The Management of UTI for Patients with MS

- Get an evaluation for by an urologist. While MS patients are at a low risk for kidney disease they do often have urological problems. That is why frequent evaluations by an urologist are essential for the management of UTI.

- Do pelvic floor exercises. These help in bladder control and also make the bladder muscles stronger.

- Drink Cranberry Juice to reduce the intensity of the infection and to reduce the risk of re-infection. Cranberry juice helps diminish chronic UTI infections. Cranberry has the ability to affect the bacteria on the bladder wall and make it less likely to stick on the wall. This helps break the cycle of re-infection.

- Take cranberry capsules of 300-1000mgs daily if cranberry juice is not an alternative. MS patients dislike drinking excessive liquid as they suffer from incontinence. However, capsules or tablets of cranberry are available at health stores and pharmacies that can be taken.

- Take 1000 mg of vitamin C a day with antiseptic drugs. Bacteria causing UTI's thrive due to the high PH of the urine. To lower the urine ph vitamin C can be taken, as this too will lower the ph of your urine. Antiseptic drugs like Uroqid Acid and Hiprex complement this therapy and are available through the local GP or incontinence nurse.

- Take probiotics which are friendly bacteria that help in the prevention of bladder infections.

- Drink lots of water. Water helps flush out the body's toxins so drink at least 8 glasses of water a day [should be at least 8oz each].
Make sure the bladder is empty. Always make sure that the bladder is empty, go when you feel like going. The urine against the bladder wall will cause irritation and burning so the faster it is emptied the better the control of the symptoms.

- A dose of antibiotics may be an option. To control the intensity of symptoms prophylactic doses of antibiotics should be taken which may help relieve symptoms.

- Boost your immunity and personal hygiene. The best defense against bacteria and viruses is a good immune system. Take the necessary supplements to ensure that the body is protected against germs. Also, make sure that hands are washed, wipe from front to back so that the urinary tract is not exposed to germs and that colored tissue papers and perfumed wipes etc are avoided.

References:
Prevention and Management of Urinary Tract Infections in Paralyzed Persons. Summary, Evidence Report/Technology Assessment: Number 6, January 1999. Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/epcsums/utisumm.htm