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 is Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency?
Eating is a vital activity for all living things, including humans. Everything we ingest breaks down into important nutrients and energy to keep us active and healthy. Unfortunately, behaviors as instinctual as eating do not come easy to everyone. So, what is exocrine pancreatic insufficiency? Let's find out.
There are some individuals that suffer from conditions that interfere with their ability to properly digest food. While these diseases are rather rare, there are individuals who have exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).
What is EPI?
EPI is a medical condition that causes digestive problems. EPI disrupts an individual’s natural ability to obtain nutrition from the food they eat. While the disease is not uncommon in dogs and cats, it is rather rare in humans.
What Causes Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency?
EPI is the result of pancreas malfunction. The pancreas is the organ responsible for producing chemicals, called enzymes, which are responsible for helping the body break down food. If your body produces too little of these chemicals, it cannot properly extract nutrients from the food you eat.
There are several different ways in which your pancreas can incur damage that results in EPI. Some more common explanations include the following:
- Chronic pancreatitis: When those enzymes start activating while they are still inside the pancreas, it can cause inflammation. When this happens too often, your pancreas is vulnerable to permanent damage. Some risk factors for chronic pancreatitis include having an immune system disorder or being a heavy drinker.
- Surgery: Some individuals experience EPI following surgical procedures on their pancreas, stomach, or intestines.
- Cystic Fibrosis: This condition forces the body to create large amounts of sticky mucus. Sometimes, this unusually thick substance can trap the enzymes in the pancreas, resulting in the enzymes activating inside of the pancreas.
- Schwachman-diamond syndrome: Those who suffer from Schwachman-diamond syndrome may not have the appropriate cells in their pancreas. Missing these vital cells means your pancreas simply can’t produce the enzymes at all.
- Diseases of the digestive system: Other diseases that may cause EPI are those which directly impact the digestive system. Although not everyone suffering from celiac disease or Crohn’s disease has EPI, these diseases may lead to EPI.
What are the Symptoms of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency?
Initially, individuals suffering from EPI may not notice anything out of the ordinary. It is only when the pancreas damage advances to a certain level that individuals may start exhibiting symptoms. These may be a direct result of pancreas damage or indirect effects of the inability to absorb certain vitamins.
Symptoms may include (but are not limited to):
- Stomach pain
- Foul-smelling stools
- Diarrhea
- Constant gas
- Feeling full
- Bone pain
- Weight loss
- Bleeding disorders
Treatment for Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
A major component of EPI treatment includes lifestyle changes. Everyone can stand to benefit from a balanced diet and an overall healthy lifestyle. Avoiding substances, like alcohol, is a must. Alcohol adds extra stress on your body and can further damage the pancreas.
Changes in eating behavior are also recommended. Try to replace the “tradition” three large meals with six smaller ones. Those with EPI may struggle with having large meals.
Another main treatment includes pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT). The goal of PERT is to replenish missing enzymes that your own pancreas no longer makes. These products are ingested orally, often in combination with an antacid, to prevent your stomach acid from breaking them down too early. Additional vitamins are also recommended to supplement vitamin deficiencies.
The FDA approved six prescription drugs for PERT treatment: Creon, Pancreaze, Pertzye, Ultresa, Viokace, and Zenpep.
Doctors may prescribe additional medications to treat pain. Often, over-the-counter pain killers are effective.
When to See a Doctor
Try to remember that exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is a very rare disease and troubling symptoms are likely due to another underlying condition. There are several tests that are conducted to diagnose an individual with EPI:
- Blood tests are performed to measure the levels of vitamins and enzymes in your body. These tests can also test for other diseases that put you at risk for EPI.
- Fecal tests are used to calculate levels of fat in bowel movements as well as the concentration of enzymes your pancreas is producing.
- Imaging tests, such as CT scans, MRIs, and endoscopic ultrasounds, may be performed to determine whether or not the pancreas is inflamed.
If diagnosed, your doctor will work with you to create a treatment plan which works best for you.
It’s important that you discuss any worry symptoms with your primary care physician. Only they can offer the expert observation and testing needed to receive a concrete diagnosis.