Does Tylenol Help Urinary Tract Infections

Role Of The Pharmacist

It is imperative that pharmacists urge patients who present with UTI symptoms to consult with their healthcare provider as soon as possible to receive appropriate care. Pharmacists should counsel patients on nonpharmacologic treatments and present the option of nonprescription products and UTI home test kits. Patients who decide to use UTI home test kits should be advised on how to avoid inaccurate results and to discuss their results with their healthcare provider. Patients who decide to use OTC urinary tract analgesics should be counseled on the recommended maximum dosage and duration and on common AEs. It is imperative to remind patients that these products are intended only to provide relief of pain and other related symptoms until the healthcare provider is seen. These products do not eradicate bacteria or replace the use of antibiotic treatment, and they should not be used as monotherapy.

How Do Antibiotics Treat A Uti

UTIs can be caused by many different types of germs including bacteria or fungi and in rare cases, even viruses. But bacterial UTIs are the most common.

If you have a bacterial UTI, the only way to treat it is by getting rid of the bacteria thats causing it. Thats where antibiotics come in. They either stop those bacteria from growing or directly kill the bacteria altogether.

Its worth noting that antibiotics only treat UTIs and other infections caused by bacteria. If you have a fungal or viral UTI, antibiotics wont help.

What Is This Solution Probiotics

Youve probably heard of probiotics before, but you may not be sure exactly how they work, or how they could help with a UTI.

Essentially, probiotics are good bacteria that you take to help restore the bacterial balance of your gut. Your digestive tract is loaded with trillions and trillions of tiny bacteria living inside. Many of these bacteria are actually necessary for your body to thrive, contrary to what you might think.

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It turns out, not all bacteria are bad. And the bacteria in your gut are a prime example.

When you take probiotics regularly for an extended period of time, you might notice a huge range of benefits, thanks to the various different ways your gut microbiome can influence your bodys functions.

One of the benefits of taking probiotics is a boosted immune system, which can help protect your body against infections like UTIs. But the benefits dont just stop with preventing infections.

Taking probiotics can actually help relieve a number of the symptoms associated with UTIs and other ailments. Here are just a few of the benefits you might feel if you start taking probiotics regularly:

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Medications That Can Cause Urinary Incontinence

Urinary , or the loss of bladder control, can be caused by various health conditions and physical changes, such as childbirth, changes in diet, infection, prostate issues, menopause, and neurological disorders. But there are also a number of medications can cause urinary incontinence in both men and women in a variety of different ways.

From , Harvard Health Publishing

Image: Thinkstock

What Is A Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection is an infection of the urinary system. Usually, urine travels through the body without germs, but when bacteria get into the urinary tract from outside the body, it causes inflammation and infection. If you have a UTI, you might experience symptoms like:

• Pain in the stomach or pelvic area
• Frequent need to urinate
• Fever

You may experience only one symptom or a combination of symptoms all at once. If you feel ill and suspect it might be a urinary tract infection, it is essential to speak with your doctor right away to determine the best treatment option.

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How To Relieve Urinary Tract Infection Pain

Taking antibiotics is the fastest and most reliable way to relieve the pain and discomfort caused by a urinary tract infection . Antibiotics kill the infection causing your symptoms. Pain symptoms should begin to improve one to two days after beginning treatment with antibiotics.

There are also numerous pain medicines, home remedies and self-care options that may help provide pain relief as the antibiotics begin to work.

Is Apple Cider Vinegar Safe To Drink

Apple cider vinegar is safe to drink in small amounts, though drinking apple cider vinegar is not likely to cure a UTI or other urinary tract problems.

Most experts recommend diluting no more than 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in water before drinking. Thats because apple cider vinegar is a strong acid and could irritate the throat if consumed frequently or in large amounts, notes the Mayo Clinic. Drinking undiluted apple cider vinegar may erode tooth enamel, the hard outer surface that protects teeth from decay, warns the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

Vinegar also may interact with certain medicines, including diuretics, laxatives, or insulin. Its best to check with a doctor before drinking apple cider vinegar for a UTI.

