A Soak Could Help You Find Some Relief Urinary tract infections are one of the most common outpatient consultations in the United States. They are one of the most common causes of fever in the young and elderly and can cause urinary incontinence in women. Yearly, around 250,000 cases of kidney infections or pyelonephritis occur among women in the United States. Costs for the diagnosis and management of urinary tract infections in the United States can reach up to a total of $2-3 billion dollars a year. It might seem like a simple infection, but it can be really costly when you think of it from that scale. It is an essential infection to treat because it can lead to serious complications such as sepsis and renal damage if left untreated. That is why a lot of other remedies are being tested to see if they can alleviate symptoms of urinary tract infections. This article will discuss how Epsom salt baths are good for UTIs, what benefits Epsom salt baths have, and how to prepare an Epsom salt bath. What are Urinary Tract Infections? What are the Symptoms? Urinary tract infections are infections of the parts that serve as the passageway of the urine out of our bodies; this includes the kidney, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Urine is a sterile substance that passes out of our bodies; therefore, the introduction of bacteria can lead to a bladder infection, inflammation, and pus formation that can lead to various symptoms. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include pain and burning sensation while urinating, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, blood in the urine, and abdominal pain. What are Epsom Salts? What Do They Do? Epsom salt or magnesium sulfate is a white, crystalline water-soluble chemical compound that has been used for centuries to treat various illnesses. Epsom salts are commonly used to relieve sore muscles, stiff joints, itching, skin irritation, and sunburn and are used as relief for headaches or foot pain. Its uses in the human body are varied, and it has been found to provide relief for various ailments, which include urinary tract infections. How is an Epsom Salt Bath Good for UTIs? What Benefits do Epsom Salt Baths Have? Epsom salts provide several benefits for treating urinary tract infections. The primary benefit of using Epsom salt baths for bladder infections or urinary tract infections is to relieve pain. Epsom salt baths can help relieve pain and discomfort associated with UTIs. UTIs present with a burning sensation, pain while urinating, and cloudy urine. The warm, calming nature of Epsom salt baths has been shown to help relieve this. [youmaylike] If you soak in an Epsom salt bath, it can be helpful to reduce inflammation as well. Because they are rich in magnesium, they can help cleanse the urinary tract and aid in the healing process. The increased concentration of magnesium sulfate is believed to help change the environment in the urinary tract, which can lead to conditions unfavorable for bacteria to grow. It can help prevent bacteria from growing or multiplying when you soak in an Epsom salt bath and has a disinfectant property. Epsom salt baths can also improve the circulation of blood in the body. It can cause dilation of the blood vessels leading to improved blood flow, which also promotes the passage of cells that help in the body’s immunity. Epsom salt baths provide an overall relaxing and calming experience that can leave you feeling detoxified as well. Are Epsom Salt Baths the Answer to UTIs? Although Epsom salt baths may relieve urinary tract infection symptoms, there is not enough evidence to recommend using Epsom salts over established treatments like antibiotics. Epsom salt baths are currently home remedies that can be adjuncts to treatment but cannot be used to replace the treatment of urinary tract infections with antibiotic medications. In order to treat the infection, you should still take an antibiotic regimen prescribed by your physician. Are Epsom Salt Baths Risk-Free? Do Epsom Salt Baths Have Any Side Effects? Generally, Epsom salt baths are safe and don’t have a lot of serious complications. However, you still need to make sure that Epsom salt baths are safe for you. The most common side effects of Epsom salt baths include allergic reactions. So if you have an allergy to Epsom salt, it is better that you avoid this. It can also aggravate pain or discomfort if you have an open wound or breaks or scratches in the skin. If you have these, stay away from Epsom salt baths to avoid further complications. How Do You Prepare an Epsom Salt Bath? The general way to prepare an Epsom salt bath is to dissolve Epsom salt in warm water. Epsom salt is easy to find and can easily be bought in health and grocery stores. Recommendations include dissolving 1 to 2 cups of Epsom salt in a gallon of warm water to create a water-soak bath. It is important not to put too much to avoid irritation and drying of the skin. Let the Epsom salt dissolve in the water, which can take about a few minutes. If you have a bathtub, you can prepare it to submerge and soak in it. However, this can be done as you shower as well. When you have a bladder infection or a urinary tract infection, you can do a water soak for 15-20 minutes to help relieve symptoms. Rinse after every water soak. This can be done daily or on an average of 2-3 times per week. Doing this soak gives ample time in providing relief until the antibiotics start doing their work and control further growth and multiplication of bacteria, completely eliminating symptoms such as pain. If you think you have a urinary tract infection, consult your physician for an evaluation. Further, you should seek medical attention if you are experiencing any serious side effects from using Epsom salt baths. There are no studies that show that using an Epsom salt bath for UTIs will prevent or cure a urinary tract infection, so it is still important to go to the doctor for proper management. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of a urinary tract infection.
