MORE ON CRANBERRY'S ROLE IN UTI

Morning friends,this post is linked to my previous post & is specifically directed to one of my friend who placed a query regarding the side-effects of cranberry.
Cranberry is usually a relatively well-tolerated herbal-medicine.As previously mentioned cranberry's role in prevention of urinary tract infection has only been established,but it's role in treatment of urinary tract infection has yet not been established.

SIDE-EFFECTS OF CRANBERRY:[these side-effects occur usually in a minority of patients]
1.nausea.
2.abdominal discomfort.
3.increased frequency of bowel motion.
4.few individuals refuse to take cranberry,due to it's bitter taste.
5.In one study it has been shown to increase the risk of oxalate stone formation in the kidney.so,it should preferably be avoided in oxalate urinary stone formers.
6.in few cases it has shown to increase bleeding tendency[measured by INR] when given to individuals taking warfarin.
7.In one study it has also been shown that cranberry increases the excretion of drugs like anti-depressants & opioids , thus reducing their effectiveness.

Finally,once again i would like to stress on the fact that the role of cranberry has only been substantiated in prevention of urinary tract infection.
If he/she is suffering from active urinary tract infection,then he/she must consult his/her doctor.A culture of mid-stream clean catch urine sample along with antibiotic sensitivity may have to be done.If symptoms of the individual suggest pyelonephritis[infection of the kidney] then imaging studies like ultra-sonography[USG] of abdomen may have to be done.If urinary tract infection is proved,then proper antibiotic may have to be started,after evaluation by your doctor.

So to end,anybody not being able to tolerate cranberry or suffering from urinary tract infection should immediately consult his/her doctor regarding continuation/discontinuation of cranberry or for the treatment of UTI.Nobody should ever take cranberry,in any form without a proper prescription of doctor.

I hope this informations may be of some help to my friend & other friends also.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS,YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR OR MAY VISIT THE CAM.ORG SITEhere

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CRANBERRY:ROLE IN URINARY TRACT INFECTION

GOOD MORNING FRIENDS.Today i thought of posting a brief review on the role of cranberry in the prevention and treatment of urinary tract infection.

Urinary tract infection is very common condition ,specially effecting females.But it also occurs in males.It is more common in women of reproductive age group,specially in sexually active women.
It is usually an easily treatable disorder,responds quickly to antibiotics.Most of the urinary tract infections are urethritis and cystitis[infection & inflammation of the urethra & urinary bladder] .Although, in some cases,pyelonephritis[infection of the kidney] may occur.

Symptoms:1.Urgent desire to to empty the bladder.[urgency]
2.increased frequency of micturition[urination]
3.pain & burning sensation during urination[dysuria]
4.if the kidney,gets involved, there may be abdominal pain,flank pain,nausea,fever,chills.

MOST COMMON BACTERIA CAUSING URINARY TRACT INFECTION IS E.coli.However there are many others[i'll try to explain, in my later posts]

ROLE OF CRANBERRY:[Vaccinium macrocarpon] has been on the scene for ages.It was also used by the native americans,for prevention and treatment of urinary tract infection.Several theories have been given to explain it's mode of action.It is believed that cranberry juice produces hippuric acid, that acidifies the urine,thereby preventing urinary tract infection.
Recent view is that,cranberry prevents specifically the attachment or adherence of E.coli to the lining epithelium of the urinary tract by inhibiting the haemagglutinition of E. coli by expression of P adhesin.[this is a molecule produced by E.coli which helps in attachment]

Although CRANBERRY has been used for many years for the treatment of urinary tract infection, but evidence is lacking [in the form of studies & trials] , to substantially prove it's role in the treatment of urinary tract infection.
But several studies have established it's role in prevention of urinary tract infection.A substantial portion of women,who have suffered from an attack of UTI,have recurrences.These individuals may benefit the most from cranberry juice.Cranberry is also available in the form in the form of capsules.

SAFETY:It is usually well-tolerated.It is usually safe.But it may have a tendency to increase the urinary oxalate level.Thus, it should be cautiously used, in individuals with history of oxalate stones.

OTHER ROLES:cranberry may also have some protective role in dental plaques.It may also have some role against fungus[dermatophytes].But these actions have not been substantially proved yet.

For further information you may discuss this issue with your doctor or visit the CNN HEALTH SITE
here OR NCBI SITEhere
IN MY OPINION,ALTHOUGH,IT'S A HERBAL MEDICINE DON'T TAKE THIS,WITHOUT PRIOR DISCUSSION WITH YOUR DOCTOR.
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