Urinary Tract Disorders

A Guide to Common Herbs For Natural Penis Male Enlargement

A Guide to Common Herbs

Herbs are nutritional foundation nutrients and good alternative medicine to nourish the body’s deepest and most basic elements. Medicinal herbs have been used safely and effectively since the time of recorded history for an endless list of reasons, be it health, healing, weight loss/gain/maintenance and more. Herbs can offer the body nutrients it does not always receive, either from a poor diet, or environmental deficiencies in the soil and air. They are great body balancers that help regulate body functions.

The benefits of herbs are many and varied. Even the once skeptical traditional medical community is starting to embrace alternative medicine practices using herbal remedies and healing philosophies and practices incorporating herbal medicine and medicinal herbs. Chinese herbs have been used by the Chinese for over 4,000 years to promote health and as healing agents.

Chinese Herbs are taken as tonics to enhance physical and mental well being. Since the dawn of man, herbs have been used for healing purposes and to promote wellness. Today, herbs are still the alternative medicine and primary source of health care for 80% of the world.

Here are some of the more well-known herbs and plant products and their modern uses.

Herbs Modern Uses
Bilberry Fruit Extract, Vaccinium myrtillus Various microcirculatory conditions. Night blindness and poor ability to adapt to bright light.
Cascara Sagrada Aged Bark, Rhamnus purshiana Constipation.
Cayenne Pepper Fruit, Capsicum annuum Carminative, diaphoretic, counter-irritant.
Cranberry Fruit, Vaccinium macrocarpon Prevention of urinary tract infections.
Dong Quai Root, Angelica sinensis Various menstrual disorders.
Echinacea Herb, Echinacea purpurea As supportive therapy for colds and chronic infections of the respiratory tract.
Evening Primrose Oil, Oenothera biennis Conditions related to deficiency of essential fatty acids (e.g., chronic fatigue syndrome) and alcoholism.
Feverfew Leaf, Tanacetum parthenium Treatment of migraines, fever, menstrual disorders..
Garlic Cloves, Allium sativum Elevated levels of cholesterol in blood and as a preventative measure for age dependent vascular changes.
Ginger Root, Zingiber officinale Modern Use: Prevention of the nausea and vomiting of motion sickness, dyspepsia, stomachic.
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Ginkgo biloba Memory deficits, dementia syndromes. Improvement of distance and pain-free walking in peripheral arterial occlusive disease. Vertigo and tinnitus.
Asian Ginseng Root, Panax ginseng Tonic for invigoration and fortification in times of fatigue and debility, physical or mental exhaustion, stress, inadequate resistance to infections.
Siberian Ginseng Root, Eleutherococcus senticosus Tonic for invigoration and fortification in times of fatigue and debility, also during convalescence.
Goldenseal Root, Hydrastis canadensis Catarrhal conditions of the upper respiratory tract associated with colds and flus. Mucosal inflammations.
Gotu Kola Herb, Centella asiatica Improved memory. Venous insufficiency.
Grape Seed Extract, Vitis vinifera Microcirculatory maldistribution of blood flow. Altered capillary fragility and permeability. Anti-inflammatory.
Green Tea Leaf Extract, Camellia sinensis Chemopreventative. Hypercholesterolemia.
Kava Kava Root Extract, Piper methysticum Conditions of nervous anxiety, stress, and restlessness. Sedative and sleep enhancement.
Licorice Root, Glycyrrhiza glabra For catarrhal conditions of the upper respiratory tract and gastric/duodenal ulcers. Bronchitis. Adrenocorticoid insufficiency.
Milk Thistle Seed Extract, Silybum marianum Toxic liver damage, and for supportive treatment in chronic inflammatory liver disease and hepatic cirrhosis.
Saw Palmetto Berry Extract, Serenoa repens Urination problems in benign prostate hyperplasia stages 1 and 2.
St. John’s Wort Herb Extract, Hypericum perforatum Mild to moderate depressive states.
Valerian Root, Valeriana officinalis Restlessness, sleeping disorders based on nervous conditions.

Common Tests During Pregnancy

The following are some of the more common tests performed during pregnancy:

What is Prenatal Screening?
First Trimester Prenatal Screening Tests

First trimester screening is a combination of fetal ultrasound and maternal blood testing performed during the first trimester of pregnancy. This screening process can help to determine the risk of the fetus having certain birth defects. Screening tests may be used alone or in combination with other tests.

