A urinary tract infection or UTI is an infection which affects your urinary tract i.e. urethra, kidneys and bladder. Urine is basically a byproduct of your blood filtering system which your kidneys perform and your kidneys form urine out of blood. Urine usually passes through urinary system normally but sometimes bacteria can enter the system resulting in contamination. Usually the lower urinary tract is more affected and thus urinary bladder and urethra are more at risk. Out of all the bacteria E. coli is the main causative organism. Few of the common symptoms of uti are pain during urination along with burning sensation. Also, women in comparison to men are at a relatively higher risk of getting a uti because of their smaller length of urethra. There are several treatment options available for it but when not treated, it can lead to serious health problems.
CAUSES OF URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
Urinary tract infections occur when there is presence of bacteria in the urinary system. The urinary system has a defense mechanism which prevents urinary tract infections and keeps bacteria out. But, due to certain reasons this defense barrier might get broken down leading to urinary tract infections. Infection of urethra and urinary bladder are the most common type of urinary tract infections.
RISK FACTORS OF URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
There are various factors which make a person more prone to urinary tract infections. Following are the risk factors of urinary tract infections:
- Females are at more risk as compared to men because they have short length of urethra
- Increased sexual activity
- After menopause
- Using birth control measures such as diaphragms, spermicidal creams, etc
- Any defect in urinary tract
- Presence of kidney stones in urinary tract
- Enlargement of prostate gland
- Weakened immune system
- Prolonged use of catheter
- Any surgical procedure of the urinary tract
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
The common signs and symptoms of urinary tract infections are:
- Burning sensation during urination
- Foul odor in urine
- A strong urge to urinate
- Frequent urination
- Small amount of urine passes
- Turbid urine
- Presence of blood in urine
- Pain in lower abdomen
- Tightness in pelvis
- Feeling tired
- Fever
- Chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Confusion
COMPLICATIONS OF UTI
Following are the complications which are associated with urinary tract infections:
- Frequent infections of the urinary tract
- Delivering a premature infant
- Narrowing of urethra due to frequent infections
- Permanent kidney damage
- Sepsis
HOW AYURVEDA HELPS IN UTI
In ayurveda Dysuria, the most common complaint of UTI is explained under the context of mutrakricha. The term mutra means urine and krichra means difficulty so the word means difficulty in passing urine. The main role is of vata dosha. Also, in ayurveda nidan parvirjan or reversal of causative factors is considered to be of importance.
Panchkarma procedures under shodhan chikitsa are of great value also, as shaman chikitsa gokshuradi kwath and other herbs are helpful. These help in pain and treatment of the urinary tract infection.
MANAGEMENT OF URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS WITH THE MEDICATIONS OF CHANDIGARH AYURVED CENTRE
Here are some of the medications of Chandigarh Ayurvedcentre which are used for the treatment of urinary tract infections:
1. Liver Care Tablet
The Liver care tablet of CAC is a herbo mineral pure ayurvedic formulation. It mainly works in balancing pitta doshas. liver care tablet consists of ingredients like Kalmegh (Andrographispaniculata), Kutaki(Picrorhiza kurroa), Bhumiamla( Phyllanthusniruri), Giloy(TinosporaCordifolia), Yavakshar( Hordeumvulgare), ImliKshar( Tamarindusindica), MuktaShuktapisti etc. Its main function is to improve the circulation of blood. it works against burning sensation of urine, removes urinary infection and other inflammatory conditions.
Dosage: Take one tablet twice daily with plain water after a meal.
2. UTI Care Tablet
It’s a 650 mg pure herbo mineral ayurvedic formulation. it treats the root cause of diseases without any side effects. along with the UTI problem it also treats problems related to kidney, urinary bladder, urethra and ureters. it consists of ingredients like Yavakshar (Hordeumvulgare) -200 mg, KalmiShora (Potassium nitrate) -150 mg, Nuashadar (Ammonium chloride) -150 mg, SwarnaGairik (Red ochre) -150 mg. It removes the kidney stones, renal colic, painful micturition, hypertension, and burning sensation during the passage of urine. it has antioxidant and anti -inflammatory properties. also useful in dysuria, pelvic pain, urine incontinence, foul odor, etc.
Dosage: take 1 tablet twice daily with plain water after meal.
3. Trikatu Syrup
Trikatu syrup is pure ayurvedic formulation comprises of mainly three herbs such as Pippali (Piper longum), Shunthi (Zingiberofficinale), &Marich (Piper nigrum). the main function of trikatu syrup is it removes excess of Kaphadoshas and supports the respiratory system, help to reduce body weight and hence detoxifies the body. it has anti-inflammatory , analgesic and antioxidant properties. It boosts metabolism and works in dysuria, painful micturition, and reduce inflammation of the kidney occurs due to any diseases. It is free from chemicals, additives, colors and fillers.
Dosage: 2 tsp twice daily before a meal.
4. Detox Premium Powder
It is purely a herbal formulation that helps to reduce inflammation and burning sensation caused due to UTI infection. It has an anti-inflammatory action. It also helps to remove toxins due to its antioxidant properties. It comprises of MotiPishti, ParwalPishti, ShuktaPishti, GiloySatav, KamdudhaRas, JaharMohra, AkikPishti, GandhakRasayan, ShankhBhasma, SutshekharRas, Sudhyog Tab, ShwetParpati, Yavakshaar. It has an antibacterial action and provides cooling and calming effect to the body.
Dosage: Take one sachet twice a day with normal plain water.
5. Sheet dhara
It is pure herbo mineral ayurvedic formulation which works on doshas of the body especially pitta doshas. It mainly consists of herbs like Ajwaion, Kapur (camphor) and Mint leaves that provide a cooling effect and helps to reduce burning sensation during micturition. it also controls mood swings, bloating and nausea.
Dosage: Take 1/2 or 1 teaspoon of sheet dhara twice daily empty stomach.
