Why is UTI Becoming a Major and Common Problem these Days?

Abstract

The urinary system may be defined as the system which removes waste material from the body, controls blood pressure and blood volume, regulates levels of metabolites and electrolytes, and also controls blood ph. It is also known as the renal system or urinary tract. The urinary system consists of the ureters, bladder, kidney, and urethra. Due to an unbalanced diet and modern lifestyle, several types of urinary system disorder may occur. Urinary system disorders are disorders that affect the functions of the bladder, kidney, ureters, and urethra. It includes interstitial cystitis, kidney failure, kidney stones, incontinence, and Urinary tract infection.

In this article we can study Urinary tract infection, its cause, symptoms, and herbal management of Urinary tract infection.

Introduction

Urinary tract infection is the infection of microbes in different parts of the urinary tract i.e. ureters, bladder, kidney, and urethra. Most urinary infections develop in the lower part of the urinary tract which includes the urethra and the bladder. Urinary tract infection is the most usual infection. The risk of developing UTI in women is greater as compared to men. Types of the infection are derived according to the area of the infection. The types of urinary tract infection are:

• Acute pyelonephritis: This type of Urinary tract infection is developed in kidneys. So it is also called kidney infection. This can cause nausea, vomiting, chills, high fever, and upper backside pain.
• Cystitis: It is developed in the area of the bladder and also known as a bladder infection. It causes discomfort in the lower abdomen, painful urination, blood in urine, and pelvic pressure. Cystitis type of UTIs mainly caused by E. coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria that are present in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Urethritis: Name specifies that this infection develops in the urethra. It causes discharge and burning during urination. In this type of UTI gastrointestinal bacteria expand from the urethra to the anus. In females, sexually transmitted infections can cause Urethritis i.e. Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, herpes, mycoplasma, etc.

Symptoms

Some common symptoms of urinary tract infection are:

• Burning sensation while urination
• A frequent or intense urge to urinate
• Urine that appears Dark, cloudy, pink, or cola-colored (a sign of blood in urine)
• strange-smelling urine
• Tiredness
• Chills or fever
• Pressure or pain in your lower abdomen or back
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Muscle aches

Causes

Most common causes of Urinary tract infections are.

Something that lowers your bladder emptying or aggravates the urinary tract can lead to UTIs (Urinary tract infections). UTIs occur when bacteria enter via urethra and starts spreading in the bladder. A urinary system has the ability to restrict such microorganisms, but sometimes this ability of the urinary system fails and this results in full-blown infection in the urinary tract. As compared to other women, pregnant women are not likely to develop UTI. But UTI in pregnancy is highly risky to both infant and maternal health.  Some common factors that increase the risk of UTIs are:

• Sexual intercourse: As compared to women who are not sexually active, sexually active women are more likely to develop Urinary tract infections. Sex with new or multiple partners may also increase the risk of UTIs.
• Menopause: After menopause, a frequent decrease in transmitting estrogen causes an alteration in the urinary tract that may enhance the risk of UTIs.
• Some birth control types:  Use of diaphragms for birth control also increases the risk of UTIs. Spermicidal agents also make you more vulnerable to infection.
• Female anatomy: As compared to males, females have a shorter urethra, which decreases the distance that bacteria should easily move to the bladder.
• Urinary tract blockage: An enlarged prostate or stones in the kidney can snare urine in the bladder and enhance the risk of UTIs.
• Use of Catheter: Catheter is a long tube that is used by people suffering from Paralysis or Neurological problems (People who can’t urinate)
• Suppressed immune system: Several types of diseases like Diabetes may weaken the immune system which may reduce the immunity of the body which enhance the chances of infections.
• Urinary tract abnormalities: Sometimes newborn babies have urinary tract abnormalities i.e. body doesn’t allow urine to leave normally that results back up of urine in the urethra.
• Urinary surgery: A recent urinary surgery that involves surgical instruments may also increase the chances of Urinary tract infection.

Ayurvedic Aspect

According to Ayurveda, Mutravastrotodusti is responsible for all the kidney and urinary system related disorders. It is the vitiation of the micro-channel of urine. Urinary tract infection may develop due to the imbalance of Pitta dosha.  Causative factors (Nidana) are responsible for the starting of diseases.

The person, who is consuming more fast food and junk food, sleeps even during day hours, overconsumption of curd, non-vegetarian items, contaminated water, sweet products, and alike Kapha increasing diet will lead to various disorders.

Herbal Medicines Provided By Planet Ayurveda

“Planet Ayurveda” provides fully vegetarian formulation and formulated UTI care pack under the guidance of expert’s Ayurvedic Doctors to prop up a healthy urinary system. The main role of these herbal medicines is to treat the root cause of Urinary tract infection. Herbal remedies are the finest and safe remedies.

Our experts proposed herbal drugs for the Urinary tract infection:

1. Mutrakrichantak churna
2. Punarnava capsules
3. Varunadi vati

Products Description

Mutrakrichantak churna is the combination of several Ayurvedic medications such as; Apamarg (Achyranthes aspera), Shigru (Moringa oleifera), Shirish (Albizia lebbeck), bhumi amla (Phyllanthus niruri) etc. anti-bacterial, antioxidant, and diuretics are the properties of this churna. This churna retards the growth of bacteria, enhances the flow rate of urine and also prevents the urinary system from urinary tract infections. It also helps in the management of various urinary disorders.

Dosage: 1 teaspoon twice daily with pain water.

For better results: Boil 1 teaspoon in 400 ml of water until it remains 50-60ml. filter the preparation and drink. Drink this preparation twice a day after 45-60 minutes of breakfast and dinner. Make fresh every time.

2. Punarnava Capsules

These capsules are formulated by the use of a single herb i.e. Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa). It has anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic properties. It reduces pain and inflammation by urinating and also protects the urinary system from various bacterial infections. It is beneficial to maintain a healthy urinary system.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meal.

3. Varunadi Vati

It is the combination of four herbal ingredients such as Varun (Crataeva nurvala), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), and Shuddha Guggul (Commiphora Mukul). Blockage of the urinary tract due to stones may lead to urinary tract infection. This Varunadi vati splits up with stone and passes it naturally via urine. This tablet also regulates the burning sensation. It is beneficial to improve the flow rate of urine.

Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily with plain water after meals.

Conclusion

At the end of this article, we can see that in modern medicine there is no any kind of specific treatment for urinary tract infection, they only give remedies to reduce the symptoms of the disease and also with several types of side effects. In Ayurveda, herbal remedies are prescribed that are safe, pure, and effective with no or very few side effects. Herbal medicines are used to target the major cause of urinary tract infection.