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.
What Are the Early Symptoms of Lyme Disease?
Considering how common Lyme disease is, it is surprising that more people are not aware of its early symptoms.
Lyme disease is a common vector-borne disease; it is transmitted through fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 cases of Lyme disease are reported each year.
Although it is not as rampant as the common cold or the flu, Lyme disease is still problematic. Symptoms of Lyme disease include loss of energy and tiredness. However, if treatment is withheld for longer, the symptoms often lead to further serious health issues that take time to resolve.
Here are some symptoms you should be aware of.
What Are the Early Symptoms of Lyme Disease?
As it is for any disease or infection, Lyme disease symptoms do not erupt all at once. Instead, they develop gradually and can take weeks, if not days, to fully infect you.
For the first stage, here are some of the symptoms you may experience within the first week to the first month.
Stage 1
1. A Red Circular Rash
Also known as an erythema migrans, this rash is circular and appears on the skin in a bulls-eye formation. The rash typically occurs in the area where a bug may have bitten you. This rash can spread to about 12 inches and can be scary-looking. But it is not particularly painful or itchy. More often, the rash only feels warm to the touch.
This red circular rash is a confirmed sign of Lyme disease. However, you may even develop Lyme disease without the rash, so you must keep up with all the other symptoms of the disease.
2. Overall Stiffness, Pain and Chills
These symptoms are hallmarks of Lyme disease. While you may regard them as signs of a cold, these symptoms are typical of your body’s reaction to any foreign contaminant.
Your body redirects your internal energy toward getting rid of what is infecting you. With your body fighting off the illness, this causes overall stiffness, headaches, joint pain, fever and chills. You may also experience muscle stiffness and a lack of energy.
3. Swollen Lymph Nodes
Unfortunately, it is unclear why Lyme disease targets the body’s lymph nodes. We know that the bacteria transmitted through the tick bite travel to the nodes to hide. Perhaps because the system suspects a foreign body, bacteria triggers your immune response and causes your lymph nodes to swell.
Your lymph nodes are located in different body parts, mainly the armpit, chest, neck, abdomen and groin. When infected with Lyme, the lymph nodes in your neck, armpits and groin are always more likely to swell. They may become sensitive to the touch and may feel larger than usual.
Stage 2
4. Increased Red Circular Rashes
Alongside the rash that occurs from the bite, you will also find more rashes appearing on your body. This typically occurs within the first four months after being bitten, and the rash only increases if you have not been treated.
However, it may also occur if you have not had the rash before in the early localized period within the first four weeks.
5. Numbness
The pain and stiffness will gradually increase to weakness, numbness and the inability to move your facial muscles. Again, because your body is still trying to drown the effects of Lyme disease, your extremities will not be able to get the strength they need to move.
Also, considering the weakness you will feel, you may also experience fainting spells and headaches.
6. Heart Palpitations
Your body will be working overtime to keep all your functions up and running. As such, you will feel the occasional bouts of rapid heartbeats.
If you have any heart conditions, it would be wise not to skip the doctor’s visit. Also, if you have a family history of heart problems, you will want to get in touch with a medical professional immediately. Lyme disease can cause serious heart issues in rare cases, and you should catch this problem beforehand.
Consequences of Not Treating Lyme Disease
If Lyme disease is not promptly treated, it leads to a myriad of health issues that take months and even years to heal. Your joints, nerves, heart and brain suffer, all because of an infected tick bite.
Why stop yourself from getting treatment?
If caught early on, Lyme disease can easily be controlled and treated. All it takes is some pre-emptive action on your part. So, pay attention to your body. You never know what it may be trying to tell you.