There are three parts of first trimester screening:

ultrasound test for fetal nuchal translucency (NT)
Nuchal translucency screening uses an ultrasound test to examine the area at the back of the fetal neck for increased fluid or thickening.
two maternal serum (blood) tests
The blood tests measure two substances found in the blood of all pregnant women:  pregnancy-associated plasma protein screening (PAPP-A) – a protein produced by the placenta in early pregnancy. Abnormal levels are associated with an increased risk for chromosome abnormality.
human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) – a hormone produced by the placenta in early pregnancy. Abnormal levels are associated with an increased risk for chromosome abnormality.

When used together as first trimester screening tests, nuchal translucency screening and maternal blood tests have a greater ability to determine if the fetus might have a birth defect, such as Down syndrome, trisomy 18, or trisomy 13.

If the results of these first trimester screening tests are abnormal, genetic counseling is recommended. Additional testing such as chorionic villus sampling, amniocentesis, or other ultrasounds may be needed for accurate diagnosis.

Second Trimester Prenatal Screening Tests

Second trimester prenatal screening may include several blood tests, called multiple markers.  These markers provide information about a woman’s risk of having a baby with certain genetic conditions or birth defects. Screening is usually performed by taking a sample of the mother’s blood between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy (16th to 18th is ideal). The multiple markers include:

alpha-fetoprotein screening (AFP) – a blood test that measures the level of alpha-fetoprotein in the mothers’ blood during pregnancy. AFP is a protein normally produced by the fetal liver and is present in the fluid surrounding the fetus (amniotic fluid), and crosses the placenta into the mother’s blood. The AFP blood test is also called MSAFP (maternal serum AFP).

Abnormal levels of AFP may signal the following: open neural tube defects (ONTD) such as spina bifida
Down syndrome
other chromosomal abnormalities
defects in the abdominal wall of the fetus
twins – more than one fetus is making the protein
a miscalculated due date, as the levels vary throughout pregnancy

hCG – human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (a hormone produced by the placenta)
estriol – a hormone produced by the placenta
inhibin – a hormone produced by the placenta

Abnormal test results of AFP and other markers may indicate the need for additional testing. Usually an ultrasound is performed to confirm the dates of the pregnancy and to look at the fetal spine and other body parts for defects. An amniocentesis may be needed for accurate diagnosis.

Multiple marker screening is not diagnostic. This means it is not 100 percent accurate, and is only a screening test to determine who in the population should be offered additional testing for their pregnancy. There can be false-positive results – indicating a problem when the fetus is actually healthy or false negative results – indicating a normal result when the fetus actually does have a health problem.

When a woman has both first and second trimester screening tests performed, the ability of the tests to detect an abnormality is greater than using just one screening independently.  Nearly all cases of Down Syndrome can be detected when both first and second trimester screening are used.

What is an amniocentesis?

An amniocentesis is a procedure used to obtain a small sample of the amniotic fluid that surrounds the fetus to diagnose chromosomal disorders and open neural tube defects (ONTDs) such as spina bifida. Testing is available for other genetic defects and disorders depending on the family history and availability of laboratory testing at the time of the procedure. An amniocentesis is generally offered to women between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy who are at increased risk for chromosome abnormalities, such as women who are over age 35 years of age at delivery, or those who have had an abnormal maternal serum screening test, indicating an increased risk for a chromosomal abnormality or neural tube defect.

How is an amniocentesis performed?

An amniocentesis is a procedure that involves inserting a long, thin needle through the mother’s abdomen into the amniotic sac to withdraw a small sample of the amniotic fluid for examination. The amniotic fluid contains cells shed by the fetus, which contain genetic information. Although specific details of each procedure vary slightly, generally, an amniocentesis follows this process:

The woman’s abdomen is cleansed with an antiseptic.
The physician may/may not give a local anesthetic to numb the skin.
Ultrasound is used to help guide a hollow needle into the amniotic sac.
A small sample of fluid is withdrawn for laboratory analysis.
Strenuous activities should be avoided for 24 hours following an amniocentesis.
Women may feel some cramping during or after the amniocentesis.

