Fight Those Germs With Horseradish
- Add 1 tablespoon of grated fresh horseradish to 1 glass warm water or apple cider vinegar.
- Add a teaspoon of honey to it. Drink it.
Horseradish has an antimicrobial effect that comes in handy when you are suffering from a UTI. It contains a compound called allyl isothiocyanate, which gets rid of a wide range of bacteria, including E. Coli, the main cause of urinary tract infections.2223
Tip: Horseradish should be fresh or it might not be as effective in treating UTI.
How To Feel Better
If your healthcare professional prescribes you antibiotics:
- Take antibiotics exactly as your healthcare professional tells you.
- Do not share your antibiotics with others.
- Do not save antibiotics for later. Talk to your healthcare professional about safely discarding leftover antibiotics.
Drink plenty of water or other fluids. Your healthcare professional might also recommend medicine to help lessen the pain or discomfort. Talk with your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your antibiotics.
Complications Of Urinary Tract Infections
Delayed treatment for UTIs can lead to complications. Most UTIs cause no lasting damage if they are treated quickly. But if left untreated, UTIs can lead to complications that include:
- Recurring infections
- Narrowing of the urethra in men
- A potentially life-threatening infection called sepsis, especially when kidneys are infected
Recommended Reading: Does Urinary Tract Infection Cause Bleeding
What Antibiotics Are Used To Treat Utis
Antibiotics used to treat UTIs include:
- Beta-lactams, including penicillin and cephalosporin, such as amoxicillin, , Keflex, Duricef, Ceftin, Lorabid, Rocephin, cephalexin, Suprax, and others. Many organisms have been reported to resist some of these drugs.
- Trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole combination antibiotics, such as Bactrim DS and . Many organisms may show resistance to this type of antibiotic.
- Resistance to Cipro, Levaquin, and Floxin is developing. These should never be used to treat pregnant women or young children.
- Tetracyclines are used for mycoplasma or chlamydia infections. These should never be used to treat pregnant women or young children.
- Aminoglycosides are used with other antibiotics to treat severe UTIs.
- Macrolides are used more often to treat urinary problems caused by sexually transmitted diseases.
- Monurol , a synthetic phosphonic acid derivative, is used for acute cystitis but not in complicated UTIs.
Why Are Females At A Higher Risk For Utis
People with female reproductive organs are at a higher risk for UTIs because of their anatomy. The female urethra, the tube which empties urine from your bladder out of your body, is shorter than someone born with male anatomy.
The female urethra is also quite close to female reproductive organs. That means bacteria from sexual intercourse as well as products like spermicide can be in close contact with the urethra and bladder.
Females also experience menopause and pregnancy. These two biological events change the bacteria in your reproductive and digestive tracts and create conditions that make UTIs more likely.
Also Check: Urinary Tract Infection Instant Relief
How A Urinary Tract Infection Is Treated
Urinary tract infections are often mild but can become severe if left untreated. If your UTI is mild, drinking plenty of fluids can help speed healing along. You can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever to relieve some discomfort while your body fights the infection.
In many cases, UTIs are treated with antibiotics. You can develop serious complications if the infection moves from your bladder to your kidneys. Home remedies and pain medications are unlikely to provide relief for more severe UTIs and may even increase your risk of complications.
This article discusses the various prescriptions, OTC medications, home remedies, and alternative therapies that can help you recover from a UTI.
Is It Possible To Prevent Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections With A Vaccine
Currently, there are no commercially available vaccines for UTIs, either recurrent or first-time infections. One of the problems in developing a vaccine is that so many different organisms can cause infection a single vaccine would be difficult to synthesize to cover them all. Even with E. coli causing about most infections, the subtle changes in antigenic structures that vary from strain to strain further complicate vaccine development even for E. coli. Researchers are still investigating ways to overcome the problems in UTI vaccine development.
