Cranberries Are Not Just for Thanksgiving (Think UTI)

I was surprised that a pain in my upper back and side could be a sign of a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in the kidney. Normally, I attributed that type of infection to burning sensation while urinating. However, a Urinary Tract Infection can occur anywhere along the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.

Most prevalent infections occur in the bladder and urethra, which are painful and annoying, but if it spreads to the kidneys, immediate medical attention is needed.

Pay close attention to the following symptoms that may indicate a possible Urinary Tract Infection:

· A burning sensation while urinating
· Urge Incontinence (always wanting to urinate)
· Passing small amounts of urine frequently
· Cloudy Urine
· Bloody Urine (pink or dark colored)
· Strong smelling urine
· Lower abdomen pain
· Pelvic Pain
· Rectal Pain
· Shakes and Chills
· High fever
· Upper back and side pain

The urinary system plays a role in removing toxins and waste from your body and is great at keeping out bacteria. However, sometimes bacteria can enter the urinary tract through the urethra and grow in the bladder. The most common Urinary Tract infection occur from:

· Sexual intercourse,
· Close proximity of the anus to the urethra
· Kidney stones
· Enlarged prostate
· Weak immunity system
· Use of a catheter to aid in urination

Leaving cystitis (infection of the bladder) and urethritis (infection of the urethra) unchecked can lead to pyelonephritis (acute or chronic infection of the kidney). This infection can be seen from premature infants to older adults.

In general, the typical treatment for this infection is the use of antibiotics such as Bactrim, Cirpro, or Amoxicillin. There are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of contracting a Urinary Tract Infection, such as

· Drinking plenty of water
· Drinking cranberry juice
· Avoid drinking items that may irritate the bladder
· Avoid some feminine products
· Wiping front to back
· Use of Utymax or UtiStat both supplements naturally cleanse the urinary tract.

At anytime you feel any discomfort, pain or illness, you should contact your healthcare professional to exam your symptoms and review your treatments.