Urinary tract infections occur more frequently in women than men mainly because a woman's urethra is shorter. For the same reason, young children with shorter urethras than adults tend to have more urinary tract infections. The offending micro-organism is the bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) and is the infecting agent in 9 out of 10 cases of cystitis (bladder infection).

E. coli has the ability to cling to the urinary tract wall as it has sticky finger like projections that allow it to grip the wall. Bacteria multiply really quickly. One splits in two and divides again to produce four and so on until many thousands are growing. An unchecked infection can rapidly get out of hand causing pain, inflammation, fever and other symptoms.

Treatment usually involves a visit to the doctor's office for a prescription antibiotic and perhaps a urinary alkaliser to help assist with the symptoms of burning. New treatment strategies are emerging and include the use of a member of the sugar family called D-Mannose, which the E. coli bacteria would rather cling to in preference to the urinary tract wall. Taken as a powder added to a large glass of water, D-Mannose taken every two hours in acute infections often clears the bacteria and symptoms of cystitis in less than 48 hours. If not then the chances are that the infection may not be E. coli and a visit to the doctor is urgently required. A urinary tract infection, especially if it involves blood in the urine requires prompt attention. If you see blood, do not delay making an appointment with your doctor.

There are also herbal supplements that appear to have strong antibacterial activity and may have an anti-inflammatory and detoxing effect on the urinary tract system. Ethical Nutrients Urinary Tract Support may be safely combined with D-Mannose for added support. Both D-Mannose and Urinary Tract Support may be used for acute infections or longer term as prevention.

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