Definition:
Bladder infection is usually caused by either bacterial or yeast infection.
This results in an inflammation of the bladder. E.coli accounts
for about 85% of all urinary tract infections. Another bacteria
known has chlamydia may also cause bladder problems, especially
in women. It has also been found that fecal contamination or vaginal
secretions can gain access to the urinary tract by traveling up
through the urethra. In these cases yeast or fungi are usually found
to be the causative agent Bladder infections occur more frequently
in women because of the close proximity of the anus, vagina, and
urethra, and also because of the short length of the female urethra.
This allows for easy transmission of bacteria and/or fungi from
the anus to the vagina and urethra, and finally to the bladder.
In males bladder infections bacteria can reach the bladder by migrating
from the prostate. Therefore bladder infections in males usually
indicate an infection in the prostate. This left untreated will
develop into prostatitis (I will discuss prostatitis later).
Symptoms:
Cystitis is characterized by urgent desire to empty the bladder
(urinate). Urination is typically frequent and painful. Immediately
after urination there is usually a desire to urinate again. The
urine may have an unpleasant odor and is usually cloudy. While bladder
infections are rarely life threatening they may lead to serious
kidney problems, if left untreated.
Holistic Treatment Plan:
Treating this condition involves elimination of bacteria or fungi
that lead to the development of this condition. Using natural herbs
to kill off microorganisms and providing for healing of inflamed
tissue is important. This approach achieves good results without
the unpleasant side effects of anti-biotics.
References:
Murray, M. and Pizzorno, J., Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Rocklin, CA:
Prima Publishing, 1991; Bodel, P., Cotran, R., Kass, E., Cranberry Juice and the
Antibacterial Action of Hippuric Acid, Lab Clin. Med, 1959; Sternlieb, P., Cranberry
Juice in Renal disease, New England J. of Medicine, 1963; Good, R.A., West, A., and
Fernandes, G., Nutritional Modulation of immune Responses, Fed. Proc.
39:3098-3104, 1980; Heinerman, J., Science of Herbal Medicine, Bi-World
Publishers, Orem, UT 1984.
Disclaimer:
All information given here is for educational purposes only. For a proper diagnosis and
treatment plan you must consult your health care practitioner.
