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Don't
skip the Cranberry Sauce this Thanksgiving
Newswise — Patients worried about their bladder health have
one more reason to have an extra helping of
cranberries this Thanksgiving: the fruit
could help prevent urinary tract infections
(UTIs).
Long used as a home remedy for simple UTIs, cranberries are
useful in preventing these infections
because the fruit’s high acid content can
help inhibit bacterial growth along the
urinary tract.
If left untreated, a simple UTI could spell trouble for the
bladder and kidneys. UTIs occur when
bacteria enter the urinary tract and
multiply in the urethra. The lining of the
urethra becomes red and irritated, like a
sore throat.
If the infection in the urethra (urethritis) is left
unchecked, bacteria can move deeper into the
urinary tract to the bladder (cystitis) and
throughout the ureters into the kidneys (pyelonephritis).
Kidney infections are extremely dangerous and can lead to
life-threatening conditions such as
bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream) if
left untreated.
UTIs affect millions of people and account for more than 8
million doctor visits per year. Frequent,
sometimes painful urination is the most
painful symptom. Your urine may also be
cloudy, or have a stronger odor than usual.
In some cases, you may also have hematuria, or blood in the
urine. Hematuria is a common UTI symptom,
but may also be caused by a more serious
problem in the urinary tract. It is
important to get prompt medical attention if
you have blood in your urine.
Urologists caution that cranberries might
not help everyone and urge patients to seek
treatment if they have UTI symptoms.
Other methods of UTI prevention include proper hydration
and judicious use of antibiotics prescribed
by a physician.
To avoid UTIs, you should not delay or refrain from
urinating and should not rush when
urinating. Retaining urine and not emptying
your bladder completely can increase your
risk of a UTI.
During this important month and throughout the year, the
AUA can provide information, statistics and
expert commentary on subjects related to
bladder health. The AUA can assist in
developing related story topics on bladder
health, such as:
• Maintaining bladder health
• How to deal with day-to-day incontinence
• New technologies or products to assist the
incontinent
• New risk factors for bladder cancer
• New techniques and technology to treat
bladder cancer
• Treatment options for bladder cancer
• Life after a cystectomy
About the American Urological Association: Founded in 1902
and headquartered near Baltimore, Maryland,
the American Urological Association is the
pre-eminent professional organization for
urologists, with more than 16,000 members
throughout the world.
An educational nonprofit organization, the AUA pursues its
mission of fostering the highest standards
of urologic care by carrying out a wide
variety of programs for members and their
patients, including UrologyHealth.org, an
award-winning on-line patient education
resource, and the American Urological
Association Foundation, Inc.
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