Exactly What Is A Uti
A UTI happens when some portion of your urinary tract gets infected with bacteria. Your bladder is the part of your urinary tract thats usually infected when you have a UTI. Normally, bladder infections arent serious and can be treated easily with prescription medications.
Sometimes your kidney, another part of your urinary tract, can become infected. A kidney infection can be more serious. Even if your UTI starts off as a minor bladder infection, not treating it could cause the infection to spread to your kidneys.
We already know that UTIs affect women more often than men, but any of the following risk factors can increase your risk of getting a UTI even more:
- Using diaphragms or spermicides as birth control
- Catheter placement
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What You Should Know About Azo Pills
If youve ever had a urinary tract infection , youve probably heard about Azo pills. This medication is meant to help alleviate the discomfort you experience in your urinary tract or bladder region from a UTI, as well as pain brought on by surgery or the use of a catheter.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
But Azo pills arent for everyone. Read on to learn whether an allergy or medical condition might exclude you from this particular treatment.
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How To Treat My Dogs Urinary Tract Infection
What can you give a dog for urinary tract infection?
Here a some natural treatments and home remedies over the counter that can greatly help your dog fight a bacterial UTI or blood in dog urine.
In early cases of the disease, these remedies may be particularly effective. For more advanced cases, they are an important asset in completing a vet treatment.
Its important to act early, noting that a bladder infection can gradually evolve into a kidney infection.
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What Causes A Urinary Tract Infection
The most common causes of UTI infections are E. colibacterial strains that usually inhabit the colon. However, many other bacteria can occasionally cause an infection. In addition, yeasts and some parasites may cause UTIs. In the U.S., most infections are due to Gram-negative bacteria with E. coli causing the majority of infections.
How Is It Diagnosed
Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history. You may have lab tests of your urine and discharge from the urethra and prostate gland.
For serious or repeated infections, you may need:
- An intravenous pyelogram . An IVP is a special type of X-ray of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.
- An ultrasound scan to look at the urinary tract.
- A cystoscopy. This is an exam of the inside of the urethra and bladder with a small lighted instrument. It is usually done by a specialist called a urologist.
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How Much Does Phenazopyridine Cost
Phenazopyridine is available as a generic medication and may be significantly cheaper compared to the brand version. Unless there is a specific reason you need the brand, the generic medication will be a better value. For even more savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Urinary Tract Infections: Why Is It Important To Slow Down The Infection
Sometimes the first line of defense just isnt enough. Now youve got an infection. And as the infection grows, it spreads. To the bladder, maybe the ureters and maybe even the kidneys. And at every point along the way more damage can occur. The first symptom of UTI is pain when you pee, or a frequent urge to pee .5
As the infection grows, however, you may find blood in your urine and each day it spreads untreated, you risk greater abdominal pain, fever, chills, sweats, permanent scarring to the kidneys and blood poisoning . Left untreated long enough, a kidney infection can even be life-threatening.6
So of course, the most important thing to do if you suspect a UTI is to visit your doctor as soon as possible. They may prescribe testing or a course of antibiotics which can easily knock out the infection. But an immediate appointment isnt always possible. And until that time, theres a lot you can to do to control the UTI.
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First Line Of Defense
If youre just feeling the first hint of a UTI, you can get ahead of the infection with AZO Urinary Tract Defense®. It includes a pain reliever to help soothe and a powerful antibacterial agent to help control your infection. If youre beyond that stage, relieve painful UTI symptoms FAST with an over-the-counter urinary pain reliever like AZO Urinary Pain Relief® or for a higher dose of the active ingredient, AZO Urinary Pain Relief® Maximum Strength.
Remember: Theres no over-the-counter cure for a UTI. Only your doctor can prescribe a UTI antibiotic to rid the bacteria causing the infection.
When the burning, pressure, and strong urge to use the bathroom associated with a UTI strikes, your first thought is likely how to put a stop to those uncomfortable symptoms. Over-the-counter UTI relief products can alleviate your symptoms, and there are several to choose from, including Azo Urinary Tract Defense.
Azo Urinary Pain Relief Warnings
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This medicine may stain soft contact lenses. You may not want to wear your contacts while taking this medicine.
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This medicine can turn urine a red or orange color. This is normal.
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Check with your doctor before taking phenazopyridine if you have kidney or liver problems or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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Antibiotics Used For Uncomplicated Utis
If you are a healthy individual whose urinary tract is anatomically and functionally normal and you have no known heightened UTI susceptibility youve got whats dubbed an uncomplicated UTI, according to guidelines published in August 2019 in the Journal of Urology. For these individuals, antibiotics are considered the first-line of treatment.