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Side Effects Requiring Immediate Medical Attention

Along with its needed effects, acetaminophen may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking acetaminophen:

Rare

• Bloody or black, tarry stools
• bloody or cloudy urine
• fever with or without chills
• pain in the lower back and/or side
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
• sudden decrease in the amount of urine
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• yellow eyes or skin

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking acetaminophen:

Symptoms of overdose

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.

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Sleeping Pills And Incontinence

Only a small percent of people with incontinence have a problem with bed-wetting, according to Anger, who estimates that about 10% of patients with incontinence wet the bed. However, sleeping pills may pose a problem for those with incontinence at night.

“Sleeping pills can make things worse, because people don’t wake up ,” she says.

As an alternative, cut down on caffeine so you sleep better on your own, Anger suggests.

Sleep will come more easily if you keep a regular bedtime and wake-up schedule, according to the National Sleep Foundation. You can also develop a relaxing bedtime ritual, such as reading a book or listening to soothing music.

Kidney Infection Treatment Options

Kidney infections are treated with antibiotics, pain relievers, and fever reducers. Uncomplicated kidney infection and few complicated kidney infections will be treated on an outpatient basis by a general practitioner, but people with a complicated kidney infection likely require hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics.. Pregnant women may require additional consultation with an obstetrician or gynecologist.

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Can You Have Sex With A Uti

Having penetrative sex when you have a UTI is typically not recommended, as some doctors say it can worsen your symptoms by irritating the tissues in your urinary tract. There’s also a small chance you could pass the infection to your partner. Oral sex is also not typically recommended either, as it can spread bacteria from the penis or vagina to the mouth.

Of course, due to the general discomfort that comes with UTI symptoms, you might not be feeling up to sex at all. Even once you start feeling better, some doctors recommend abstaining from sex until you’re finished with your course of antibiotics. If you don’t want to abstain, talk to your doctor. Depending on your symptoms and the severity of your infection, they might give the OK for sex. According to Dr. Comiter, it’s typically safe to have sex if you’re dealing with a simple UTI.

When Should I Contact My Childs Healthcare Provider

Urinary tract infections need to be taken care of right away. Call a healthcare provider if your child:

• Shows a decrease in feeding or drinking.
• Isnt tolerating home medications.
• Is vomiting.
• Experiences an increase in fever or pain.
• Becomes more irritable or inactive.
• Has any signs or symptoms that worry you.

Quickly getting treatment for your childs UTI decreases the risk of kidney problems and the risk that the infection could spread.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Although a urinary tract infection isnt a life-threatening condition, it may result in a hospital stay or lead to complications that can affect your childs quality of life. Be sure to have them checked out by their healthcare provider as soon as they show symptoms. Always make sure that your child takes all of their prescribed medication. Even if they seem better, you should still have them take the medication until the treatment is complete.

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How Lemonaid Can Help You Get Uti Treatment Asap

Lemonaids UTI service makes it quick and convenient for you to get antibiotics to treat your UTI–so convenient that you dont even have to go to a doctors office!

Instead, you can have a mobile visit with one of our US-based, US-licensed doctors and nurse practitioners via the Lemonaid mobile app. The doctor or NP will ask you specific questions to help them determine whether you have a UTI they can safely treat.

If they determine that you have a UTI, they will prescribe you the antibiotic nitrofurantoin , trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole , or cephalexin

As long as youre a woman 18 years or older who hasnt reached menopause yet, you can use Lemonaids convenient mobile UTI service.

How To Talk About Urinary Incontinence

Bringing up the topic of urinary incontinence with your doctor or your spouse is never easy most people are at least a bit embarrassed. But open communication can help you find out about the causes of incontinence and whether your medications may be contributing.

One good opener might be something like this: “I have been having bladder troubles.”

If you will be visiting a new doctor, and have not yet selected them, you might seek out a doctor of the same sex, if you think that would help you feel more comfortable. Or, you might bring up the topic first with your doctor’s nurse.

