Urinary Tract Infections

What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

There are several names used to describe a bacterial infection of the lower urinary tract. “UTI,” “bladder infection,” and “cystitis” are often used interchangeably, since they all mean the same thing

What is cystitis?

There are actually several different types of cystitis. Technically, the word “cystitis” means inflammation of the bladder. Although most cases of cystitis are caused by bacteria (and can also be called a “urinary tract infection” or “bladder infection,” there is another type of cystitis, called “interstitial cystitis” which is NOT caused by infection. Interstitial cystitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that can affect the bladder.

How can I tell which type of “cystitis” I have?

Because the symptoms of a true bladder infection may be very similar to those of interstitial cystitis, the first way to tell the difference is to get a urine culture done at your doctor's office. If infection is present, treatment with an antibiotic should treat your cystitis.

What are the symptoms of a urinary tract infection?

During a UTI the lining of the bladder and urethra become inflamed and irritated. When you void, urine passes over these irritated areas, and it creates that dreaded burning sensation. Painful, burning urination (dysuria) is often the first indication that you may have a UTI. Other symptoms may accompany the burning sensation, including:

  • Increased urgency
  • Increased frequency
  • Cloudy urine
  • Strong or unpleasant odor of urine
  • Only producing a small amount of urine despite a strong urge
  • Urine leakage resulting from not getting to a toilet in time
  • Blood in the urine
  • General discomfort or malaise

Is a urinary tract infection dangerous?

It can be. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential to prevent complications such as the spread of infection to the kidneys (pyelonephritis), and potentially to the bloodstream, which is very serious. Kidney infection is typically accompanied by a high fever (over 101°F), back pain, nausea, and sometimes vomiting.

More serious symptoms that can accompany a UTI may include:

  • Mild fever (under 101°F)
  • Back or flank pain
  • Chills
  • Nausea
  • Pain in the lower abdomen

How do urinary tract infections occur?

Most UTIs are caused by bacteria from the colon and rectal area. The most common of these bacteria, E.coli, is responsible for over 80% of all urinary tract infections. E.coli and other bacteria usually enter the urinary tract through the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. Once inside, E.coli uses special hair-like structures called pili to stick to the wall of the bladder. Once attached to the bladder wall, the bacteria can multiply, causing a UTI.

What are the risk factors for urinary tract infection?

Women are more prone to UTIs than men because the female urethra is shorter, and therefore provides less of a barrier to the entry of bacteria. A risk factor for UTIs is sexual activity, because intercourse can increase the chance that bacteria from the rectal and vaginal area will enter the urethra. Menopause is also a risk factor, since the reduced level of estrogen permits the overgrowth of bacteria in the area of the urinary opening.

How should a UTI be treated?

If you suspect that you have a UTI, you should contact your physician. Home remedies, such as cranberry juice, CANNOT treat or cure a urinary tract infection that is already established. A prescription antibiotic is the ONLY reliable means of treatment for a bacterial urinary tract infection.

Are cranberry products (juice, tablets, etc.) an effective treatment for a UTI?

There is NO credible scientific evidence that cranberry is an effective treatment for an existing UTI. Once the bacteria stick to the bladder wall and start multiplying, cranberries cannot help. The only reliable treatment for a urinary tract infection is an antibiotic. If you suspect that you have a UTI—contact your doctor. Do NOT attempt to treat it yourself.

If cranberry products don't treat a UTI, what do they do?

Although cranberries can't treat an existing UTI, they do help reduce the risk of having a future infection. Many women develop recurrent UTIs—sometimes several per year. A growing body of evidence now confirms that cranberry products can reduce the risk of future UTIs in many women. No known treatment can prevent UTIs 100% of the time, but clinical trials show that about 50% of people benefit from taking cranberry products. These products, when taken in appropriate dosages, appear to be a safe and effective.

How do cranberries work?

Most urinary tract infections occur when bacteria enter through the urethra and then stick to the wall of the bladder. Recent research has revealed that cranberries contain a group of chemicals called proanthocyanidins, which bind to the bacteria and prevent it from sticking to the bladder wall. This makes it easier for the bacteria to be flushed out in the urine before a UTI can start.

How much cranberry is needed for benefit?

Approximately 10-12 ounces of 27% cranberry juice cocktail has been shown to reduce UTI risk. This amount of juice contains an average of 30-35 mg proanthocyanidins.

For those trying to manage their weight, the extra calories from drinking cranberry juice daily can add up over time. Ten ounces of cranberry juice cocktail contains approximately 175 calories, which, if consumed daily, can result in significant weight gain if the excess calories aren't burned through activity. A cranberry supplement can provide a low calorie alternative to sugar-laden cranberry cocktail.

Do all cranberry supplements contain enough proanthocyanidins?

All cranberries contain proanthocyanidins, but the amount varies dramatically between products. Therefore, it is important to choose a product that has been independently tested and certified for proanthocyanidin content (such as by NSF® International). If the actual content of proanthocyanidins in a cranberry supplement has not been measured and independently certified, the efficacy of that product is uncertain.