How To Ease Urinary Tract Infection Pain

How To Treat A Uti

If left untreated, urinary tract infections can worsen and spread to the bladder and kidneys, posing serious health risks. UTI pain relief products do not treat infections. Typically, prescription antibiotic medications are required to deal with the bacteria that causes UTIs. As a result, you should never simply take UTI relief products and hope that the infection will pass. Seeing a health care professional as soon as possible can greatly reduce your risk of complications. A medical professional can also help you ensure that you choose the right UTI relief product for alleviating discomfort while prescription medications clear up the infection. Only use UTI relief products as recommended by the manufacturer or your medical provider.

Cystitis In Men And Older People

Men tend to get cystitis later in life. Where trouble with urine flow is a symptom, this may indicate that the underlying cause is a problem with their prostate gland.

Cystitis is common in older people, particularly if they are unwell. Bladder catheters and some urinary-tract operations may also increase the risk of cystitis.

What Is Urinary Tract Infection

UTIs can happen anywhere in the urinary system including in the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. However, they typically occur in the bladder. If you have a UTI, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Pain or burning when urinating
• Need to urinate often but not much comes out when you do
• Pressure in your lower abdomen
• Milky or cloudy urine that smells bad
• Blood in your urine
• Tiredness, shaky feeling, confusion, or weakness
• Fever this could be a sign that the infection has gone to your kidneys

There are certain birth controls that can increase your risk of a UTI. There are also other factors that can put you at risk for bacterial growth including:

• Not drinking enough fluids
• Hormonal changes in the urinary tract

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Remedies And Treatment For Uti

Uncomplicated urinary tract infections sometimes go away on their own. In one study, 21 out of 28 womenâs infections disappeared without treatment.

Here are a few UTI remedies you can try at home to relieve symptoms and speed your recovery:

Consume Cranberries

Cranberries have been used to treat UTIs for centuries. This is because cranberries contain proanthocyanidins, chemicals that prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract. Cranberries also contain quinic acid, which works to kill bacteria in the urinary tract.

While some studies have found that cranberry juice or pills may help treat UTIs, other studies have found no positive effects of cranberries. Even if cranberries donât actually help treat UTIs, the fruit is unlikely to cause you harm. However, donât drink cranberry juice if youâre on blood thinners, like warfarin.

Avoid Diuretics and Irritants

Certain drinks may irritate the bladder, including coffee, alcohol, citrus and caffeinated drinks. Avoiding these liquids may help you relieve some symptoms, such as burning during urination. These drinks also act as diuretics, which will make you need to urinate more frequently, possibly making the UTI symptoms more irritating.

Incorporate Probiotics

Use a Heating Pad

Another simple home remedy is placing a heating pad on your abdomen. This can help lessen your discomfort.

Hydrate

Make sure you are drinking plenty of water to help flush out your urinary system.

Prioritize Prevention

What Are Uti Symptoms

Symptoms of UTIs may include the following: pain or burning when urinating, pressure in the low belly, an urge to urinate often, and fatigue and shakiness. If you have severe pain in your back or lower abdomen, vomiting, nausea, or fever, see your healthcare provider immediately. These can be signs of a serious kidney infection. Speak with your healthcare provider if you think you may have a UTI.

• Urinary Tract Infection, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . Web. 20 September 2021.
• Bladder Infection in Adults, National Institute of Health . Web. 20 September 2021.
• Urinary Tract Infections, MedlinePlus. Web. 20 September 2021.
• Urinary Tract Infections, Mayo Clinic. Web. 20 September 2021.
• Phenazopyridine, MedlinePlus. Web. 21 September 2021.

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What Are The Causes Of Urinary Tract Infections

An infection occurs in the urinary tract when bacteria enter the urethra and sets up camp there. Sometimes they will migrate from there to the bladder, causing further infection. If you dont get treated, the bacteria can even move on to the kidney. When we urinate, we often flush out the bacteria, but sometimes this bacterium can take root.

You really dont want this to happen, as it can turn quite serious and require a hospital stay, as well as lead to an even worse kidney or bladder infection. These bacteria usually come from the colon. Sometimes other tiny organisms that are sexually transmitted can also cause these kinds of infections.

Common causes of UTIs include:

• Improper wiping, or anything which spreads bacteria from the anus to the genitals
• Sexual intercourse
• Kidney stones or other obstructions of the urinary tract
• Incomplete emptying of the bladder, often due to spinal cord injuries or other conditions
• Suppressed immune systems, which can occur with HIV/AIDS or diabetes

How Can I Tell If I Have A Uti

Not all UTIs have obvious symptoms, but signs and symptoms of a possible UTI include the need to urinate often, pain and burning sensations during urination, low fever, nausea, vomiting, feeling ill, and back or abdominal pain. You may also notice that your urine is bloody, cloudy, or odorous.

