Dr. Vikram Chauhan, Author at Dr. Vikram Chauhan's Blog

Drugs for Urinary Tract Infections – Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, Fosfomycin, Nitrofurantoin & Better Alternate Remedies in Ayurveda

ABSTRACT

UTI or urinary tract infections can be very problematic. It can result in a variety of symptoms such as painful and burning micturition. The person suffering from UTI or urinary tract infections is in vain and rushes to get immediate relief. There are a variety of drugs available for managing urinary tract infection in the market such as fosfomycin, nitrofurantoin, etc. But are these groups of drugs good for your health? If not then are there any other alternative products available? Which option is better? Let’s discuss the answer to these questions in detail through this following article.

UTI OR URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

Before discussing the management of a condition, it is essential to collect some information regarding the condition itself. So, let us first know a bit about UTI or urinary tract infections. UTI or urinary tract infections are infections related to ureters, bladder, kidney, urethra, etc. In total, women are more prone to UTI or urinary tract infections as compared to men. The patient experiences a variety of health related difficulties such as painful sensation while passing urine, severe burning sensations and discomfort in the abdomen, etc.

urinary tract infections

MANAGEMENT OF UTI OR URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

The Management of UTI or urinary tract infections are usually managed on general principles similar to dealing with any other type of infections. Most of the UTI or urinary tract infections are caused by gram negative bacteria. So it is generally managed through the administration of a variety of antibiotics in the allopathic system of medicines. The most commonly used allopathic drugs for the management of urinary tract infection or UTI are Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, fosfomycin, nitrofurantoin, etc. Details regarding the drugs commonly used for managing UTI or urinary tract infections are described as follows.

1. Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole

Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra, others) is a combination of two synthetic antibiotics used to treat urinary tract infections that are caused by bacteria. It can also be used to prevent a variety of other infections in various parts of your body. Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole may alter the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect it. This could lead to unwanted effects.

Side effects of Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole

The prolonged use of Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole can cause blood in urine, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, weakness, dizziness, etc.

2. Nitrofurantoin

It is a bacteriostatic compound and it is used to lower the pH of urine. It is used in managing lower urinary tract infections. Nitrofurantoin is being used to manage various acute and chronic cases of urinary tract infections.

Side effects of Nitrofurantoin

The prolonged use of Nitrofurantoin can cause chills, anorexia, a change in skin color, headache, dizziness, diarrhea, discomfort, nausea, vomiting, etc.

3. Fosfomycin

Fosfomycin is a widely used drug to treat infections of the urinary tract. It is a broad spectrum antibiotic. It hinders the cell wall synthesis of the bacteria and hence prevents its growth, which leads to the cessation of infection.

Side effects of Fosfomycin

The prolonged use of Fosfomycin may cause blood in urine, discomfort in abdomen, fever, nausea, vomiting, etc.

So how can you protect yourself from these harmful side effects of these antibiotic drugs? There are various beneficial ayurvedic formulations available to cope with the condition of UTI (Urinary tract infections). The ayurvedic concept of UTI (Urinary tract infections) along with the useful ayurvedic formulations will be described as follows.

AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF UTI OR URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

The herbal alternatives used in the management of UTI or urinary tract infections are safe and can be effective in significantly decreasing the duration of symptoms of acute or chronic urinary tract infections, including cystitis and pyelonephritis. They are also effective in preventing recurrent infections. The ayurveda presents a unique perspective on every health topic. The condition of UTI (Urinary tract infections) can be correlated with mutrakricha vyadhi or mutraghata in the ayurvedic literature. Mutrakricha and mutraghata describe a wide category of difficulties related to the mutra i.e. the urine. The aggravated pitta dosha will cause burning sensation in the urine and various discomforts may be faced by the patient due to the dushti of the dosha along with the mutra vaha srotas. The management of the condition of UTI (Urinary tract infections) in ayurveda will require balancing the vitiated dosha along with empowering the health of mutra vaha srotas. This aim can be accomplished through the administration of beneficial ayurvedic formulations such as Mutrakrichantak Churna, Varunadi Vati, etc. These formulations will be described in the following article.

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR UTI OR URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

Planet Ayurveda prepares various formulations of natural herbs which are manufactured using authentic ways and provide great results in improving the urinary system health of the body. The various products prepared by Planet Ayurveda to promote the health of the urinary system are as follows: Punarnava capsules, varunadi vati, etc. All the herbal products manufactured here are free from chemicals, preservatives, starch, additives, colors and fillers. These products are hundred percent natural and are formulated by MD Ayurvedic doctors with deep knowledge of Ayurveda and many years of experience. The formulations are prepared strictly according to the procedures described in the samhitas (classical texts) and therefore are very effective in promoting health and curing the diseased state.

