March is National Kidney Month. People don’t think about their kidneys until something goes wrong with them. Several Medivizor blog posts have described the structures in the kidney, the connection between kidneys and blood pressure, and kidney stones and the risk of heart attack or stroke. Chronic Kidney Disease is another kidney problem but it is...
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When bacteria are stressed, they stop living their lives singly, the way plankton do. Their adaptation is to find co-locate with other bacteria and build a type of fortress. That fortress is called biofilm. Biofilm is an organized structure made of sugars (polysaccharides), proteins and DNA and of course, bacteria. In some cases other microbes like fungi,...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the effects of a sodium hyaluronate (SH; Healon) injections into the bladder in patients with urinary tract infections (UTI). The main finding was that SH was effective in treating UTIs. Some background About half of all women will experience a urinary tract infection (UTI) at some point. A UTI is an...
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by Peigi Chace* Warning: The story below contains references to unpleasant subjects, including carsickness, infection, and a suffering kidney, and may not be suitable for all readers. I felt fine. My friend Andy and I were rolling down the highway in my little red car on the way to Virginia. Andy supplied the snacks and the selection of music. Because Andy...
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Our last post discussed the connection between our kidneys and blood pressure. The kidneys release urine in a steady flow. It moves down the ureters–muscular tubules–to the bladder. How does the bladder work? What happens when you hold urine in your bladder instead of going when you need to? Here is a well done description of how the bladder...
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Prior to the 20th century, most people lived about 47 years in the developed world because of infectious diseases. In 1940, the first use of penicillin to treat infectious diseases occurred and penicillin became available in 1945 to the general public. Science and research conducted throughout the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, created more antibiotics so that life...
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As I laid on the emergency room’s hospital bed, a volunteer said, “I’ve had seven children and kidney stones. I’d take labor pains over kidney stone pain anytime.” Although I’m not sure I completely agree, I do know that pain from kidney stone, called renal colic, can be excruciating. Over half a million people in the US...
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The adrenal glands-which are also called suprarenal glands-are part of the endocrine system and are found on the top of each kidney. How the endocrine system hormones work Hormones secreted from glands of the endocrine system travel in the bloodstream to target cells. Target cells have receptors that are specific to each hormone. The hormones and receptors...
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In a nutshell This study looked at non-antibiotic treatments for recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs – infections that keep coming back) in women. The study reported on non-antibiotic options including cranberry extract, estrogen applied to the vagina, and other alternative medications. Some background A urinary tract infection is...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study examined the effect that allergy or resistance to an antibiotic has on choosing treatment for women with recurrent urinary tract infections. The study found that allergy and resistance to antibiotics strongly limited the choice of treatment. Some background Recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTI – an infection of...
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In a nutshell This study looked at different treatments for urinary tract infections (UTIs – infection of the urethra or bladder) caused by aerococcus bacteria. The study found that nitrofurantoin (Macrobid), pivmecillinam (Selexid) and ciprofloxacin (Cipro) were effective antibiotic treatments for UTIs caused by aerococcus. Some...
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In a nutshell The study looked at the effect of injecting hyaluronic acid (HA) on sexual dysfunction of women with recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs). The study found that HA is effective in treating bladder symptoms and sexual dysfunction. Some background UTIs are infections of the bladder and ureters (tubes that carry urine out of the...
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