Abstract:
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a common microbial infection affecting the urinary system, including the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. It predominantly affects females due to anatomical factors, although it can also occur in males and children. UTIs are classified as lower (cystitis and urethritis) or upper (pyelonephritis) based on the location of infection.
The majority of UTIs are caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), a bacterium normally found in the gastrointestinal tract. Other causative organisms include Klebsiella, Proteus, Enterococcus, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. Symptoms vary with age and infection site, typically including dysuria, increased frequency and urgency of urination, lower abdominal pain, hematuria and fever in more severe or upper tract infections.
Introduction:
Urinary Tract Infection refers to the presence of microbial pathogens within the urinary tract, most commonly involving the bladder (cystitis) and the urethra (urethritis), and occasionally the kidneys .
UTIs are among the most frequent bacterial infections encountered in women due to the short female urethra and its close proximity to the anal canal, leading to ascending infections.
In gynecological practice, UTIs are of special relevance during pregnancy, menopause, and in sexually active women. Hormonal changes, urinary stasis, and anatomical variations contribute to the risk. Pregnant women are at increased risk of asymptomatic bacteriuria, which may progress to pyelonephritis if untreated.
Typical clinical features include dysuria, frequency, urgency, suprapubic pain, and occasionally hematuria. Diagnosis is made through urine routine microscopy and culture. Treatment includes appropriate antibiotic therapy based on culture sensitivity, and preventive strategies are recommended for recurrent cases.
Keywords:
Urinary Tract Infection, Cystitis, Urethritis, Pyelonephritis, Asymptomatic bacteriuria, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Recurrent UTI, Pregnancy and UTI, Antibiotic therapy, Urine culture and sensitivity, Dysuria, Frequency and urgency, Suprapubic pain, Postmenopausal UTI.
Homeopathic Case Study
Female Patient with UTI Cured by Cantharis Mother Tincture (Q)
Patient Information:
Name: Ms. Xyz
Age: 25 years
Occupation: University Student
Date of First Consultation: March 14, 2025
Marital Status: Unmarried
Not sexually active
Presenting Complaints :
• Severe burning pain during urination for 2 days. Feels “as if passing hot coal”; pain during and after urination.
• Constant urge to urinate from 2 days, Urine passed in drops, unsatisfying; frequency every 20–30 minutes.
• Scanty urine output from 2 days, Only a few drops passed each time.
• Lower abdominal pain & pressure from day 1, Dull aching, worse after urinating.
• Red-tinted urine from day 1, cloudy with occasional burning in urethral orifice.
Chief Complaints (As stated by patient):
“It burns like fire every time I urinate. Even after passing a few drops, I still feel like I have to go again. I’m afraid to use the toilet.”
Mental & Emotional Symptoms:
• Anxiety before urination — due to fear of pain
• Irritability — easily annoyed, not talking to anyone
• Restlessness — gets up and walks around due to pain
• Sleep disturbed — has to wake up multiple times to urinate
• Fear — of serious illness, cried out of frustration
Past History:
• No previous UTI reported
• No history of diabetes, kidney stones, or vaginal infections
• Menstrual cycle: regular, No history of chronic illness
• Recently returned from college seminar tour where she held urine for long periods due to lack of clean washrooms
Family History:
Mother: Hypertension
Father: Healthy
Sister : Healthy
No family history of renal or urinary disorders.
Physical Generals:
Factors Description
Appetite – Normal
Thirst – Increased
Cravings – Salty food
Aversion – Sweets
Perspiration – Moderate, offensive in underarms
Thermal – Chilly patient (sensitive to cold weather)
Sleep – Disturbed due to urinary complaints
Menses – Regular, normal
General Examination :
1. General Appearance
The patient appears ill, weak and fatigued.
Restless due to pain or urgency.
Febrile
Complains of burning micturition or lower abdominal discomfort.
2.Vital Signs:
Parameter – Findings in Acute UTI
Temperature – Often elevated (≥ 100°F/38°C)
Pulse – Tachycardia (may be present due to fever or infection)
Respiratory Rate – Mild increased in fever or in discomfort
Blood Pressure – 110/70 mm hg
SpO₂ – 98%
3. Hydration status
Dry tongue, dry lips, Poor skin turgor, Sunken eyes, Reduced urine output (oliguria)
4. Abdomen Examination:
Inspection: Fullness or distension in suprapubic area.
Palpation: Suprapubic tenderness → Suggests acute cystitis.
Renal angle (CVA) tenderness → Suggests upper UTI (pyelonephritis).
