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 Physical Symptoms of Stress?
Every person has experienced different forms of stress in their lives. Is it normal to feel stressed? Can we prevent it or make it go away? This article will explain what it is, the different types, causes, and physical symptoms of stress. We also look at how we can identify and manage it, and when to see a doctor.
What is Stress?
Stress is an emotional or mental reaction of the body, characterized as tension or apprehension coming from changes or circumstances. It is a normal reaction, and usually occurs when a person is pushed beyond their limits.
According to the American Psychological Association, around 75% of Americans experience physical or emotional stress. On one hand, stress can be a good motivator for a person to be more productive and get things done. However, it can also be overwhelming when not controlled, affecting your daily life and interfering with daily activities.
What Causes Stress?
There is usually a triggering factor for stress. It can be mild, such as a slight change in schedule, routine, or lifestyle. An example of this is travel, pregnancy, childbirth, or a fight.
Other times, circumstances that are unfavorable or challenging cause stress. These include problems relating to work, money, family, relationships, or health. Examples of this include financial problems, debt, loss of a job, marriage, or illness.
It is important to note that although stress is associated with negative events, not all causes of stress are bad. Sometimes it also comes from good events such as being pregnant and having a baby, or getting a promotion and having more responsibility at work.
Different Types of Stress
There are different types of stress, each of which has its presentation and triggers. The American Psychological Association identifies different types of stress based on the time it occurs. Stress is classified as acute (short-term), acute episodic stress, or chronic (long-term).
Acute and Chronic
Acute stress is a type of stress that lasts for a limited period because of certain changes in the environment. It is usually incidental and disappears after the trigger is removed. Episodic acute stress is characterized as acute stress that occurs more frequently or regularly. These episodes are usually more intense than acute stress. Chronic stress is a type of stress that is lasting and can be present for years or decades.
Physical
Stress can also be classified by type. Physical stress is a type of stress that affects the body. Examples of triggers of physical stress are travel, changes in temperature or environment, and changes such as pregnancy, childbirth, menstruation, or menopause. Traveling can cause physical stress by changing your sleeping and waking hours. Changes in the environment can affect your sleep and wakefulness and also affects your body.
Trauma
A type of stress similar to physical stress is traumatic stress. Traumatic stress is when there is an insult or injury to the body which can lead to physical changes and complications, such as pain, changes in sensorium, or even death. An example of traumatic stress is when a person gets in an accident, gets sick, or undergoes an operation.
Emotional
Another type of stress is emotional stress, which affects the feelings of a person. Triggers of emotional stress include death or losing a loved one, a divorce or breakup, or a fight with a loved one or family member. People with emotional stress may experience symptoms of depression and physical changes, such as weight loss and sleep problems.
Symptoms of Stress
Stressed individuals experience various symptoms. It will display differently in each individual, but there are some common symptoms to look for. These include:
- Feeling fatigued or tired
- Digestive issues, such as an upset stomach, stomach ache, or nausea
- Headaches
- Muscle pain
- Chest pan
- Increased blood pressure
- Difficultly sleeping
- Decreased libido
- Feeling restless or lethargic
How to Identify Stress
Sometimes it may be difficult for adults to identify their stress. It can be hard for children and teenagers, too, especially if they do not know what stress is.
How will a person know that they are already experiencing stress? It usually becomes apparent through certain behavioral cues.
Aside from the physical symptoms, people who have stress experience changes in behavior. These include being moody or easily irritated. They may complain and not enjoy activities that they used to. Their sleeping and eating habits are unusual enough to be noticed by people around them.
Socially, they may isolate themselves, have angry outbursts, and become hostile towards family members or friends.
While there are many physical symptoms of stress, it can show itself in other ways, too.
Stress Management Tips
Stress can occur at different points in every person’s life, so it is important to know how to manage it. First, you need to identify the triggers so you can mentally prepare and anticipate ways to control the stress.
Implement a Positive Outlook
Having a good mindset and positive outlook is a good start to keep stress at bay. To build resilience, it can be helpful to practice meditation techniques and breathing exercises. This centers the body and refocuses the mind, providing clarity. Having calming or soothing activities can also help manage stress.
This can be different for every person. Examples include listening to music, taking a warm bath, or practicing breathing exercises. Focusing on a hobby or interest can also help.
Maintain a Health Diet
Having a balanced diet will also help manage stress. It will help provide energy, and the nutrients from healthy meals can lead to a strong mind and body.
Exercise will also help in reducing stress. It releases hormones that boost happiness and improve a person’s mood. According to the American Psychological Association, almost half of Americans walk or exercise to manage stress.
Do What You Enjoy
Having activities for fun and leisure is also helpful for stress. It is important to rest and take a break once in a while. This is also good to help reset your mind and recharge your body.
Being with a good support group can alleviate stress as well. Connecting with people not only boosts your mood, but also allows people to learn from each other.
Seeing a Doctor
Seeing a doctor for stress is helpful if the person is already feeling overwhelmed, and stress is being experienced persistently or for a long time.
Professional help may also be needed when non-medical techniques to relieve the stress mentioned above do not work. A trained professional is important for giving emotional support, as well as providing guided stress management strategies with expected outcomes.
Stress does not simply go away. It’s important to know when stress should be evaluated by a doctor for treatment and management. This way, stress is less likely to affect a person’s physical and mental health and become destructive to their life.