What does the therapy look like?
The therapy of a urinary tract infection depends on its more precise localization. An inflammation of the urethra (urethritis) is in most cases treated with antibiotics. The choice of antibiotic depends on which pathogen is the most likely trigger.
In the case of cystitis, one decides between an uncomplicated and a complicated urinary tract infection. An uncomplicated cystitis as it occurs relatively frequently in healthy women can in principle also take place without drug therapy. In order to treat the pain, a pain therapy over a few days, for example with ibuprofen, is usually advisable in these cases.
An antibiotic therapy for uncomplicated cystitis is also possible. Here different antibiotics are available. For example, Fosfomycin which must be taken only once, Nitrofurantoin which must be taken over 5 days or antibiotics from the group of fluoroquinolines such as Ciprofloxacin which must be taken over 3 days.
A complicated urinary tract infection as it is for example by definition present in men should generally be treated antibiotically with one of the above mentioned substances. There is also the clinical picture of asymptomatic bacteriuria. Here, the urine status shows an increased number of leukocytes, which formally indicates a bladder infection.
However, the affected persons have no complaints. Such an asymptomatic bacteriuria usually does not require antibiotic treatment. Exceptions to this are pregnant women, for whom antibiotic therapy should also be administered in this case.
An antibiotic is not always necessary in cases of urinary tract infection. Especially in the case of an uncomplicated cystitis the treatment can be carried out without antibiotics. The same applies to asymptomatic bacteriuria.
Antibiotic treatment should always be given for a complicated urinary tract infection and for inflammation of the renal pelvis (pyelonephritis). Even pregnant women should always receive antibiotic therapy. Otherwise, the patient’s level of suffering is decisive when deciding whether antibiotic treatment of an uncomplicated cystitis is necessary or not.
However, it is not uncommon for painkillers such as ibuprofen to be taken for 2-3 days. Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic from the group of fluoroquinolones. It is used for the treatment of numerous diseases.
For a long time it was the most frequently prescribed drug for cystitis. In the current guidelines, however, it is only a second choice or alternative solution if there is an intolerance to the first choice drugs. These first choice drugs include fosfomycin and nitrofurantoin.
In the treatment of renal pelvic inflammation, however, ciprofloxacin is still the first choice. The drug treatment of urinary tract infections is primarily with antibiotics. In addition, drugs to relieve pain, such as ibuprofen, can be used.
Various homeopathic remedies are available to treat the symptoms of cystitis.Cantharis vesicatoria (Spanish fly) is recommended for the treatment of pain. It is said to help against burning in the area of the bladder and urethra when urinating. It is recommended to take 3 globules every 30 minutes.
In case of very strong pain, the use of Mercurius corrosivus (mercury chloride) is recommended. Here too, 3 globules can be taken every half hour. Equisetum hiemale (winter horsetail) is also used to treat pain in the context of cystitis.
Other possible homeopathic remedies for pain treatment are Terebinthina (turpentine), Apis mellifica (honey bee) and Pareira brava (semolina). Of all these remedies, 3 globules can be taken every 30 minutes. Also used is Colibacillinum (anti-colibacillary serum) which can be taken four to six times a day.
Furthermore Formica rufa (red wood ant), Rhus toxocodendron (poison ivy), Sepia (cuttlefish), Belladonna (belladonna), Aconitum napellus (wolfsbane), Mercurius solubilis (mercury) and Lycopodium clavatum (bear’s flap) can be used for the symptomatic treatment of a urinary tract infection. The selection of homeopathic remedies is therefore large, so that in the case of acute complaints, a homeopath is best consulted to determine which remedy is most suitable. However, it is important to note that homeopathic remedies do not cure the illness but only alleviate the symptoms.
Especially in the case of urinary tract infections with fever, chills and deterioration of the general condition and in the case of urinary tract infections during pregnancy a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible. During a urinary tract infection, especially during the classical cystitis, it is very important to drink a lot of water to flush the bacteria out of the urinary tract. Whether tea or water is drunk is irrelevant.
It is important to drink more than 2 liters of water per day, unless there are diseases that prohibit this. In addition, there are numerous suppliers of so-called bladder and kidney teas. In the end, these teas do not do much different than other liquids: They flush the kidneys and urinary tract.
In the package insert it is written that they serve to increase the amount of urine and to prevent urinary semolina and urinary calculus formation. The ingredients are said to have a diuretic and slightly anti-inflammatory effect. Bubble-and-kidney teas are not substantially more expensive with some offerers than normal teas.
By humans, who drink gladly tea and have a urinary tract infection, such teas can be thus quite used. However, an advantage over drinking other teas or liquids in sufficient quantities has not yet been proven. Cranberry is known as large-fruited cranberry.
However, the English term cranberry is also much more common in Germany. Cranberry is mainly known as a traditional remedy for cystitis. However, there is no clear scientific proof of the effectiveness of cranberry for the treatment of urinary tract infections.
Nevertheless, cranberry can be used to prevent urinary tract infections. Especially for people (mostly women) who are prone to frequent cystitis, cranberry prophylaxis can be tried. Cranberry is available in the form of tablets, capsules and juice.
The preparations are available without prescription in pharmacies and drugstores. 500 ml cranberry juice cost 5-6 euros. For the prophylaxis of urinary tract infections about 50 ml juice should be taken daily.
