Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, occur when bacteria colonizes in the bladder, urethra, ureters or kidneys in sufficient quantities to overwhelm the body's natural immune system. Symptoms of a UTI include burning during urination, a strong odor in the urine and dark-colored urine. As the infection worsens, the child may run a fever, complain of a backache or be nauseous or irritable. Your doctor likely will prescribe antibiotics to treat a UTI, but Grandma's treatment of cranberry juice has many benefits, as well.
Type of Juice
Offer all-natural cranberry juice to your child three times per day. Use cranberry juice that is free of sugar or corn syrup for two reasons: the amount of cranberry juice in juice cocktails is too small to be of any benefit; and sugar or corn syrup encourages bacterial growth, which is what you are trying to avoid. Pure cranberry juice is very tart. Offer it in small doses or try 100 percent juice mixes of cranberry juice and apple or white grape juice.
Benefits
Cranberry juice contains a carbohydrate called mannose that adheres to the lining of the bladder. Bacteria then washes more easily out of the urinary tract, rather than lodging in the membranes. In addition to its antibacterial properties, cranberry juice and other fluids encourage urination, which helps flush out bacteria, speeding urination. Drinking fluids frequently also can prevent dehydration, which can occur if your child is running a fever or vomiting.
Considerations
Peach and apple juice contain mannose in smaller amounts if your child refuses to drink cranberry juice. Again, buy pure, sugar-free juices for the best results. Cranberry chewable tablets offer the same benefits but may provide more reliable dosing, according to the AskDrSears.com website. Consult your doctor before offering supplements and follow all package directions carefully.
When to Call the Doctor
Use cranberry juice in conjunction with antibiotics, as directed by your doctor, to treat a UTI. Contact your doctor immediately if your child has a fever above 104 degrees, appears very ill, cannot urinate, has bloody or cloudy urine or develops severe back or abdomen pain, according to Dr. Jerry Rubin, author of "Naturally Healthy Kids." Urinary tract infections typically respond to treatment within 48 to 72 hours. Contact your doctor if your child still has symptoms after two to three days of treatment.
References
- AskDrSears.com: UTI -- Urinary Tract Infection
- "Natural Baby and Childcare"; Lauren Feder; 2006
- "Naturally Healthy Kids"; Jerry Rubin, et al.; 2006
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