See your doctor immediately if you think you have a UTI, or ask your pharmacist about purchasing a UTI test kit. If you decide to use the take-home UTI test strips, follow the instructions carefully and be sure to discuss your test results with your doctor.

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Signs Of Utis In Cats

• Straining to urinate
• Crying or other vocalization when urinating
• Urinating blood
• Urinating outside of the litter box
• Licking at the urethra
• Increased frequency of urination

Cats that have urinary tract infections are likely to be uncomfortable when they urinate. This discomfort or pain may sometimes cause them to cry or vocalize when they urinate. Straining to urinate and urinating small amounts frequently is also commonly seen.

A cat with a urinary tract infection may also lick at its genitals in an attempt to ease the discomfort and will also often urinate outside of the box. This may occur on the floor right beside the litter box or in other places such as the bathtub or carpet.

Some cats with urinary tract infections will also have blood in their urine and this may be seen in the litter box or on the floor, but can be hard to see in clumping litter.

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

You can use Lemonaid’s convenient mobile UTI service as long as you are of female birth sex, 18 years or older, and have not reached menopause yet.

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Avoid Food And Beverages That May Irritate The Bladder

The most common bladder irritants are alcohol, caffeinated drinks, carbonated beverages, and spicy dishes.

Both caffeine and alcohol have been found to increase bladder spasming, which can make UTI pain worse. And when men and women increased their intake of coffee or soda, they had higher chances of getting UTI symptoms.

Does Walgreens Sell Over

At Walgreens, you can find options for detecting urinary tract infections and for easing symptoms. UTI test strips can help you detect infections, while urinary pain relief tablets and cranberry pills may help to relieve UTI discomfort or prevent recurring UTIs. Researchers are still looking into the possible benefits of cranberry in fighting infections, but their findings are inconclusive. To learn more about the over-the-counter options available for treating UTI symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

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How Long Does A Uti Last

Urinary tract infections usually go away after the first few days of antibiotics treatment. Depending on the severity of the infection, they may last a bit longer. If you often get UTIs, your healthcare provider may prescribe low-dose antibiotics for a few months at a time. If you have a UTI, over-the-counter products may help ease your symptoms while you receive antibiotic treatment.

Here Are Some Tips To Quickly Deal With Troublesome Uti Symptoms

1. Give yourself a sitz bath.

A sitz bath is a warm and shallow bath for cleansing the genital area, especially the perineum or the area between the rectum and the vulva or scrotum. You can set up a sitz bath on your bath tub. As an alternative, you may also use a kit that fits over the toilet.

Sitz baths are commonly used to relieve skin irritations, itching, and minor pains. If you are not satisfied with a shallow bath, you may immerse in warm water to help relieve your abdominal pain. This can also allow your muscles to relax, helping stop painful spasms.

2. Use a heating pad.

Abdominal cramps and pressure are probably the worst symptoms of UTI, and extreme pain in the abdomen can really prevent you from doing your normal daily routine. Applying a heating pad over your abdomen can ease muscle pain, cramps, and spasms. If you do not have a heating pad, a bottle of hot water or a warm washcloth can also help.

3. Wear cotton and avoid tight-fitting clothes.

Tight pants and underwear can be uncomfortable when you are dealing with abdominal pain and other UTI symptoms. They may also further irritate the genital area, leading to more discomfort and other minor infections. Make sure to wear cotton garments and opt for slightly loose clothing to keep the genital area dry and cool. This can can prevent or reduce bacterial growth.

4. Do urinate often.

5. Consult your doctor.

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Will A Uti Go Away On Its Own

As with any infection, an otherwise healthy woman’s body is technically equipped to fight and resolve a UTI on its own. An estimated 25-42% of UTIs resolve without conventional treatment.

The problem arises when the infection becomes too rampant for the immune system to handle. If immunity is compromised in any way, or if the infection has been building for a while, then it’s time to bring in some extra help to fight those bad bacteria.

The trouble is, antibiotic-resistant UTIs are increasing. As the New York Times reported, one in three simple UTIs is now considered resistant to one of the most common antibiotics used to treat them, Bactrim. One in five is considered resistant to other commonly prescribed antibiotics.

Take An Otc Pain Reliever

Over-the-counter pain medications can temporarily relieve pain caused by a UTI. Use caution here, and always speak with a doctor first, as some UTIs can turn into kidney infections. In these cases, patients should avoid taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , which could make the infection worse.

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Other Types Of Urinary Tract Problems In Cats

If your cat is straining, crying when urinating, urinating outside of the box, or having blood in its urine, it may very well have a condition that is not a UTI. Some of the more common causes include:

Feline Urological Syndrome – Also referred to as sterile cystitis, this is a sterile inflammation of the bladder that is incredibly common in cats. The exact cause for this inflammation is unknown but is likely multi-factorial including stress, genetics, diet, anatomy, and lifestyle. This is a disorder that cannot be cured but requires management in the form of stress reduction, special diets, medications, and sometimes surgery.