Women with twins or other multiples need sampling from each amniotic sac, in order to study each baby. Depending on the position of the baby, placenta, amount of fluid, or patient’s anatomy, sometimes the amniocentesis cannot be performed. The fluid is sent to a genetics laboratory so that the cells can grow and be analyzed. Alpha-fetoprotein, a protein made by the fetus that is present in the fluid, is also measured to rule out an open neural tube defect, such as spina bifida. Results are usually available in about 10 days to two weeks, depending on the laboratory.

What is a chorionic villus sampling (CVS)?

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a prenatal test that involves taking a sample of some of the placental tissue. This tissue contains the same genetic material as the fetus and can be tested for chromosomal abnormalities and some other genetic problems. Testing is available for other genetic defects and disorders depending on the family history and availability of laboratory testing at the time of the procedure. In comparison to amniocentesis (another type of prenatal test), CVS does not provide information on neural tube defects such as spina bifida. For this reason, women who undergo CVS also need a follow-up blood test between 16 to 18 weeks of their pregnancy, to screen for neural tube defects.

How is CVS performed?

CVS may be offered to women who are at increased risk for chromosomal abnormalities or have a family history of a genetic defect that is testable from the placental tissue. CVS is usually performed between the 10th and 12th weeks of pregnancy. Although exact methods can vary, the procedure involves inserting a small tube called a catheter through a woman’s vagina and into her cervix and usually follows this process:

Ultrasound is used to guide the catheter into place near the placenta.
Tissue is removed using a syringe on the other end of the catheter.
Another method is transabdominal CVS, which involves inserting a needle through the woman’s abdomen and into her uterus to sample the placental cells.
Women may feel some cramping during and after the CVS procedure.
The tissue samples are sent to a genetic laboratory to grow and be analyzed. Results are usually available in about 10 days to two weeks, depending on the laboratory.

Women with twins or other multiples usually need sampling from each placenta. However, because of the complexity of the procedure, and positioning of the placentas, CVS is not always feasible or successful with multiples.

Some women may not be candidates for CVS or may not obtain results that are 100 percent accurate, and may therefore require a follow-up amniocentesis. In some cases there is an active vaginal infection such as herpes or gonorrhea, which will prohibit the procedure. Other times the physician obtains a sample that does not have enough tissue to grow in the laboratory, such that results are incomplete or inconclusive.

What is fetal monitoring?

During late pregnancy and during labor, your physician may want to monitor the fetal heart rate and other functions. Fetal heart rate monitoring is a method of checking the rate and rhythm of the fetal heartbeat. The average fetal heart rate is between 110 and 160 beats per minute. The fetal heart rate may change as the fetus responds to conditions in the uterus. An abnormal fetal heart rate or pattern may mean that the fetus is not getting enough oxygen or there are other problems. An abnormal pattern also may mean that an emergency or cesarean delivery is needed.

How is fetal monitoring performed?

Using a fetoscope (a type of stethoscope) to listen to the fetal heart beat is the most basic type of fetal heart rate monitoring. Another type of monitoring is with a hand held Doppler device. This is often used during prenatal visits to count the fetal heart rate. During labor, continuous electronic fetal monitoring is often used, especially if an abnormal rhythm is heard with the fetoscope. Although the specific details of each procedure vary slightly, generally, electronic fetal monitoring follows this process:

Gel is applied to the mother’s abdomen to act as a medium for the ultrasound transducer.
The ultrasound transducer is attached to the abdomen with straps and transmits the fetal heartbeat to a recorder. The fetal heart rate is displayed on a screen and printed onto special paper.
During contractions, an external tocodynamometer (a monitoring device that is placed over the top of the uterus with a belt) can record the patterns of contractions.
Sometimes, internal fetal monitoring is necessary for a more accurate reading of the fetal heart rate. Your bag of waters (amniotic fluid) must be broken and your cervix must be partially dilated to use internal monitoring. Internal fetal monitoring involves inserting an electrode through the dilated cervix and attaching the electrode to the scalp of the fetus, called a fetal scalp electrode.
What is a glucose tolerance test?

A glucose tolerance test, usually conducted in the 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy, measures levels of sugar (glucose) in the mother’s blood. Abnormal glucose levels may indicate gestational diabetes.

