anus and vagina. Patient with catheter or patients suffering from complaints of Prostatitis are also prone to UTI. Sexual intercourse also increases the risk of UTI.
Causes
Escherichia coli is the major bacteria causing UTI, Fungal and Parasite involvement may also be a cause.
Symptoms
Most of the individual will have no symptoms or minor symptoms. Frequent urge to urinate associated with pain or Dysuria, is the common complaint. Urine may be accompanied with pus or blood. Ladies suffering from UTI commonly complains of lower abdominal discomfort with vaginal discharge. Fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, burning micturation are other symptoms.
Diagnosis
Lower urinary tract infection involving Urethra is mainly associated with burning micturation, painful micturation with or without fever. In Cystitis, Supra pubic pain is seen along with burning micturation. Fever may or may not be present. In Upper Urinary Tract infection involving Ureter and Kidneys – Pain in the flanks, Fever with rigor and vomiting is present along with Dysuria.
Investigation
Routine examination of Urine is the common method of investigation showing the presence of pus, blood, WBC, Bacteria or other organisms. In case of UTI, along with the Urine examination Blood count, Renal Function Test, USG (KUB) should be done to avoid further complications.
Modern Treatment
Prolonged course of daily Antibiotics
Siddha Medicine & Treatment
Kudineer or (decoction) :
Some of the decoction or kudineer used in the treatment of UTI are
- Neermulli kudineer
- Sirupeelai kudineer
- Nannari kudineer
Choornams
- Eladi choornam
- Malli choornam
- Orithazh thamarai choornam
- Nannari choornam
- Sirupeelai choornam
Leghyams
- Sathavari leghyam
Parpams
- Silasathu parpam
- Vengara parpam
- Kungiliya parpam
- Nadukkal parpam
- Padikara Parpam
Mathirai
- Karisalai Karpa Tablet
- Kalkaraichi Tablet
These are some common medicines usually prescribed by a Siddha physician with suitable adjuvants.
Siddha Home Remedies
- Stem of plantain tree is crushed and the juice is extracted and given twice a day (200 to 400 ml).
- Fresh and ripe Vilvam fruit is given.
- Lemon juice 2 to 3 glasses a day
- Tender Coconut water 2 to 3 glasses a day
- Yoghurt, Pineaples, carrot juice, barley water etc are helpful.
Apart from all these medicines it is very important to increase fluid intake mainly water (at least upto 3 litres a day) which may easily help to flush out bacteria and avoid dehydration. A good perineal hygiene is a must. Avoid delay in Urination. Emptying of bladder before and after going to bed should be done.
Complications
Most UTI has no complication and can be resolved with or without treatment. Chronic Urinary tract infection may lead to abcess and ulcers in Urinary Tract, Fistula and even Kidney failure. Proper medication should be done else there are chances of recurrence of UTI.
Hello Doctor Madam
MY NAME IS JAMEEL FROM I AM FROM INDIA HYDERABAD i a 41 Years old
I WORKING IN SAUDI ARAB DAMMAM LAST TWO MONTH I SUGARING BACK PAIN KIDNEY STONE I AFTER ALTRASOUND THEY FOUND 3 ML STONE IN LEFT KIDNEY AND RIGHT KIDENY MUD STONE SALTY LAST FEW DAYS TO PAIN. I TACK SOME INJECTION FOR PAIN RELIEF.. ONE TAMILNADU FRIEND GIVEN ME KANNADIYAR SIRUPEELAI POWDER Aerval Lanata i used every morning with warm water. still pain. so which types of medicine i have tack please guide for me.. doctor Thanking you