A urinary tract infection is the presence of microbes in the urinary tract above the bladder sphincter. The main cause of urinary tract infection are gram-negative enterobacteriaceae, among which Escherichia coli (E. coli) predominates, especially uropathogenic strains (UPEC – Uropathogenic Escherichia coli)
Due to the severity of symptoms and the frequency of occurrence, it is a significant medical problem.
Symptoms of cystitis are disorders in urination (pain, burning), sometimes pollakiuria, urgency, pain over the pubic symphysis or hematuria. Urine leukocytes and bacteriuria are present. These symptoms can occur suddenly and with severe intensity. Increased UTI symptoms can be very painful and significantly hinder the patient’s normal functioning.
Epidemiology
UTIs account for approximately 10-20% of all post-hospital infections and 40% of nosocomial infections. Urinary tract infection is up to 50 times more common in girls and women due to the short urethra and the short distance between the anus and the opening of the urethra. A risk factor in women is sexual activity, the use of spermicides, intercourse with a new partner, and urinary tract infection in a first-degree relative. After the age of 60, the incidence of the disease increases in men, but it occurs twice less often than in women in the same age group. It is estimated that approximately 50% of women and 12% of men experience at least one episode of UTI in their lifetime.
Urinary tract infections are not more common in pregnancy than in non-pregnant women, but they can cause complications such as premature birth or low birth weight. Urinary tract infections occur in all people with a bladder catheter if it is kept for more than a month, but usually does not cause discomfort and therefore does not require treatment.
Among children, urinary tract infections affect approximately 10% of the population.
Treatment
In the case of a young, previously healthy woman with symptoms of cystitis, who does not fever, vomit or is not pregnant, the treatment consists in the use, for 3 to 7 days, an antibiotic prescribed by a doctor or selected on the basis of an antibiogram or with proven efficacy in infection caused by E. coli. With such treatment, symptoms disappear within 1-3 days. In general, short-term treatment, that is, from a single dose to a five-day course of treatment, is preferred, depending on the type of antimicrobial agent, because such treatment regimens are as effective as longer treatments with fewer adverse drug reactions.The first-line drugs are nitrofurantoin in the form of large crystalline monohydrate, furazidine, trimethoprim alone or with sulfamethoxazole, fosfomycin, and fluoroquinolones, due to many other important indications for use, are considered second-line drugs in the treatment of patients with cystitis.
A properly selected antibiotic, used for a sufficiently long time, in most cases gives a complete cure for the bladder infection. Sometimes, however, even with proper treatment, the microorganisms are not completely removed and the infection may recur even several times a year.
Prevention
Prevention of UTI recurrences includes
? ensuring the highest possible diuresis
? frequent micturitions
? regular bowel movements
? micturition after intercourse
? ensuring proper personal hygiene
? avoiding spermicides
? regular drinking of cranberry juice or using preparations with large cranberry fruit extract.
The addition of probiotics in such products is beneficial
One of the products that can be recommended for the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections is Uroxill sachets. It contains large cranberry fruit extract; rosehip extract; parsley leaf extract; thyme herb extract; propolis extract; sage leaf extract and a mixture of probiotic bacteria: Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus.
Due to the content of bioactive substances, it is especially recommended for people prone to urinary tract infections. It can be used during antibiotic therapy.
Uroxill capsules have a similar composition. It contains: Rosehip extract; parsley leaf extract; large-fruited cranberry fruit extract; sage leaf extract; a mixture of probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus.
This product is also recommended especially for people prone to urinary tract infections. It can be used during antibiotic therapy.
Both of the above-mentioned products contain natural vitamin C (from rosehip) which helps with the functioning of the immune system.
AUTHOR: Dr n. farm. Andrzej Tarasiuk