Donât Miss: I Think I Have A Kidney Infection
Read Also: Is Frequent Urination A Sign Of Urinary Tract Infection
Small Compounds Targeting Adhesion
As previously noted, one of the critical mechanisms for the pathogenesis of the uropathogenic bacteria is its adhesion to uroepithelium , due to fimbriae , playing a role in both cystitis and pyelonephritis . The very conserved structure of the adhesive organelles makes them good candidates to develop antibacterial agents . The small molecules targeting adhesion can be classified into two categories: those inhibiting the capacity of adhesion of the fimbriae, and those targeting fimbriae assembly.
Pilicide
The main action of these molecules is to prevent the formation of UPEC pili by decreasing the levels of Type 1 and P piliation . Pilicides are small molecules which have a ring-fused 2-pyridone backbone. Some pilicides act directly on pili assembly chaperones, through adhering to their hydrophobic substrate binding sites . Others interfere with the transcription of pili genes and some cases genes involved in flagella biogenesis such as the pilicide ec240, the most potent inhibitor of Type 1 piliation and of type 1 pilus-dependent biofilm formation to date .
To develop this compound into a therapeutic, further studies are needed to assess its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and to determine the concentration at which it accumulates in the bladder or other potential sites of infection.
Recommended Reading: Do You Get Medicine For A Sinus Infection
Living With Urinary Tract Infections
If you have 3 or more urinary tract infections each year, your doctor may want you to begin a preventive antibiotic program. A small dose of an antibiotic taken every day helps to reduce the number of infections. If sexual intercourse seems to cause infections for you, your doctor many suggest taking the antibiotic after intercourse.
Read Also: Can Humira Cause Urinary Tract Infections
Breaking The Cycle Of Infection
Previous studies had already noted that pEtN cellulose and cell-surface fibers called curli are braided together to create E. coli biofilms. And curli have been implicated in kidney infections and sepsis. The more severe the infections, the more likely those bacteria were making curli, Cegelski said.
What Cegelski wanted to understand was the relative contributions of pEtN and curli to the adhesion of bacteria to host cells and how they worked together during infection. To answer these questions, her group designed a series of experiments to test the adhesion strength of the curli and the cellulose separately as well as together.
In one experiment, they attached E. coli whose biofilms contained both cellulose and curli to the top plate of the LCMR and then brought it into contact with a bottom plate containing bladder cells. The scientists then quickly sheared the top plate horizontally by a tiny amount, and the resulting level of adhesive stress gave them a quantitative measure of the bacterias stickiness.
They repeated the experiment with genetically engineered E. coli whose biofilms contained only cellulose, and again with a top plate that contained only curli and no bacteria.
What they found was that the bacteria that produced both curli and cellulose exhibited the highest adhesion strength, followed by the curli alone, and lastly the cellulose alone.
Gerald Fuller, the Fletcher Jones II Professor in the School of Engineering.
Can Food Allergies Cause Uti In Dog
Food allergies can occasionally cause seizures, urinary tract inflammation, recurrent ear infections, and other symptoms. Almost half of the time, cats and dogs have symptoms in more than one body system, such as diarrhea and itchy skin, and about 18% of the time have symptoms in more than one body system.
The Truth About Utiâs And Food Allergies
Food allergies are frequently blamed for UTI symptoms, but the truth is that they are difficult to determine. Many people with food allergies do not know they have them, and it can be difficult to recognize the food that is causing the problem. Coconut water can help reduce the size of kidney stones for dogs who suffer from UTIs. Coconut water should not be used solely as a treatment for UTIs or to reduce the size of kidney stones.
Recommended Reading: What Causes Constant Urinary Tract Infections
Cinnamom Verum J Presl : A Potent Botanical For Complicated Uti
Chronic recurrent UTI was resulted in patients with urinary catheters due to biofilm formation by MDR UPEC. Trans-cinnamaldehyde was reported to prevent UPEC biofilm formation both on plate culture and indwelling catheters. When trans-cinnamaldehyde was used in catheter lock solution, it inactivated UPEC biofilm formation on catheters. Since the test concentrations had no cytotoxic effects on human bladder epithelial cells, it can be used as a surface coating for catheters or in catheter lock solution to prevent UTI . Trans-cinnamaldehyde significantly reduced uroepithelial cell attachment and invasion by UPEC by inhibiting the expression of major genes associated with its attachment and invasion to host tissue . These findings support the use of cinnamon as a natural remedy for UTI.