1. Punarnava Capsules

Punarnava capsules are prepared by Planet ayurveda. It contains natural extracts of Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa). Punarnava improves blood circulation and is very beneficial for the urinary system of the body. Punarnava also acts as a diuretic and contains rich antioxidants. It helps to manage UTI or urinary tract infections effectively.

Dosage – Two capsules two times a day with warm water after a meal.

2. Mutrakrichantak Churna

The Mutrakrichantak Churna is prepared by Planet Ayurveda. It contains powder of various beneficial natural herbs such as Varun (Crataeva nurvala), Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus niruri), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), etc. As the name suggests, mutra krich antak i.e. mutra means urine, krich means difficulty and antak means to end; mutrakrichantak churna ends all the urine-related difficulties. These are very essential herbs for the health of the body and will very positively boost the health of your urinary system.

Dosage – One teaspoonful two times a day with warm water.

3. Varunadi Vati

Varunadi vati is prepared by planet Ayurveda. This vati consist 100% natural extracts such as Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), Shuddha Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), Punarnava (Boerhavia Diffusa), Varun (Crataeva nurvala) etc. which help to promote general health of the renal and urinary system of the body. Varunadi vati acts as a diuretic formulation. It also helps to maintain the water balance of the body. It is beneficial in various urine-related difficulties. And, thus manages the condition of UTI or urinary tract infections effectively.

Dosage – Two tablets two times a day with warm water after a meal.

CONCLUSION

In a nutshell, it can be briefly summarized that UTI or urinary tract infections need proper and timely management. UTI or urinary tract infections can cause a variety of health related discomforts such as urgency and frequency of urine, hesitancy in passing urine, burning micturition, etc. The above-mentioned Ayurvedic formulations such as varunadi vati, punarnava capsules, etc. are very beneficial in managing the various urine related difficulties and improving the general health of the patient. Following a healthy diet and lifestyle plays a pivotal role in keeping the diseases at bay.

Treatment of Biliary Atresia in Ayurveda with Herbal Remedies

Abstract

Bile ducts are thin tubes that carry bile from the liver to the stomach. The bile carried by them is helpful in digestion. Due to blockage of the bile duct, several disorders occur that lead to increased bilirubin levels in the body. The blockage of bile ducts is known as Biliary Atresia. This condition is rare but can be fatal if not diagnosed and managed on time. In this article, we will look at various causative factors, symptoms, and ayurvedic management of Biliary Atresia.

Introduction

Biliary Atresia is a condition in children in which the bile duct is blocked. The bile cannot flow through the ducts and builds up in the liver itself. That can cause various liver disorders including liver damage, jaundice, etc.

There are types of Biliary Atresia

Perinatal Biliary Atresia
Fetal Biliary Atresia

Premature children are at greater risk for developing Biliary Atresia. A baby with Biliary Atresia usually seems healthy at birth but the symptoms start occurring after two weeks to two months. Two types of surgeries are used to treat this condition, which may include liver transplant and Kasai procedure. Ayurvedic treatment has a great effect on its management. Both treatment options are discussed further in the article. Choose the best for your child’s safe and healthy future.

Ayurvedic Aspect

In Ayurveda liver is known as ‘Yakrit’ and disorders related to it are called ‘yakrit rogas’. The excess formation of bilirubin is due to an imbalance of tridosha in the body, which will cause excessive production of bilirubin. The imbalance of tridoshas in the fetus will cause damage to the newborn’s biliary system/bile ducts. All these conditions together will cause the disorder of Biliary Atresia. The treatment includes herbs for the management of the liver and normal production of bilirubin in the liver.