The type of antibiotics you are prescribed and for how long is contingent on the type of bacteria detected in your urine, your current health status, and whether your UTI is uncomplicated or complicated. Depending on which antibiotic your doctor prescribes, women may need a single dose or up to a five-day course. For men, antibiotics are usually given for a slightly longer period of time, notes UpToDate.
Typically, if you are diagnosed with an uncomplicated UTI, one of the following will be prescribed as first-line treatment:
The following antibiotics are considered second-line treatments for UTI. They are generally chosen because of resistance patterns or allergy considerations:
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Avoid Alcohol And Caffeine
Alcohol and caffeine are two things you should really not consume until your UTI is gone. Thats because they do the exact opposite of water: they make your urine very concentrated, which can irritate the bladder. You are more likely to experience more pain or discomfort while urinating if you continue to consume these beverages while you have a UTI.
But what if you just cant skip your morning cup of coffee? If you need caffeine in the morning to avoid getting a headache, try to drink just enough to prevent it or switch to a beverage with less caffeine content, like tea, until your UTI is better. Also, be sure to drink an extra cup or two of water to account for the caffeine you did have.
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What Other Otc Uti Relief Is Available
Another medication that you can consider for UTI relief is phenazopyridine hydrochloride . It is the key ingredient in many over-the-counter urinary tract infection products, such as:
- Uristat Ultra Pain Relief Tablet
- Generic store brand UTI relief medications
Phenazopyridine Hcl is an azo dye that works as a topical pain reliever. When you take an over-the-counter medication that contains it, the drug enters the lower urinary tract and temporarily desensitizes the area. This alleviates the burning, pressure, and urgency symptoms of a UTI. As a side effect, the drug turns urine a bright orange-yellow color. Although the appearance of dyed urine may be alarming, the effect is harmless and will resolve when you stop taking the medication.
Like Azo Urinary Tract Defense, OTC medicines that contain phenazopyridine Hcl are not cures for UTIs. They can only lessen the severity of symptoms, so you feel better while you make arrangements to see your doctor for an antibiotic prescription.
Some Preventative Measures Do Help
Because urinary tract infections do tend to reoccur, it can be beneficial to take some steps to prevent them. Dr. Talbott recommends emptying your bladder immediately after sexual intercourse. You can also take cranberry tablets, which are not necessarily curative, but may have some benefit in preventing infection in the first place.
Drinking a lot of water can also be very beneficial, says Dr. Talbott. It helps flush out bacteria and accelerate healing.
If you suffer from recurrent UTIs, you should speak with your physician, who might investigate further for other causes or contributors, including spermicidal agents and lower estrogen levels.
UTIs can be miserable, but you dont have to suffer. If youre experiencing symptoms, MDLIVE is an easy, convenient way to talk to a doctor without having to wait days for an appointmentfrom the comfort of your own home. Our doctors can talk to you about your symptoms, give you a diagnosis, and if a prescription is needed, send one straight to the pharmacy of your choice. Contact MDLIVE for a consult with a board-certified doctor via secure online video, phone, or the MDLIVE App today.
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Can Sex Make A Uti Worse
If you already have a UTI, having sex can make the infection feel worse, exacerbating the symptoms. Using spermicides can increase discomfort because it can cause irritation. Using non-lubricated latex condoms can also increase friction leading to irritation. Using a water-based lubricant or lubricated condoms will help avoid making your UTI feel more irritated. After and before sex, be sure to urinate immediately to flush out the bacteria.
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Best Over The Counter Medicine For Bladder Infection
There are a number of over the counter medicines for bladder infection. The most common are cranberry extract, D-mannose, and probiotics. These can all be taken in supplement form. Additionally, drinking lots of fluids, particularly water, and urinating frequently can help flush out the infection.
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How Much Azo Bladder Control & Weight Management Should I Take And Why Do I Take More In The First Two Weeks
It is recommended for the first two weeks to take one capsule three times a day morning, noon, and night. After two weeks, only one capsule twice a day, morning and night, is required. This recommended delivery comes from the clinical studies indicating that a larger serving of Go-Less® in the first two weeks helps promote the desired results, and these benefits can be maintained with ongoing smaller amounts.