What Causes A Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infections are caused by microorganisms usually bacteria that enter the urethra and bladder, causing inflammation and infection. Though a UTI most commonly happens in the urethra and bladder, bacteria can also travel up the ureters and infect your kidneys.
More than 90% of bladder infection cases are caused by E. coli, a bacterium normally found in the intestines.
Recommended Reading: Can Contaminated Water Cause Urinary Tract Infection
Causes Of Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections are usually caused by bacteria from poo entering the urinary tract.
The bacteria enter through the tube that carries pee out of the body .
Women have a shorter urethra than men. This means bacteria are more likely to reach the bladder or kidneys and cause an infection.
Things that increase the risk of bacteria getting into the bladder include:
-
do not use scented soap
-
do not hold your pee in if you feel the urge to go
-
do not rush when going for a pee try to fully empty your bladder
-
do not wear tight, synthetic underwear, such as nylon
-
do not drink lots of alcoholic drinks, as they may irritate your bladder
-
do not have lots of sugary food or drinks, as they may encourage bacteria to grow
-
do not use condoms or a diaphragm or cap with spermicidal lube on them try non-spermicidal lube or a different type of contraception
Whats The Difference Between A Urinary Tract Infection And Bladder Infection
A urinary tract infection is a more general type of infection. There are many parts of your urinary tract. A UTI is a term for an infection that takes place throughout the urinary tract. A bladder infection, also called cystitis, is a specific infection. In this infection, bacteria makes its way into the bladder and causes inflammation.
Not all urinary tract infections become bladder infections. Preventing the spread of the infection is one of the most important reasons to treat a UTI quickly when you have symptoms. The infection can spread not only to the bladder, but also into your kidneys, which is a more complicated type of infection than a UTI.
Don’t Miss: Do Men Get Urinary Tract Infections
Are Bananas Good For Utis
The American Urological Association calls bananas a bladder-friendly food. Thats because bananas arent likely to irritate the bladder in most people. Other bladder-friendly fruits and veggies include: pears, green beans, winter squash, and potatoes. While eating bananas may help to lessen bladder irritation, eating bananas alone wont make a UTI go away.
Recommended Reading: Estrogen Cream For Urinary Incontinence
How Does It Occur
Normally the urinary tract does not have any bacteria or other organisms in it. Bacteria that cause UTI often spread from the rectum to the urethra and then to the bladder or kidneys. Sometimes bacteria spread from another part of the body through the bloodstream to the urinary tract. Urinary tract infection is less common in men than in women because the male urethra is long, making it difficult for bacteria to spread to the bladder.
Urinary tract infection may be caused by a sexually transmitted disease. Sometimes a stone in the urinary tract blocks the flow of urine and causes an infection. In older men, an enlarged prostate can cause a urinary tract infection by keeping urine from draining out of the bladder completely. Infection might also be caused by the use of a catheter used to drain the bladder or by urethral stricture, which is a narrowing of the urethra by scar tissue from previous infections or surgical procedures.
You may be more likely to have a UTI if you have diabetes or another medical problem that affects the immune system.
You May Like: Is Alkaline Water Good For Urinary Tract Infection
Pristyn Care Offers Smooth Treatment Experience
Our doctors at Pristyn Care are highly experienced to treat numerous males problems including UTIs. There are many Pristyn Care clinics, to visit the one nearby you, you have to just simply book your online appointment. We ensure that you receive the best treatment without any discomfort and get rid of problems fast.
So, put an end to your miseries of UTIs and visit us without any more delay.
