2 minute read
LIFE STYLE MODIFICATIONS FOR URINARY INFECTIONS AND URINARY STONES
Urinary Tract infection (UTI) and kidney stones are a very common disorder seen in the urology clinic. Both these conditions cause very acute distressing symptoms. UTI: Severe burning urination. Pain. Fever. Blood in the urine. Kidney stones: Pain in the flank radiating to the groin. Painful urination. Blood in urine. Nausea and vomiting. Very often these conditions need hospitalization and treatment. However, after the treatment is completed it is very important to focus on prevention as well. Both urinary infection and stones can be recurrent and can cause serious complications if necessary preventive measures are not taken.
URINARY INFECTIONS: (Suggestions for vulnerable patients)
1. Immune compromised patients: Patients on steroids and immunosuppressive drugs for transplant or other disorders
Strict hygiene at home as well as workplace.
Regular hand washing.
Use of clean washrooms
Regular check with specialist for optimizing the drug dosages.
2. Uncontrolled Diabetes mellitus
Control of Diabetes with a qualified specialist.
Dietary modifications
3. Females who have become newly sexually active develop urinary infections due to recurrent injuries.
Gentle sexual activity and adequate lubrication.
4. Sexually transmitted disease can manifest as urinary infections
Proper diagnosis and treatment of patient and partner.
Use of condoms and safe sex
5. Catheter associated urinary infections in a hospital setting (Post-operative/ neurological)
Hand washing before handling catheter
Regular bath, washing, drying of genital area
Use of leg bags for better mobility
Regular prophylactic antibiotics/ antiseptics as needed.
KIDNEY STONES
After optimal treatment, a prevention protocol needs to be strictly adhered to
Detailed metabolic evaluation needs to be done (including blood tests, stone analysis, 24 hr. urine evaluation) to be done to rule out treatable causes like hyperuricemia, hyperuricosuria, oxaluria, hypercalciuria, hyperparathyroidism)
Adequate fluid intake approximately 2.5 lit/day to be increased to 3 lit/ day during summer or if involved in high intensity spots, exercises which could cause dehydration.
Avoidance/ limitation of alcoholic beverages
Dietary modifications: To exclude shellfish, prawns, red meats, processed foods, fast foods. To reduce quantity of milk products, nuts, vegetables like brinjal and lady fingers.
In conclusion, these simple measures will go a long way in preventing recurrence of these illnesses and reduce the risk of life threatening complications.
