Bladder Infections  

Also Known as Cystitis

Bladder infections, also known as cystitis, are one of the most common conditions among women of all ages. According to a new study at the University of Washington School of Medicine, an estimated 7 million episodes of acute cystitis occur annually in the United States with an annual cost of $1 billion. The study further showed the term "honeymoon cystitis" is still accurate in that having sexual intercourse increased the risk of developing the condition. Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria found in fecal material is responsible for up to 90 percent of all urinary tract infections (UTI). Fecal-contaminated bacteria gains access to the bladder through the urethra.

Over-the-counter dipsticks are available that change color when you have a bladder infection. The tests detect about 90 percent of UTIs and may be especially useful for women who have acute infections.

Women are 30 times more likely to have cystitis than men due mostly to the different lengths of the urethra (women’s urethras are just one-and-a-half inches long, while men have urethras about eight inches long). Men experience UTIs with obstructions like urinary stones or enlarged prostate. According to the National Bladder Foundation, an estimated 3 percent of girls and 1 percent of boys have UTIs by the age of 11. Among elderly women living in nursing homes or hospitalized, 20-50 percent will develop asymptomatic bacteriuria, which is a UTI without symptoms. The elderly and pregnant women are at risk for this type of UTI, which is symptom free but can still develop into serious infections of the kidneys if left untreated.

According to a recent study, acupuncture is highly effective in preventing recurrent urinary tract infections in women. Eighty-five percent of the women treated with acupuncture were free of infection for at least six months, compared with 36 percent in the control group.

Risk Factors:  Keeping an Eye on the UTI

As discussed, UTI’s are extremely common. However, there are certain risks factors that appear to increase an individual’s chances of developing the condition. They include

• A medical history of diabetes or sickle cell.

• Being an elderly woman who lives in a hospital or nursing home.

• Being a man over 65 years of age with prostate problems.

• Decreased estrogen amounts in postmenopausal women, which reduces lactobacilli, the body’s normal infection-fighting microorganism.

• Sexual intercourse; the associated risk increases with frequency.

• Pregnancy, 4-10% of expectant women routinely found bacterial in the urine

• Having a urinary catheter in place, especially longer than 30 days.

• Antibiotic use.

• Use of vaginal creams or other chemicals in the genital area.

Drink cranberry juice! In a recent Israeli study, drinking 1[½] cups of cranberry juice for six months helped keep 85 percent of elderly women bacteria free. Cranberry juice and blueberries prevent E. coli bacteria from sticking to cells of the urinary tract, so they can’t stay around to cause trouble.

Acu-Points

We get a great deal of satisfaction when we hear how acupuncture and oriental medicine have helped turned someone’s life around who has been struggling with chronic bladder infections. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that there will be a 12 percent increase in the number of bladder diseases over the next 15 years, with a dramatic 28 percent increase among women and men 40[nd]59 years of age. Oriental medicine can help us understand why this may be happening when we look at the characteristic cases of UTIs. They include

• External dampness. This condition may arise from sitting in wet grass, wearing a wet bathing suit, or living in a damp environment.

• Diet. Eating excessive amounts of sugar, dairy, and greasy or spicy foods can cause UTIs.

• Excessive sexual activity. A lot of sexual activity increases exposure to bacteria and weakens lower-body qi (kidney qi).

• As your qi weakens with age, your immune system struggles to fight off illness; look for dripping or difficult urination.

• Emotional stress. Anger, frustration, and resentment cause qi to stagnate, while chronic anxiety, grief, or sadness weaken the body and build up heat often felt in the chest and lower abdomen.

• Trauma or surgery. Excessive lifting of heavy objects injures the low back and stagnates qi in the abdominal region. Likewise, women who have had surgery, such as a hysterectomy, often suffer from recurrent cystitis

We have found that acupuncture is a great treatment for bladder infections, whether they are chronic or acute. Often an antibiotic can be avoided if you get to your acu-pro in time. We suggest staying in close communication with your physician so that you can be sure your treatments are effective. Women who come in for chronic cystitis are particularly pleased when the cycle of pain and burning is over.

Typically, we will use acupuncture and prescribe an herbal formula for their condition and overall health. We have also given them a second herbal prescription if acute symptoms arise. Diet and stress management are quite important for continuous relief. Acupressure and regular exercise are an effective tag team for home care. Common herbs for this condition include Bian Xu, Che Qian Zi, Mu Tong, and Fu Ling. As qualified herbalists, we will be able to create an individualized approach customized to your needs.