Nonprescription Products For Utis
When you have a UTI, it is vital to make a doctorsappointment. You should never try to treat it on your own with homeremedies or nonprescription products. Some women purchase OTC productswithout medical advice, such as those containing phenazopyridine . Purchasers may believe that this ingredient alone cancure the UTI. This is a common misconception, as the product may provideonly temporary relief of symptoms .
After obtaining this relief, a woman may decide that theUTI is gone and that she does not need to see her physician after all.This is a mistake. Phenazopyridine does not act to kill bacteria, so anyrelief obtained is probably short-lived. The label warns against usingthe product for more than 2 days, and advises seeing a physician ifsymptoms last more than 2 days. Of course, the safest course of actionis to see a physician first, and ask whether this product should be usedalong with the antibiotic/antibacterial prescription product. Further,no herbal product or dietary supplement is proven safe or effective forpreventing or treating a UTI.
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Can I Take Azo Urinary Tract Defense If Im Pregnant Or Breastfeeding
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are pregnant, you should not take this medicine unless your doctor tells you to. Taking an NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.
Can Azo Urinary Tract Defense Get Rid Of A Uti
No, AZO Urinary Tract Defense does not cure a urinary tract infection. Its purpose is to keep you comfortable and to control the infection until you can see your primary care provider. Your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic medication capable of eliminating the bacteria responsible for the infection.
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What Are The Symptoms Of A Kidney Infection
Symptoms usually develop quickly, over a few hours or so, and may include:
- Pain in a loin or flank. .
- High temperature which may cause shivers.
- Feeling sick and/or being sick .
- Blood in the urine.
- There will also usually be symptoms of a bladder infection for example, pain on passing urine, and going to the toilet often.
Not all of the symptoms may develop, and sometimes a kidney infection can just cause vague symptoms. For example, just feeling generally unwell but not being able to say why.
In older people a kidney infection may cause confusion. This is why a urine test is often done when an elderly person suddenly becomes confused or appears generally unwell.
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For Urinary Tract Infections
Since three of the most common causes of kidney discomfort occur in the urinary tract, here are some remedies to relieve pain in the kidneys related to the urinary tract:
1. Stay Hydrated
Hydration is key to relieving pain in the kidneys since water will help flush bacteria out of the body. Plus, staying hydrated will help clear out the urinary tract as a whole and work to eliminate any possible infections.
Many specialists recommend the 8×8 rule, meaning you should drink eight 8 oz. glasses of water a day. However, water intake is highly dependant on you and your health, so take this article into consideration when determining your daily amount of water intake.
2. Drink Cranberry Juice
While not scientifically proven, cranberry juice is known to be a remedy for urinary tract infections. If you choose to alternate between cranberry juice and water, be sure to choose a cranberry juice that isnt packed full of additional sweeteners. A cranberry supplement or pure cranberry juice is always the best way to go!
3. Take Probiotics
Its no secret that probiotics are beneficial for you, especially when it comes to fighting bacteria and kidney pain. Studies show that probiotics can improve kidney function and assist in processing waste too.
4. Drink Parsley Juice
You can also mix parsley into a smoothie to make drinking it more bearable. Check out these recipes for inspiration!
5. Take a Warm Epsom Salt Bath
6. Apply Heat
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What Other Information Should I Know
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to phenazopyridine.
Phenazopyridine can interfere with laboratory tests, including urine tests for glucose and ketones. If you have diabetes, you should use Clinitest rather than Tes-Tape or Clinistix to test your urine for sugar. Urine tests for ketones may give false results. Before you have any tests, tell the laboratory personnel and doctor that you take this medication.
Phenazopyridine stains clothing and contact lenses. Avoid wearing contact lenses while taking this medicine.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable.
If you still have symptoms after you finish the phenazopyridine, call your doctor.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
How Much Water Should You Drink To Flush Out A Uti
Drink Water Make sure you drink plenty of fluids. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases recommends drinking six to eight, 8-ounce glasses of water a day in order to flush bacteria out of your urinary tract. Fluids also help to dilute your urine, so bacteria doesn’t grow to begin with.
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Why You Should Choose Forward For Uti Treatment
While its possible for the immune system to clear up an infection on its own, antibiotic treatment is the best way to cure an infection and reduce the risk of complications, such as a serious kidney infection. Forward makes it simple to deal with UTIs by giving you the ability to quickly schedule a virtual or in-person appointment. As your primary care provider, we do more than just prescribe medication to treat the infection. Our one-on-one personalized care also focuses on prevention, so you may experience fewer urinary tract infections in the future.