Understanding UTIs: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment Options | Dr. Eilbra Younan

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common bacterial infection affecting 150 million people each year worldwide!
2 Common Types:
Most UTIs occur in the bladder(Cystitis) which is called the lower urinary tract. Most severe infections occur in the kidneys (Pyelonephritis) or upper urinary tract.
Common Risk Factors:
More common in females, Incomplete voiding, Non-circumcision, Diaphragms, Pregnancy, Low Lactobacilli levels, Diabetes (there is so much sugar and thus the bacteria loves the sugar and thus build up).
Signs & Symptoms:
1. Lower Urinary Tract Infections (Cystitis): Dysuria-discomfort urination(pain, or burning sensation), Urgency, Frequency, Burning, Nocturia (frequent urination at night), Suprapubic heaviness, Hematuria.
2. Upper Urinary Tract Infections (Pyelonephretis)Flank Pain (discomfort in your upper abdomen or back and sides), Abdominal pain, Fever, Nausea, Vomiting , Costovertebral angle pain, Malaise.
Treatment of Cystitis:
-Nitrofurantoin 100mg twice a day x 5-7 days. Take with food to enhance absorption. Side-effects: Nausea, headache. Safe in pregnancy.
-SMX/TMP 1 DS tab twice a day x 3-7 days. Side-effects: GI Upset(nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Avoid in Pregnancy.
-Ciprofloxacin 250mg twice a day x 3 days or Levofloxacin 250mg daily x 3 days. Cipro take 2 hours before or 6 hours after antacids, sucralfate, magnesium, aluminium, calcium, iron, zinc, multivitamin because inhibit absorption. Levofloxacin take 2 hours before or 2 hours after these agents. Avoid dairy products. Avoid in pregnancy. Side-effects: headache, dizziness, GI upset/diarrhea
Treatment of Pyelonephritis:
Ciprofloxacin 500mg twice a day x 7 days or Levofloxacin 750mg daily x 5 days. If you develop pyelonephritis during pregnancy, you'll be hospitalized for treatment. Intravenous antibiotics, probably cephalosporin drugs such as Cefazolin (Ancef) or Ceftriaxone (Rocephin).
*Phenazopyridine (Pyridium, AZO) 100-200mg three times a day (OTC and Rx) x 2 days to relieve symptoms (Dysuria). Side effects: headache, dizziness, urine discoloration(red-orange), stomach cramps, body secretion.Take with or following food + 8 oz of water to minimize stomach upset.
Natural Tips/Products:
-Drink lots of Water (8 glass per day), Lemon + Water
Foods with High Vitamin C Immune Boosting(blueberries, oranges, broccoli, spinach, tomatoes, ginger, turmeric, lemons, honey, cranberry)
-Cranberry Extract: 300mg-500mg twice a day
-Parsley Tea: 1 cup boiling water over ¼ cup (2-3 tablespoons)fresh parsley leaves. Steep for 5minutes, strain, and drip up to 3 times daily. Sweeten with honey if desired.
-Ginger+Turmeric+Lemon+Honey Tea:
1/2 inch ginger root- slice and boil add to drinking cup, add 1 teaspoonful turmeric, 1/2 teaspoonful honey, and squeeze lemon. Stir and drink every day before meals or after meals.
Apple Cider Vinegar 1 tablespoon + water
Disclaimer:This content is strictly the opinion of Dr. Eilbra Younan, and all viewers of this content are advised to consult with their doctors regarding specific health questions, especially those taking prescriptions, and/or over-the-counter(OTC) medications before starting this or any nutrition or lifestyle change. This content is for informational and educational purposes only, and is not intended to provide medical advice or take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal doctor. Neither Dr. Eilbra Younan and/or publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health side-effects/consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content.