Pyelonephritis - Prevention

Prevention

In people who experience recurrent urinary tract infections, additional investigations may identify an underlying abnormality. Occasionally, surgical intervention is necessary to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. If no abnormality is identified, some studies suggest long-term preventive (prophylactic) treatment with antibiotics, either daily or after sexual activity. In children at risk for recurrent urinary tract infections, meta-analysis of the existing literature indicates that not enough studies have been performed to conclude prescription of long-term antibiotics have a net positive benefit. Ingestion of cranberry juice has been studied as a prophylactic measure; many studies suggest a benefit. Increasing fluid intake, consuming cranberry juice, blueberry juice, and fermented milk products containing probiotic bacteria have all been shown to inhibit adherence of bacteria to the epithelial cells of the urinary tract, and may reduce the recurrence rate of urinary tract infections.