Preparing for the conversation about urinary incontinence may help you feel more in control. That means being able to answer the questions your doctor is likely to ask, including:

• When did your urinary incontinence symptoms begin?

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Related Resources For Kidney Infection

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This article is not medical advice. It is intended for general informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your physician or dial 911.

Increase Your Intake Of Horseradish And Garlic

Herbs such as garlic and horseradish are high on antiseptic properties.

Horseradish is known for being one of the best natural antibiotic, widely used in treating kidney stones, gallbladder disorders, intestinal worms and fluid retention.

Garlic exhibits antibiotic properties that can produce a diuretic effect, and this has become a popular method to treat UTI at home.

Increase your consumption of horseradish and garlic by eating more salads that contain these herbs in large amounts.

Besides salads,

• You can up the intake of horseradish by boosting its use in preparing roast beef sandwich and gefilte fish dishes.
• Try adding honey garlic to your roasted beef, pork chops, fried cabbage and chicken
• A drink of Bloody Mary contains horseradish in ample amounts and can be consumed more through its non-alcoholic variant, Virgin Mary.

These herbs horseradish and garlic can clear up the urinary tract from infections by fighting the bacterial growth. For faster results, you can eat raw garlic and horseradish till your UTI pain goes away.

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Pain Relief Medication For Urinary Tract Infections

Phenazopyridine is the go-to pain reliever for UTIs, as it is specifically formulated to ease the most common urinary symptoms, including:

• Pain
• Irritation
• The frequent urge to urinate

It is and unapproved medication that is available over the counter or in prescription form. It comes in several brand names and generic options.

Phenazopyridine is not an antibiotic, and it is only used for symptom relief. It will not help cure the infection. Its typically taken 3 times per day after each meal with a large glass of water. The medicine may discolor your urine temporarily to a brownish-red color, but this is a harmless side effect.

Evidence is lacking that taking phenazopyridine and an antibacterial is more beneficial than just the antibacterial by itself after two days. Therefore, phenazopyridine should not be taken for longer than two days when youre taking an antibacterial simultaneously.

Other over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also help alleviate urinary tract pain symptoms, as well as full-body symptoms such as fever.If you are taking an antibiotic, your healthcare provider or pharmacist can help you choose the best analgesic option that wont interact with your antibiotic.

Rehydrate Yourself With Green Tea

Reducing levels of body hydration can worsen the condition of UTIs. The body needs antioxidants when dehydration aggravates bladder inflammations caused by infections.

Green tea contains catechins such as EGCG these antioxidants prevent cell damage and reduce bladder inflammations to a considerable extent.

Drink a couple of cups of green tea at regular intervals in a day. The body will replenish its levels of antioxidants, and your UTI pain will wither away within a couple of days.

This remedy can momentarily reduce bladder inflammation, which will return once you lower or halt your green tea intake. Sadly, the health benefits of green tea can only treat mild conditions of UTI.

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When To See A Healthcare Provider

Conversations about urinary symptoms can be uncomfortable, but if youre experiencing symptoms consistent with a UTI, its best to seek medical advice. Your provider can order tests if needed, discuss treatment options, and help you understand the cause of your infection, as well as providing strategies to prevent recurrences.

The sooner you seek help, the sooner those painful symptoms will be goneand you can go back to getting a good nights sleep.

Signs And Symptoms Of Uti

The most common signs and symptoms of a UTI, sometimes called a bladder infection, include:

• A frequent urge to urinate, with very little coming out
• Burning or painful urination
• Lower abdominal or lower back pain
• Incontinence

A doctor will normally do a urinalysis to test for a UTI, but will sometimes diagnose them based on symptoms, especially for frequent sufferers. The best way to treat this condition is with antibiotics, because when they go untreated they can affect the kidneys and have serious health implications. But while you’re waiting to see the doctor, or until the antibiotics start working their magic, try these simple tips for quick relief.

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