How is a glucose tolerance test performed?

Although the specific details of each procedure vary slightly, generally, a glucose tolerance test follows this process:

The mother-to-be may be asked to only drink water on the day the glucose tolerance test is given.
An initial fasting sample of blood is drawn from a vein.
You will be given a special glucose solution to drink.
Blood will be drawn several times over the course of several hours to measure the glucose levels in your body.
What is a Group B strep culture?

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) are bacteria found in the lower genital tract of about 25 percent of all women. GBS infection usually causes no problems in women before pregnancy, but can cause serious illness in the mother during pregnancy. GBS may cause chorioamnionitis (a severe infection of the placental tissues) and postpartum infection. Urinary tract infections caused by GBS can lead to preterm labor and birth.

GBS is the most common cause of life-threatening infections in newborns, including pneumonia and meningitis. Newborn babies contract the infection during pregnancy or from the mother’s genital tract during labor and delivery.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends screening of all pregnant women for vaginal and rectal group B strep colonization between 35 to 37 weeks’ gestation. Treatment of mothers with certain risk factors or positive cultures is important reduce the risk of transmission of GBS to the baby. Babies whose mothers receive antibiotic treatment for a positive GBS test are 20 times less likely to develop the disease than those without treatment.

What is an ultrasound?

An ultrasound scan is a diagnostic technique which uses high-frequency sound
waves to create an image of the internal organs. A screening ultrasound is sometimes done during the course of a pregnancy to check normal fetal growth and verify the due date. Ultrasounds may be performed at various times throughout pregnancy for different reasons:

In the first trimester:

to establish the dates of a pregnancy
to determine the number of fetuses and identify placental structures
to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage
to examine the uterus and other pelvic anatomy
in some cases to detect fetal abnormalities

Mid-trimester: (sometimes called the 18 to 20 week scan)

to confirm pregnancy dates
to determine the number of fetuses and examine the placental structures
to assist in prenatal tests such as an amniocentesis
to examine the fetal anatomy for presence of abnormalities
to check the amount of amniotic fluid
to examine blood flow patterns
to observe fetal behavior and activity
to examine the placenta
to measure the length of the cervix
to monitor fetal growth

Third trimester:

to monitor fetal growth
to check the amount of amniotic fluid
as part of other testing such as the biophysical profile
to determine the position of a fetus
to assess the placenta
How is an ultrasound scan performed?

Although the specific details of each procedure vary slightly, generally, ultrasounds follow this process. Two types of ultrasounds can be performed during pregnancy:

abdominal ultrasound
In an abdominal ultrasound, gel is applied to the abdomen and the ultrasound transducer glides over the gel on the abdomen to create the image.
transvaginal ultrasound
In a transvaginal ultrasound, a smaller ultrasound transducer is inserted into the vagina and rests against the back of the vagina to create an image. A transvaginal ultrasound produces a sharper image and is often used in early pregnancy.

There are several types of ultrasound imaging techniques. The most common is two dimensional, or 2D. This gives a flat picture of one aspect of the image.

If more information is needed, a 3D ultrasound examination can be performed. This technique, which provides a three-dimensional picture, requires a special machine and special training. But the 3D image allows the physician to see width, height, and depth of images, which can be helpful in diagnosis. The 3D images can also be captured and saved for later review.

The latest technology is 4D ultrasound, which allows the physician to visualize the unborn baby moving in real-time. With 4D imaging, a three-dimensional image is continuously updated, providing a “live action” view. These images often have a golden color, which helps show shadows and highlights.

Ultrasound images may be captured in still photographs or on video to document findings.

Ultrasound is a technique that is constantly being improved and refined. As with any test, results may not be completely accurate. However, ultrasound can provide valuable information for parents and health care providers to help manage and care for the pregnancy and fetus. In addition, ultrasound gives parents have a unique opportunity to see their baby before birth, helping them to bond and establish an early relationship.

What is genetic screening?

Many genetic abnormalities can be diagnosed before birth. Your physician may recommend genetic testing during the pregnancy if you or your partner have a family history of genetic disorders and/or you have had a fetus or baby with a genetic abnormality.