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Treatment Plans
Cyclical vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a rare disorder that usually starts in childhood. It typically affects children aged 3 to 7, but it can also affect adults. It is characterized by repeated episodes of severe vomiting and nausea that often persist for a long time. Although the condition can be quite disturbing, it is manageable with healthy lifestyle changes and medication. So, what are the best cyclic vomiting syndrome treatment options? Let's take a look.
What Causes Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome?
The exact cause of CVS is not known. Still, experts have linked the condition with digestive issues, genetics, and hormone imbalances.
Many people diagnosed with CVS have abnormalities of the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system is responsible for controlling blood pressure, digestion, and other involuntary functions in the body. Vomiting episodes that characterize CVS may be triggered by:
- Emotional stress
- Physical stress, such as inadequate sleep, exhaustion, or an infection
- Some foods and drinks, such as chocolate, cheese, and things that contain caffeine or alcohol
- Extreme weather conditions
- Menstrual periods
- Allergies
- Overeating, not eating for long periods, or eating just before going to bed
What Are the Symptoms of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome?
In addition to the severe, recurrent episodes of nausea and vomiting, the following have also been found to be associated with CVS:
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Dry heaving
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Headaches
- Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Increased sensitivity to sound (phonophobia)
- Loss of appetite
- Pale skin
- Stomach pain
- Weight loss
Lifestyle and Home Remedies to Manage Symptoms
Lifestyle changes can help control the signs and symptoms of cyclic vomiting syndrome. If you have CVS, it is advisable that you try to get adequate sleep, and once you start vomiting, staying in bed in a dark, quiet room will help.
When the vomiting phase has stopped, it is important that you take in fluids such as sports or energy drinks (like Gatorade, Powerade, and others) diluted with 1 ounce of water or an oral electrolyte solution (Pedialyte).
Some people, after vomiting episodes, may soon feel strong enough to begin eating a regular diet. However, where there is no appetite to eat, you should start with clear liquids and gradually add solid food.
In cases where the vomiting episodes are triggered by stress or excitement, try your best to reduce stress. Also, reducing your portion sizes by eating small meals and low-fat snacks daily, instead of three large meals, may help.
How is Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Diagnosed?
CVS can be difficult to diagnose because there is no specific test to confirm the diagnosis, and vomiting is a sign of many other health conditions. Since it is common mostly with kids, your doctor may first want to find out about your child's or your medical history and conduct a physical exam. The doctor will also want to find out the pattern of symptoms that you or your child experiences.
After that, the doctor may further recommend the following:
- Imaging studies: these could include an endoscopy, ultrasound, or a CT scan to check for blockages in the digestive system or signs of other digestive conditions.
- Motility tests: these are carried out to monitor food movement through the digestive system and check for other digestive disorders.
- Laboratory tests: these check for thyroid problems and other metabolic conditions.
Are There Treatment Options for Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome?
There is no cure for CVS; however, in most cases, the vomiting episodes stop when a child reaches adulthood. For those experiencing a cyclic vomiting episode, treatment focuses on controlling the signs and symptoms by prescribing the following medications:
- Anti-nausea drugs
- Pain-relieving medications
- Medications that suppress stomach acid
- Antidepressants
- Anti-seizure medications
Sometimes, the same types of medications used for checking migraines can also help prevent cyclic vomiting episodes. These medications may be recommended for people whose episodes are frequent and long-lasting or for people with a family history of migraines. IV fluids may also be given to prevent dehydration. However, in general, treatment is usually administered based on the severity and duration of symptoms as well as the presence of complications.
Can Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Be Prevented?
It is not possible to prevent the onset of CVS, but the following steps can be taken to reduce the frequency and severity of episodes:
- Identify specific triggers and avoid them.
- Do not stop taking your prescribed medication, even when feeling well.
- Make sure that you get quality sleep regularly.
- Treat any allergies, sinus problems, or other illnesses or infections immediately.
- Ensure you find effective ways of managing stress and anxiety.
- Have regular meals.
- Stay in touch with your doctor. Discuss any changes in symptoms and methods of prevention.