Percussion: Tenderness over bladder or renal angle.
Auscultation: Usually normal.
5.Bladder Palpation:
Palpable tender bladder may indicate urine retention or severe cystitis. General Modalities:
Aggravation:
During and after urination
At night, after drinking warm liquids
While sitting still
Amelioration:
Applying cold compress to lower abdomen
Lying down with legs slightly raised
Sipping cool water
Investigation:
Urine Routine & Microscopy (March 14, 2025):
Pus cells: 25–30 / HPF
RBCs: Presence
pH: 5.5
Protein: Trace
Specific Gravity: 1.030
Colour : Cloudy, reddish
Diagnosis:
Acute uncomplicated UTI (cystitis)
Differential diagnoses of UTI:
1.Vaginitis
2. Urethritis
3. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
4. Interstitial Cystitis
5. Renal Calculi (Kidney Stones)
6. Overactive Bladder
7. Prostatitis
8. Diabetes Mellitus
9. Bladder or Urethral Malignancies
Repertorial Analysis:
Repertorized Using: Synthesis Repertory
Remedy Selected:
Cantharis Mother Tincture (Q)
Chosen due to intense burning, constant urging, mental anxiety, and reddish clouds in urine — all classical indications.
Prescription: 14 March 2025
Cantharis Q – 10-15 drops in ½ cup lukewarm water ×TDS ×3days daily before meals
Duration: Initially for 3 days
Advice:
Advised strict hydration: 3–4 L/day
Hygiene instructions given
Avoid tea, coffee, spicy and acidic foods
Advised rest and minimal physical exertion
Follow-Up I:
17 March 2025 (3 Days Later):
Burning: 70–80% reduced
Urine flow improved
No blood in urine
Anxiety before urination greatly reduced
Night time sleep returned to normal
Medicine prescribed:
Continued same dose for 7 days
Cantharis Q – 10 drops in ½ cup lukewarm water ×TDS× 7days daily before meal
Nihilinum 200c ×BD×7 days
4-4 pills daily before meal
Advice to rest
Avoid tea , coffee
Drink plenty of water in a day
Follow-Up II :
25 March 2025 (7 days later)
Completely asymptomatic
Urine report: Normal, pus cells 2–4 / HPF, no RBCs. Emotional state: Calm, confident
Nihilinum 200c×BD×30 days (4-4) pills daily before meal
Follow-Up III:
20 April 2025( 1month later)
No recurrence
No medication required further
Final Outcome:
Complete cure within 10 days using Cantharis Q alone. No antibiotics or allopathic intervention needed.
In homeopathy, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are treated based on the individual’s specific symptoms and constitution. Apart from Cantharis, which is one of the most commonly used remedies for UTI, there are several other homeopathic remedies that can be considered, depending on the symptom picture.
Here are some commonly used Homeopathic remedies for UTI with brief:
1.Apis Mellifica
Burning and stinging pain during urination.
Frequent urging to urinate but passes only a few drops. Urine may be dark or scanty.
Worse from heat, better from cold applications.
Patients are usually irritable, restless, and avoid heat.
2. Sarsaparilla
Severe burning at the end of urination.
The child cries before or while urinating.
Urine passes in a thin stream or dribbles.
Often used in recurrent UTIs or gravel/stones in urine.
3. Staphysagria
UTI after sexual activity (honeymoon cystitis).
Burning pain while urinating.
Suppressed anger or grief is often present.
Helpful when UTI follows instrumentation, like catheterization.
4. Berberis Vulgaris
Pain radiates from the bladder to thighs or urethra.
Sensation as if some urine remains after voiding.
Bubbling sensation in kidneys or bladder.
Pain worse from motion or pressure.
5. Equisetum Hyemale
Constant urge to urinate with scanty urine.
Fullness or pressure in the bladder, not relieved by urinating. Used in chronic cystitis or recurrent UTI cases.
6. Nitric Acid
Urine is offensive, strong-smelling.
Painful, cutting sensation during urination.
Blood may be seen in the urine.
Often used in chronic infections.
7. Mercurius Corrosivus
Intense burning and tenesmus (straining) during urination. Urine may contain pus or blood.
Worse at night and from temperature changes.
8. Pulsatilla
UTI in mild, emotional, tearful individuals.
Changeable symptoms; may complain of pain then suddenly none. Better in open air, worse in a warm room.
More common in young girls or during hormonal changes.
Author
Guided by :- Dr. Babita Saxena M.D. ( Hom.)
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , Government Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
Submitted by :– Dr. Pooja Malviya
Fellowship in Gynaecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Government Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.
