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URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
Any urinary tract infection in a child requires prompt treatment and further investigation. The minimum level of subsequent investigation includes an ultrasound of the kidneys and an intravenous pyelogram. This response may seem dramatic; but reflux of urine from the bladder back up to the kidney favours kidney destroying infections. Early detection and antibiotics or surgical interventions frequently save the day.
On the other hand urinary tract infections in adult women are a very common problem. Trauma during intercourse predisposes the urinary outlet to an ascending urinary tract infection. In the presence of such a syndrome, medical text books advise women to empty their bladders after intercourse or to place a little dab of Savlon Cream on the urethral outlet prior to the act of intercourse. Needless to say, very few women ever have the patience to persevere with such advice; although some do benefit from alternative positions during intercourse. The male partner is advised not to \"ride too high\". Or intercourse with the woman on top may be the deciding preventative factor.
When it comes to the treatment of urinary tract infections a urine sample should always be provided before the commencement of antibiotics, just in cases the doctor picks the wrong one. As soon as it becomes clear that treatment has failed direction will have arrived from the laboratory as to the drug of second choice.
Bacterial infection in the urinary tract contributes to acid urine. It is this acidity which produces the symptoms of burning, frequency, hesitancy and urgency. Symptoms which can be largely overcome by alkalization of the urine. Ural or Citravescent are two over the counter preparations which enable a woman to achieve an alkaline urine. Another technique is to drink large volumes of water. The resultant over production of urine helps flush the bacteria out.
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GENERAL HEALTH
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