Examples of genetic disorders that can be diagnosed before birth include the following:

cystic fibrosis
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
hemophilia A
thalassemia
sickle cell anemia
polycystic kidney disease
Tay-Sachs disease
What do genetic screening methods include?

Genetic screening methods may include the following:

ultrasound scan
alpha-fetoprotein test (AFP) or multiple marker test
chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
amniocentesis
percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (withdrawing a small sample of the fetal blood from the umbilical cord)

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Bedwetting Facts, Causes, Effects And Statistics

The Definition of Bedwetting

Most commonly found in young children, bedwetting (also known as enuresis, nocturnal enuresis, primary enuresis, and diurnal enuresis) is a sleep disorder caused by an undeveloped or stressed nervous system and/or urinary system. It is the result of both the nervous system and urinary system involuntarily releasing urine during the night hours while the victim is in a deep sleep. Since it is a problem that seemingly only occurs during the night and while the victim is asleep, it has been appropriately labeled as a sleep disorder.

Causes of Bedwetting

Research has thus far determined that bedwetting is an inherited problem rather than a suddenly developed issue or sign of bodily trauma. This is why the problem is less common in adolescents. Being inherited, bedwetting is discovered early on within the first five or six years of a young person’s life. Only in rare cases is bedwetting caused by a non-sleep related problem, and in those cases, the culprits are usually diabetes or some sort of urinary tract infection.

Bedwetting Statistics

Almost 20 million Americans suffer from bedwetting. Although the number people who suffer from bedwetting worldwide is unknown, it’s highly probable that the number is much higher – even into the billions while statistically, the problem affects half as many girls as it affects boys. The typical age range that this sleep disorder affects begins from birth and can last until the teen years. However its important to remember that isolated cases of bedwetting in young children is quite normal. It’s only when children continue bedwetting after the age of six (in males) and five (in females) that parents should become concerned and start to question their pediatricians.

Isolated incidents of bedwetting differ from serious bedwetting problems in that the latter occurs anywhere from once a month to every night of the week. They also differ in that isolated incidents are usually the cause of a small bladder that’s still maturing and developing control. Once a small bladder has fully developed, bedwetting problems disappear.

Interestingly, most young people who suffer from bed wetting share this problem with someone else in the family. In fact, the chances of a child wetting the bed are increased by 40 per cent if one of his or her parents suffered the same problem in the past.

The Effects of Bedwetting On A Young Child

A child’s inability to control bodily functions can have a serious impact on how that child perceives himself. Most bedwetting children quickly develop a sense of low self-esteem, embarrassment, and guilt, yet they are not quick to discuss the problem with parents or pediatricians. Care must be taken to assure young, developing children that bedwetting is not their fault, that it is a sleeping disorder, and that there are some tools available to help.

Why Bedwetting Affects Mostly Children

Out of the entire sleeping population, its the youngest that sleep the most soundly. In fact, as people age, they begin to sleep lighter.

How To Dissolve Kidney Stones Fast

Also called renal calculi in medical terminology which has the Latin origin ren or renes meaning “kidney” and calculi meaning “pebbles”, kidney stones are solid concretions or crystal aggregations formed in the kidneys from suspended urinary minerals.

Dissolve Kidney Stones Fast the pain free way is better for you.

The common first symptom of a kidney stone is extreme pain which begins suddenly when a stone moves in the urinary tract and blocks the flow of urine. Uric acid stones are another type of stones.

Tracing the ‘evil BAND-it genius’

This high level of calcium in the urine causes crystals of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate to form in the kidneys or elsewhere in the urinary tract. Doctors do not always know the reason behind the stone formation. When the urine contains more oxalate than can be dissolved, the crystals settle out and form stones. Calcium is absorbed from food in excess and is lost into the urine.

Stones that cause persisting symptoms or other problems may be treated by various techniques, most of which do not involve major surgery. People prone to forming calcium oxalate stones may be asked by their doctor to limit or avoid certain foods if their urine contains an excess of oxalate.

The rock bandit’s yesterday and today

Would you believe that? They were regarded as the most painful urologic disorders of all. Children today seem to live a lifestyle that puts them at risk of kidney stones, meaning they consume sugar-filled drinks and a fast-food diet that is high in sodium, a known risk factor in the formation of kidney stones, says Gary Faerber, MD, a urologist at the University of Michigan Health System.