Also Read:
When Should I See My Doctor
If you have any symptoms associated with a UTI or a pre-existing health condition, dont delay visiting your doctor for treatment.
UTIs can be more dangerous if youre pregnant, due to an increased risk of kidney involvement. See your doctor if you are pregnant and you think you have a UTI, even if your symptoms are mild.
Children with UTI symptoms should see a doctor, to check for a more serious underlying condition.
Bladder infections may spread to your kidneys . This is a serious infection and needs immediate treatment with antibiotics. Signs and symptoms of kidney infection include fever, back pain, diarrhoea and vomiting. If you have these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor.
Recommended Reading: Amoxicillin For Urinary Tract Infection
Favorite Site For Urinary Health Podcasts
Podcasts arent just for politics, laughs, and murder mysteries. The American Urological Association has a fantastic one called, aptly, the Urology Care Podcast, which covers topics like sexual health myths, UTIs, prostate cancer, and more. Currently there are more than 140 episodes to listen to, ranging from about 4 minutes to 28 minutes long.
How Do You Get A Uti
This is most likely to happen when wiping after going to the toilet or after having sex.
Other factors that can increase your risk of getting an UTI include:
- Not emptying your bladder properly
The symptoms of a UTI include:
- Pain or burning when you wee
- You need to wee often or urgently
- Pain in your tummy, back or side
These symptoms can be the same as some STIs such as chlamydia.
Recommended Reading: Is Caffeine Bad For Urinary Tract Infection
Treatment From A Gp For Utis That Keep Coming Back
If your UTI comes back after treatment, or you have 2 UTIs in 6 months, a GP may:
- prescribe a different antibiotic or prescribe a low-dose antibiotic to take for up to 6 months
- prescribe a vaginal cream containing oestrogen, if you have gone through the menopause
- refer you to a specialist for further tests and treatments
In some people, antibiotics do not work or urine tests do not pick up an infection, even though you have UTI symptoms.
This may mean you have a long-term UTI that is not picked up by current urine tests. Ask the GP for a referral to a specialist for further tests and treatments.
Long-term UTIs are linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer in people aged 60 and over.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Utis
If you have a UTI, you may:
- pass very small amounts of urine
- feel the need or urge to pass urine frequently
- feel that the bladder is still full after passing urine
- feel unwell with nausea and fever
- experience confusion
- have pain stinging or a burning feeling when urinating
- have smelly, cloudy, dark or blood in the urine
- pain in the lower back or sides or feel uncomfortable in your lower abdomen
Signs of UTIs in children can also include:
Don’t Miss: Urinary Incontinence After Spinal Surgery
When To Contact A Doctor
If a person suspects that they have a UTI, they should ask a healthcare professional for advice about the best way to treat it.
Antibiotics may not always be necessary, but it is still important to seek medical attention. This reduces the risk of developing a more severe infection that is harder to treat.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about treating UTIs.
Practice These Healthy Habits
Preventing urinary tract infections starts with practicing a few good bathroom and hygiene habits.
First, its important not to hold urine for too long. This can lead to a buildup of bacteria, resulting in infection .
Peeing after sexual intercourse can also reduce the risk of UTIs by preventing the spread of bacteria .
Additionally, those who are prone to UTIs should avoid using spermicide, as it has been linked to an increase in UTIs .
Finally, when you use the toilet, make sure you wipe front to back. Wiping from back to front can cause bacteria to spread to the urinary tract and is associated with an increased risk of UTIs .
SUMMARY
Urinating frequently and after sexual intercourse can reduce the risk of UTI. Spermicide use and wiping from back to front may increase the risk of UTI.
Several natural supplements may decrease the risk of developing a UTI.
Here are a few supplements that have been studied:
- D-Mannose. D-Mannose is a type of sugar that is found in cranberries. Research suggests its effective in treating UTIs and preventing recurrence (
Dont Miss: How Does One Get A Urinary Tract Infection
Don’t Miss: Urinary Sepsis Symptoms In Elderly