Urinary Tract Blockage– More often a problem in male cats, the urethra may become blocked with grit and other debris and the cat will be unable to urinate. This is an emergency! Steps must immediately be taken to unblock the cat to avoid kidney failure and death. Any cat with urinary tract symptoms that is not urinating for more than eight hours or only producing small drops of urine should be seen by a vet right away.

Bladder Stones – Bladder stones may also cause signs that look like a UTI. The cat may strain, urinate frequently, have pain when urinating, and have blood in its urine. Testing with your veterinarian, including a urinalysis and x-rays, is necessary for diagnosis.

Preventing Urinary Tract Infections

There are many natural cures for urinary tract infections, but the best way to deal with a UTI is by preventing it from happening in the first place. UTIs are often preventable simply by making certain lifestyle changes:

• Wear loose clothing, such as loose pants, skirts, dresses, and cotton underwear. Since bacterium grows in moisture, tight clothing or clothing which restricts the flow of air can create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
• Drink plenty of water. Its good for you and helps flush bacteria from your system.
• Wipe from front to back, to stop bacteria from spreading.
• After sexual intercourse, urinate to clear out any bacteria.

If you are suffering from recurrent urinary tract infections, then there is likely something which is causing them to keep occurring. Constant medical visits and use of antibiotics may not be the answer. Simple lifestyle changes can help you stop this annoying reoccurrence. Drinking plenty of water, using natural remedies, and using proper hygiene practices can help keep UTIs away for good.

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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 To Prevent A Uti From Striking Again

Sick of dealing with urinary tract infections? Really, the best “natural remedy” is simple: just prevent one from striking in the first place! Here’s how:

Drink cranberry juice

Although it has often been thought of as a treatment option, cranberry juice can only help as a preventative measure. Cranberry juice can be helpful in preventing UTIs by making the urine more acidic and preventing harmful bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder, Dr. Sherry explains. An acidic environment in the urine makes bacterial build-up more difficult and reduces your chance of getting a UTI. But even with this information, studies have conflicting evidence about cranberries being a reliable source for prevention. So if youre prone to UTIs, it wont hurt to drink unsweetened cranberry juice. But its definitely not the UTI cure-all it has always been thought to be.

Practice good hygiene after sex and ask your partner to, too

Overall health with increased water intake and exercise is the best way to improve health and help with decreasing UTIs, Dr. Shepherd shares. This includes good hygiene and being diligent about cleaning all of your lady parts. And make sure your partner does, too. Bacteria from sexual intercourse is one of the most common ways women can get a UTI, Dr. Shepherd explains.

Limit antibiotic use

Avoid feminine hygiene products with scents and chemicals

Wipe front to back

Stay hydrated

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Can Utis Be Prevented

These tips can help prevent UTIs:

• In infants and toddlers, change diapers often to help prevent the spread of bacteria that cause UTIs. When kids are potty trained, itâs important to teach them good hygiene. Girls should know to wipe from front to rear not rear to front to prevent germs from spreading from the anus to the urethra.
• School-age girls should avoid bubble baths and strong soaps that might cause irritation. They also should wear cotton underwear instead of nylon because itâs less likely to encourage bacterial growth.
• All kids should be taught not to âhold itâ when they have to go. Pee that stays in the bladder gives bacteria a good place to grow.
• Kids should drink plenty of fluids but avoid those with caffeine.

Causes Of Urinary Tract Infection

UTI mainly occurs due to the following reasons:

• Cystitis: It is one of the most common causes of UTI. It mainly happens due to sexual intercourse when the harmful bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract cause infection in the bladder. Though, sometimes, females can also develop cystitis without having intercourse.
• Urethritis: When the harmful bacteria are pushed back in the urethra, urethritis occurs.
• Pregnancy

• Traces of blood with urine.

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Diagnosing Utis In Cats

If a cat owner is observing signs of abnormal urination in their cat they should schedule a visit with their cat’s veterinarian. A urine sample will need to be collected either by the owner at home with the use of special, non-absorbent litter, or by the veterinarian.

The veterinarian may temporarily keep the cat in the animal hospital until it urinates on its own in some non-absorbable litter or the urine may be obtained by cystocentesis. Cystocentesis is a procedure that involves collecting a sterile urine sample directly from the bladder via a needle. This procedure is the preferred method for urine collection if a UTI is suspected because it is the only way to obtain a sample without contamination. However, the procedure does come with some risk and the decision should be made with the guidance of your veterinarian.

Alternatively, it may be possible to obtain a sample by allowing the cat to urinate in a clean litter box filled with non-absorbent granules.