The increased incidence of disease would represent between 1. A family history of kidney stones is also a significant risk factor. Caucasians are more prone to develop kidney stones than African Americans. 6 million and 2.

Turn off the music-Let HER do it

This indispensable guide for kidney stones not only houses the remedy for treating kidney stones but also has chunks of information like:

Answers to “What causes kidney stones?” and “How can they be diagnosed?”

The most common cause of kidney stones and the easiest way to prevent them that’s so simple it’s almost completely overlooked by most people

12 important facts about kidney stones and preventing them that you need to know.

Well, worry no more. Watermelons, as the word suggests, contain not just water, but tons of it, therefore diluting those kidney stones.

These include Couch Grass and Cleavers. Couch Grass has been used in herbal medicine since the Classical Greek period.

Extra titbits, anyone?

48lbs It was Sandor Sarkadi’s kidney stone. Meanwhile, last year’s New Year’s Eve was filled with suspense as a Canadian woman was rushed to hospital for what she believed was a kidney stone.

We all come to a conclusion

They pass a very small miniaturized instrument through the urinary system and treat the stone with a laser. Do you want to be included in the thousands of people who are still suffering the wrath of these evil pebbles? Or do you want your health to get better and be the shedding light to these other people suffering? If you are tired of the medical customs you’re probably into now, this is also the time to free yourself from that. In cases where the stone is very large, access to the kidney is made through a very small incision in the back.

If you let the rock bandits prevail, the toxic will be collected in your body over and over again. How To Dissolve Kidney Stones Fast, by all means lets proceed.

Kidney Infection

Kidney infection

Introduction
Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) is a specific type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that generally begins in your urethra or bladder and travels up into your kidneys. If not treated properly, kidney infection can permanently damage your kidneys or spread to your bloodstream and cause a life-threatening infection. Prompt medical attention is required.
Your kidneys filter waste from your blood, adjust blood levels of many substances, and conserve or excrete water from your system depending on your body’s needs. Urine is the product of this filtration and renal tubular function.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Known medically as pyelonephritis (PI-low-nef-RI-tis), kidney infections usually start in the bladder. If your resistance is low, germs from the bladder can travel up the tubes (ureters) that lead to the kidneys, take up residence, and multiply. An acute kidney infection starts suddenly with severe symptoms, then quickly comes to an end. A chronic kidney infection develops slowly, grows steadily worse, and hangs on. The chronic variety can lead to kidney failure.
What are the causes of UTI?
Normally, urine is sterile. It is usually free of bacteria, viruses, and fungi but does contain fluids, salts, and waste products. An infection occurs when tiny organisms, usually bacteria from the digestive tract, cling to the opening of the urethra and begin to multiply. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body. Most infections arise from one type of bacteria, Escherichia coli (E. coli), which normally lives in the colon.

Symptoms   
Flank pain or back pain
·    Severe abdominal pain (occurs occasionally)
·    Fever
·    Chills with shaking
·    Warm skin
·    Flushed or reddened skin
·    Moist skin (diaphoresis)
·    Vomiting, nausea
·    Fatigue
·    General ill feeling
·    Painful urination
·    Increased urinary frequency or urgency
·    Need to urinate at night (nocturia)
·    Cloudy or abnormal urine color
·    Blood in the urine
·    Foul or strong urine odor
·    Mental changes or confusion

What causes a kidney infection?
Possible causes of infection include the following:
·    infections in the bladder
·    use of a catheter to drain urine from the bladder
·    use of a cystoscope to examine the bladder and urethra
·    surgery on the urinary tract
·    conditions such as prostate enlargement and kidney stones that prevent the efficient flow of urine from the bladder

A common source of infection is catheters, or tubes, placed in the bladder. A person who cannot void, is unconscious, or is critically ill, often needs a catheter that stays in place for a long time. Some people, especially the elderly or those with nervous system disorders who lose bladder control, may need a catheter for life. Bacteria on the catheter can infect the bladder, so hospital staff take special care to keep the catheter sterile and remove it as soon as possible.

