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Has UTI, Trace Albumin, Epithelial Cells, Red Cells. Prescribed Citralka. Is That Sufficient?
Dear Doctor,
My 2-1/2-year-old boy is having a UTI with trace albumin and 7-12 wbc's, 2-3 red cells, and 1-2 epithelial cells on his urinalysis. I had started him on cranberry juice after seeing much frequency of urination and his urinary did seem to have subsided a little after cranberry juice overnight, but after having the report of urinalysis, I decided to get a C & S for his urine and get him seen by his pediatrician. The peditrician expressed ignorance about cranberry juice and prescribed Citralka which he said was necessary to make his urine alkaline in order to kill the bacteria. As far as I know, cranberry juice is recommended for UTIs but it makes urine acidic and citralka makes it alkaline so now it seems I can only give one of them at a time as their actions are contradictory. I am confused as to what to do. We are still awaiting the culture reports.
My 2-1/2-year-old boy is having a UTI with trace albumin and 7-12 wbc's, 2-3 red cells, and 1-2 epithelial cells on his urinalysis. I had started him on cranberry juice after seeing much frequency of urination and his urinary did seem to have subsided a little after cranberry juice overnight, but after having the report of urinalysis, I decided to get a C & S for his urine and get him seen by his pediatrician. The peditrician expressed ignorance about cranberry juice and prescribed Citralka which he said was necessary to make his urine alkaline in order to kill the bacteria. As far as I know, cranberry juice is recommended for UTIs but it makes urine acidic and citralka makes it alkaline so now it seems I can only give one of them at a time as their actions are contradictory. I am confused as to what to do. We are still awaiting the culture reports.
Sat, 11 May 2013
Hello and welcome to HCM.
Thank you for your query.
Please follow the doctor's instructions, Citralka is a great medicine and is a urine alkalizer, as informed by the doctor. Cranberry juice is a home remedy, but cannot be compared to the medication available in the market (in your case; citralka).
Cranberry creates acidic urine conditions, but also prevents bacteria from ticking to the bladder wall by making it slippery. You are right by saying that cranberry is advised in patients with UTIs, but there are some exceptions, especially when infections with E.coli are suspected.
Please continue with the citralka, and not the cranberry juice if this is what your doctor wishes. You should also give your son plenty of water to keep him hydrated.
Once the culture and sensitivity report is in (24-48 hours), the infection and infection-causing organism will be confirmed. The investigation will also provide information on the most suitable antibiotic that can be used.
I hope I have succeeded in providing the information you were looking for. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications. I would gladly help you.
Best wishes.
Thank you for your query.
Please follow the doctor's instructions, Citralka is a great medicine and is a urine alkalizer, as informed by the doctor. Cranberry juice is a home remedy, but cannot be compared to the medication available in the market (in your case; citralka).
Cranberry creates acidic urine conditions, but also prevents bacteria from ticking to the bladder wall by making it slippery. You are right by saying that cranberry is advised in patients with UTIs, but there are some exceptions, especially when infections with E.coli are suspected.
Please continue with the citralka, and not the cranberry juice if this is what your doctor wishes. You should also give your son plenty of water to keep him hydrated.
Once the culture and sensitivity report is in (24-48 hours), the infection and infection-causing organism will be confirmed. The investigation will also provide information on the most suitable antibiotic that can be used.
I hope I have succeeded in providing the information you were looking for. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications. I would gladly help you.
Best wishes.
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