Many home remedies claim to get rid of urinary tract infections, but there is often no research to back them up. So, is it true that baking soda can help treat these conditions?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection anywhere in the urinary tract, including the bladder, urethra, ureters and kidneys. Urinary tract infections are among the most common infections treated as first aid.
Some people have recurrent urinary tract infections that cause them to look for alternatives to antibiotics. Taking a small amount of sodium bicarbonate or baking soda mixed with water is a home remedy that some people have tried to undergo a urinary tract infection.
However, little research has been done on the efficacy of sodium bicarbonate in urinary tract infections and may not be safe for everyone. Read on to find out more about this remedy, other home remedies and medical treatments to get rid of urinary tract infections.
Disclaimer
This article is only a general information and discussion about the topic. Information and other content gotten herein should not be taken as medical advice, and the information and discussion should not be substituted for professional and medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor and other qualified health professionals regarding your health and medical conditions.
What is Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a condition in which different types of germs, such as bacteria, fungi or parasites enter the urinary tract and cause an infection. The main forms of urinary infection are cystitis, which affects the bladder; pyelonephritis, which affects the kidneys; urethritis, which affects the urethra and the ureterocele, which affects the ureters.
Although this condition can affect anyone, women tend to develop it more than men and children. Although urinary tract infection does not really pose a health threat, however, in the event of failure to properly treat in time, the infection could become more painful and spread to other organs, causing permanent damage.
Causes of urinary tract infection
The most common cause of this condition is the presence of E. coli bacteria, which can occur in the large intestine. Some particular types of fungi or parasites may also be responsible agents. In general, infections occur as follows:
Germs enter the body through the urethra, a tube that helps remove urine from the bladder and is eliminated through the penis or vagina.
Germs inside the urethra tend to infect the bladder and kidneys.
With a shorter urethra than men, women tend to be more susceptible to infections.
Symptoms of urinary tract infection
From men
- Burning sensation during urination
- Cloudy urine
- Frequent urge to urinate but in small quantities
- Urine with a strong smell
- Traces of blood in the urine
- Rectal pain
- Backache
- Pain in the genitals during urination
- Abdominal and testicular pain
In women
- Frequent urination
- Small amounts of urine at close intervals
- Dark and murky urine
- Traces of blood in the urine
- Pelvic pain
- Urine with a strong smell
- Backache
- Temperature
- Swelling
In children
- Burning sensation during urination
- Cloudy urine or traces of blood
- Fever and vomiting
- Small amounts of urine at close intervals
- Poor diet
- Nighttime incontinence
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
Using Baking Soda for UTI – Urinary Tract Infection
The sodium bicarbonate can neutralize the acid in the urine. However, this treatment could pose a significant risk to health if used incorrectly.
Sodium bicarbonate is said to neutralize the acid in the urine, which presumably reduces the symptoms of a UTI and allows the body to fight off the bacteria that cause the infection.
People who support this remedy also state that baking soda can prevent infection from spreading to the kidneys.
But there is little evidence to suggest that bicarbonate of soda can cure a UTI, although some people may report that it reduces their discomfort and urgency.
Is it safe?
People must remember that baking soda can be very harmful if taken incorrectly. Furthermore, research does not support the use of sodium bicarbonate as an effective treatment for urinary tract infections.
The California Poison Control System reported on 192 cases of sodium bicarbonate abuse, and nearly 5% of these were related to people who were trying to treat a UTI.
Most people in this study required medical treatment after trying to use sodium bicarbonate. Some of the complications encountered include severe electrolyte and acid or base imbalances and respiratory depression.
In addition, the researchers of this study warn that the use of baking soda as a home remedy can cause people to delay medical care, which can lead to worsening of symptoms and further complications.
Complications related to the intake of too much bicarbonate include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Stomach ache
- Vomit
- Convulsions
- Coma
Conclusion
Baking soda can relieve the symptoms of a urinary tract infection in some people. However, this treatment can pose a significant health risk. It is therefore important to consult a doctor before considering the use of baking soda for urinary tract infection.
It is very important you contact your health provider(s) to give you the best advice when it comes to treating urinary tract infection (UTI). Using baking soda to treat it might not be the best of choice for you or your health.
Image: flickr.com
Disclaimer
This article is only a general information and discussion about the topic. Information and other content gotten herein should not be taken as medical advice, and the information and discussion should not be substituted for professional and medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor and other qualified health professionals regarding your health and medical conditions.
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