Symptoms
Symptoms of pyelonephritis often begin suddenly with chills, fever, pain in the lower part of the back on either side, nausea, and vomiting.
About one third of people with pyelonephritis also have symptoms of cystitis, including frequent, painful urination. One or both kidneys may be enlarged and painful, and doctors may find tenderness in the small of the back on the affected side. Sometimes the muscles of the abdomen are tightly contracted. Irritation from the infection or the passing of a kidney stone (if one is present) can cause spasms of the ureters.

Why Does Cranberry Work So Well For Bladder Infections?

Cranberry is a fruit native to North America. It typically grows in bogs, and commercial production is mainly performed in Massachusetts and Wisconsin.

For ages, cranberry has been used for the prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections. Research suggests that it prevents bacteria from adhering to host cell surface membranes. It was used by Native Americans to treat ailments of the bladder and kidneys. The cranberry was documented in the 17th century as a treatment for several ailments, including:

* Blood disorders
* Liver problems, vomiting and stomach ailments
* Loss of appetite
* Scurvy
*Cancer

Cranberry was used as an effective treatment for urinary tract infections long before antibiotics were invented. It is still recommended by physicians to be used in conjunction with a prescribed round of antibiotics for treating bladder infections.

Important Facts

Statistically, one in every five women in the United States suffers from bladder infections in her lifetime. Three percent of these women suffer from recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Approximately 11 million women each year receive medications to treat UTIs. Studies show that women with a history of bladder infections can reduce the frequency of those infections by regularly drinking cranberry juice.

There have been no significant reactions discovered between cranberry and prescription drugs. Drinking cranberry juice a minimum of three times per day during treatment of a bladder infection will increase the need to urinate. This helps your body to rid itself of the infection through ingestion and expulsion of fluids.

Pharmacology of Cranberry

The use of cranberry for medicinal purposes has been the subject of many scientific discussions. At first, it was thought that acidification of the urine assisted in creating an antibacterial effect. However, the primary reason that cranberry works so well for treating bladder infections is its prevention of bacterial adhesion to cell walls. It also prevents adherence by other gram-negative uropathogens that cause infection. Cranberry’s ability to inhibit the adherence of bacteria has been shown through in vitro research.

Other Uses

One study showed that the same property in cranberry juice that prevents bladder infections also aids in dental plaque prevention. Additionally, cranberry has been discovered to be a recommended treatment for Candida (yeast) infections.

Further in vitro studies show that cranberry has an inhibiting effect on certain types of fungi. However, there are no human trials that indicate its effectiveness in treating fungal infections when used alone.

Symptoms of a Bladder Infection

The most common symptom of an oncoming bladder infection is feeling a constant, urgent need to empty the bladder. This feeling is present even when there is little or no fluid in the bladder. Other symptoms may include:

* Frequent urination
* Dysuria (burning or painful urination)
* Bladder spasms
* Cloudy urine
* Bloody urine
* Foul-smelling urine
* Mild fever

A bladder infection that has gone untreated for an extended period of time could turn into a kidney infection. This brings with it much more serious symptoms which may include fever, chills and nausea. You may also experience cloudy or bloody urine, painful urination and abdominal pain. A common telltale sign of kidney infection is back pain just above the waist.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is wise to contact your physician. Bladder infection symptoms will not go away by themselves. They will continue to worsen, and your infection will become much more serious. Treatment for bladder infections is quick and easy. The sooner you begin the better.

If you suspect that you are about to experience a bladder infection, begin a regimen of drinking cranberry juice or supplement at least three times a day and make an appointment with your doctor.

Preventing Bladder Infections

There are several precautions you can take to prevent bladder infections. Some may seem obvious or silly, but after your first infection you will think very differently. Some of these precautions include:

* Wipe from front to back after urination or a bowel movement. This prevents the spread of bacteria.

* Go to the bathroom frequently. Holding urine in the bladder for long periods of time invites an infection.

* Keep the genital area clean and dry. Avoid prolonged moisture in the area.

* Avoid frequent bubble baths. They can cause vaginal irritation.

* Try to urinate soon after sexual activity. If lubricants are used, use only those that are water-soluble.

* Underwear with a cotton crotch will aid in infection prevention as well.

Drink a lot of water throughout the day. Also, drink cranberry juice or cranberry supplement to keep the urine acidic. This will prevent natural bacteria from multiplying as frequently, thus avoiding bladder infection.