Chronic Dysuria Following Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Use: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Although ginger is considered a harmless remedial substance for a wide range of medical complaints, according to Persian medicinal texts, its long-term or high-dose consumption is potentially harmful. Case Report: The case of a 43-year-old man, with a complaint of urinary stream interruption, dysuria, and flank pain, following a non-prescribed use of ginger was reported. The symptoms were reported to persist for four years, despite some medical referrals. Remarkably, the symptoms were attested to be shrinking eight weeks after ginger-intake cessation; besides, no further intervention was asserted. Conclusion: The history of herbal remedies use should be considered in patients with any unexplained urinary symptoms. [GMJ.2018;7:e1086]

Ginger Update

“…In case reports, intakes of ginger-containing products were associated with anaphylaxis, 132 chronic dysuria, 133 subacute thyroiditis, 134 severe hypokalemia, 135 and bradycardia, hypotension, and syncope. 136 In summary, in the context of each health condition studied, there is inadequate characterization of the maximum safe and efficacious dose of each form of ginger administered, the most effective duration of exposure to ginger, and possible interactions with patients' other prescribed medications.…”

“…In case reports, intakes of ginger-containing products were associated with anaphylaxis, 132 chronic dysuria, 133 subacute thyroiditis, 134 severe hypokalemia, 135 and bradycardia, hypotension, and syncope 136 …”