Causes

The causes of Biliary Atresia are unknown, but scarring and damage to bile ducts can occur due to-

Infections at birth
Autoimmune problems
Genetic mutation

Symptoms

Due to blockage of bile ducts, the bilirubin cannot get out from the liver and is not excreted from the body. It gets collected in the liver and causes these symptoms

symptoms of Biliary Atresia

Jaundice
Light colored stools
Yellowish urine
Inflammation in the abdomen
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Liver failure (in some cases)

These symptoms look like other liver conditions like jaundice but the proper diagnosis is needed to rule out possible causes and disorders.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is confirmed by a pediatrician after a full examination of the baby. Diagnosis may include one or more of the following diagnostic methods-

Physical examination
Liver function tests
Ultrasound
Liver biopsy
Hepatobiliary scan

Differential Diagnosis

Symptoms of Biliary Atresia may correlate with symptoms of the following conditions, but proper diagnosis is a must to rule out the exact condition-

Lipid storage disorder
Caroli disease
Alagille syndrome
Neonatal hemochromatosis
Congenital herpes simplex virus
Congenital cytomegalovirus

Complications

Bleeding in liver
Blockage in intestines
Hole in intestine
Liver failure

Treatment

In modern pathology, there is no Treatment for Biliary Atresia. Surgery is the only option for its management. The surgical procedure for the treatment of Biliary Atresia is known as the ‘Kasai Procedure’.. In this surgical procedure, the damaged bile ducts are removed and replaced with a piece of the small intestine that will allow the drainage of bilirubin into the small intestine directly from the liver. However, the success rate is low in many children, and the recurrence rate even after the surgery is high. This can be subjected to loss, with side effects, and undergoing surgery has several side effects. Ignoring side effects it still has chances of reoccurrence. Then what is the option for management besides antibiotics? Well here is the solution. Ayurveda is the solution to your problem. Ayurvedic herbs and therapies help you to recover from this condition and prevent its recurrence. Let us have a detailed look into it.

Herbal remedies for Biliary Atresia by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a herbal medicines manufacturing company in India. Planet Ayurveda. It has been preparing several herbal medicines that are successfully treating several diseases worldwide. All their preparations are 100% pure and free from chemicals, and preservatives. The medications are used in the treatment of several health conditions. Planet Ayurveda provides the following preparations for the effective treatment of Biliary Atresia.

1. Livoplan Syrup

This syrup is prepared with a combination of various herbs such as Bhringra (Eclipta alba), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Shyonak (Oroxylum indicum), Bhumi amla (Phyllanthus niruri), Rohitaka (Tecomella undulata), Patol (Trichosanthes dioica), Ghritkumari (Aloe vera), Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea), Dugdhapheni (Taraxacum officinale), Kasni (Cichorium intybus), etc. This tonic helps protect the liver from several hepatotoxins by eliminating toxins from the liver and body. It also allows the healing of damaged liver tissues. It is helpful for damaged liver, alcoholic liver, and viral hepatitis. It promotes strength and helps in maintaining healthy stimulating sluggish liver.

Dosage– Have 1 teaspoon twice daily.

2. Arvindasav

This herbal formulation contains Arvvinda (Nelumbo nucifera), Mansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), Ela (Elettaria cardamomum), Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Neelkamal (Nymphaea stellata), Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Nilini (Indigofera tinctoria), Gambhari (Gmelina arborea), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Pitpapra (Fumaria parviflora), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Patola (Trichosanthes dioica), Muramansi (Selinum tenuifolium), Shyama (Ipomoea turpethum), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Draksha (Vitis vinifera), etc. This asav is indicated in all conditions of children. It manages indigestion issues, diarrhea, cough, and weakness by enhancing immunity in children. It strengthens the immune system of a child to fight against several diseases.

Dosage– Take 10-20 drops two times a day.

3. Yakrit Plihantak Churna

It consists of herbs Bhumiamla (Phyllanthus niruri), Bhringraj (Eclipta alba), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Kaansi (Cichorium intybus), and Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea). This churna promotes healthy liver functioning. It also maintains the spleen functioning along with the liver. All these herbs work together to sustain the good functioning of the hepatic system.

Dosage- Take 1/4th spoon of churna, and mix with Livoplan Syrup and Arvind Asav.

4. Acidoplan Syrup

This syrup consist of herbs- Patol (Trichosanthes dioica), Ghritkumari (Aloevera), Saunf (Foeniculum vulgare), Kokum (Garcinia indica), Pittapapada (Fumaria indica), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Sajjikhar (Soda bicarbonate), etc. This syrup is used in the management of acidity. Bile is an acid in the human body. Excess production of bile is controlled by this syrup which can help in easing the symptoms of biliary atresia.

Dosage- Have 1 spoon two times a day.

Conclusion

Biliary Atresia is corrected through surgery which does not have high success rates. Also, the child may need a liver transplant even if the surgery is successful. Ayurvedic herbs provide proper management of this condition with no side effects and no failures. Keep your child safe and away from side effects with herbal management. For any queries visit us at www.planetayurveda.com

Stay Healthy!! Stay Alive!!