Facts About Urinary Tract Infections
Antibiotics Are Not the Answer
Many bacteria that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) have become resistant to antibiotics, creating a significant problem. These multi-drug resistant pathogens (MDRs) are not easily treated with standard antibiotics and often require more aggressive treatments. Enterococci bacteria, in particular, show strong resistance to common antibiotics. For people who suffer from recurring UTIs, this resistance is even more concerning. Therefore, prevention is the best strategy to combat UTIs.
Bacteria Are Not the Only Culprit
Have you ever heard of schistosomiasis? It’s a disease caused by a flatworm and can lead to UTIs. There are four types of schistosomiasis, all of which may result in kidney disease and bladder cancer. Annually, 200 million people worldwide get infected, leading to 100,000 deaths. While it is most common in Africa and the Middle East, the disease is spreading to regions as far as Fiji.
Urinary Tract Infections Complicate Diabetes
A recent study discovered that patients with diabetes are more likely to have drug-resistant bacteria causing their UTIs, especially if their diabetes is poorly managed. Additionally, both men and women with diabetes face a higher risk of developing UTIs compared to non-diabetics. Alarmingly, UTIs can cause life-threatening complications for diabetics.
Pregnant Women Have Added Risks
The likelihood of developing a UTI increases for women during pregnancy. Some studies have connected UTIs in pregnant women to serious outcomes like preterm birth and low birth weight. To mitigate recurring UTIs during pregnancy, many women turn to natural remedies such as cranberry juice, probiotics, or acupuncture.
Obesity Increases Risk of UTIs in Men
A study conducted in 2013 showed that obese men are twice as likely to develop a UTI as obese women. Obese individuals, in general, are more likely to develop UTIs than those who are not obese, and they also face a higher risk of severe complications.
Eye Damage May Be a UTI Complication
While UTIs typically cause damage to the bladder and kidneys, in rare cases, they can also affect the eyes. If both kidneys are infected and left untreated, there can be serious effects on vision.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Linked to Higher Chance of Infection
People with rheumatoid arthritis are twice as likely to visit the emergency room for UTIs compared to those without rheumatoid arthritis. Recurrent UTIs that require hospitalization generally occur within a year for these patients. One possible reason is that oral steroids, often taken for rheumatoid arthritis, may increase the risk of UTIs and recurring infections.
UTIs Can Be a Common Concern for Kids
One in five children who experience a UTI will have more in the future. Long-term studies show that antibiotics offer little success in preventing this. Therefore, prevention is crucial, focusing on education and proper care. Cranberry juice has shown effectiveness in treating children who suffer from UTIs.
Cranberry Is an Excellent Remedy
Cranberry has long been recommended for addressing UTIs and is supported by many doctors. Several studies have found that cranberry is as effective as antibiotics without producing any side effects. A randomized, placebo-controlled study reported that women who drank cranberry juice over a 24-week period did not experience recurrent infections. Cranberry juice, especially with high concentrations of antioxidants like proanthocyanidins, is beneficial for preventing UTIs in children.
Probiotics Are a Great Defense
Given the reduced effectiveness of antibiotics, research has shifted towards probiotics as a solution for UTIs. Lactobacillus probiotic strains have shown the best results. A study revealed that women who took this strain saw significant improvements. This probiotic bacteria also boost immune function, lower acidity levels in the urinary tract, and inhibit the growth of organisms that cause UTIs.
