A variety of bacteria and some fungi such as candida may infect the bladder, kidneys, ureters or urethra and lead to urinary tract infections, or UTIs. Diabetes, pregnancy, kidney stones, and old age increase the risk of UTIs. Common symptoms include lower abdominal pain, a mild fever, frequent urination, and pain or burning during urination. Treatment depends upon the severity of the condition. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed. Alternative treatments such as cranberry supplements may also benefit some patients.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are the first choice of treatment for UTIs. A three-day course of trimethoprim/ sulfamethoxazole is the one of the most common treatments for UTIs, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. A 10-day course of beta-lactam antibiotics such as amoxicillin or cephalosporin may also be prescribed, especially if the laboratory tests indicate that the infection is caused by staphylococcus or streptococcus species. Nitrofurantoin is another antibiotic that is taken for seven to 10 days to treat the infection. Quinolones, tetracycline, and aminoglycosides may also be used.
Antibiotics are highly effective in flushing out the bacteria from the urinary tract. They act quickly and provide immediate relief. An article published in the October 2009 edition of "The New England Journal of Medicine" states that long-term treatment with low-dose antibiotics may also prevent recurrent UTIs. It may also help reduce the use of antibiotics at regular doses.
Side Effects of Antibiotic Therapy
Overuse of antibiotics leads to the development of drug resistant strains of bacteria, which are more pathogenic and cannot be treated easily. Hence, it is important to use them cautiously. Antibiotics have also been associated with a variety of side effects including gastric disturbances, loss of appetite, headache and nausea. Trimethoprim/ sulfamethoxazole and beta-lactam antibiotics can cause severe allergic reactions such as skin rash, hives and breathlessness. Aminoglycosides can damage hearing, orientation and the kidneys. Tetracycline antibiotics can cause tooth discoloration and a burning sensation in the throat. Remember to discuss the side effects and possible allergic reactions of the antibiotics with your doctor before using it.
Cranberry
Extracts from the ripe fruit of the cranberry, or Vaccinium macrocarpon, plant have been made into juices, capsules and tablets that may help treat urinary tract infections. In fact, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that cranberry may help prevent or treat UTIs by preventing bacteria such as E. coli from attaching to the linings of the urinary tract. Most cranberry products are easily available without a prescription and are safe to use.
Side Effects of Cranberry
The efficacy of cranberry juice in treating UTIs has not been proven conclusively. Hence, it may not replace antibiotics as the primary treatment for the condition. It is also important to note that the overuse of cranberry juice can lead to an upset stomach and diarrhea. It may also interfere with certain medications such as blood thinning medications and aspirin. Hence, it is important to talk to a doctor before you use cranberry supplements to treat UTIs.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Urinary Tract Infections
- "The New England Journal of Medicine"; Antibiotic Prophylaxis and Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection in Children; Jonathan C. Craig, et al; October 2009
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Cranberry
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cranberry
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