When Is A Cat Uti An Emergency
If you are noticing that your cat is struggling to produce urine, your cat cant pee, or is straining to urinate and there is no urine coming out, this is a true emergency especially if your cat is male.
This can be a sign of a urethral obstruction which can lead to severe health conditions and even death if not addressed right away by your veterinarian.
If your cat is blocked, this means your cat cannot pee and can lead to acute kidney failure and as mentioned, a painful death if not addressed.
Consider Switching Birth Control
Birth control methods with spermicides, as discussed above, have been linked to increased risk for UTIs. Additionally, other birth control methods, like intrauterine devices have also demonstrated to act as a source for recurrent UTIs. Talk to your healthcare provider about birth control options or if you suspect your current contraceptive may be causing recurrent UTIs.
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A Note About Cranberry Juice And Utis
Cranberry juice or cranberry extract in supplemental form has long been used as a home remedy for UTIs.
The thought is that the proanthocyanidins in cranberries may help prevent bladder infections by keeping the bacteria from clinging to the bladder wall, says Sonya Angelone, MS, RDN, a nutrition consultant based in San Francisco, and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Yet theres scientific controversy over how effective cranberry juice is at preventing UTIs due to conflicting conclusions in studies on the topic, according to an article published in May 2016 in Advances in Nutrition. Some studies have found it might work, while others have found no effect.
Bottom line, there is some evidence it may help, and it doesnt hurt to try it, says Angelone. Just be sure to chose unsweetened cranberry juice . Mix this with sparkling water or plain yogurt, she recommends.
Another low-calorie option choose a cranberry pill that contains d-mannose, she says.
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Try Taking A Probiotic
Introducing a probiotic to your system may help to replenish the naturally occurring, healthy bacteria that live in the gut. It is thought that probiotics may prevent harmful bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract cells, and may also lower the urine Ph, making it less hospitable to harmful bacteria. And, if you have taken an antibiotic to treat a UTI, taking a probiotic is a great way to build up the healthy bacteria that may have been killed during your course of treatment. Probiotics are found in supplement form , or they occur naturally in some types of food, including certain yogurts, kombucha, or kefir.
Apple Cider Vinegar For Utis
Apple cider vinegar is widely known and used for its amazing health benefits, and its a natural remedy for UTIs, too. Its acidifying nature is great at clearing UTIs, and it helps prevent bacteria from spreading, stopping the infection before it reaches the kidneys. Try Braggs organic raw apple cider vinegar. Its gluten-free and contains Mother of Vinegar, a healthy bacteria that occurs naturally as strand-like enzymes of connected protein molecules. Its also loaded with vitamins and prebiotics, which relieve and prevent UTIs.
A version of this article first appeared in our print magazine.
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Home Remedies For A Uti
If you want to find out some home remedies for a UTI, youve come to the right place.
Urinary tract infections are responsible for over 8.1 million visits to healthcare providers annually.
About 12% of men and 60% of women will have at least one UTI at some point in their lifetime.
Symptoms of UTI can be quite uncomfortable.
Many people find them frustrating.
Fortunately, these problems are treatable.
In this post, were going to focus on 10 home remedies for UTI and how they can help you.
How Should I Sleep With Uti Pain At Night
Here are some things you can do to help you sleep more comfortably at night, if you have UTI pain:
- Make sure you empty your bladder completely before going to bed.
- You may consider setting alarms during the night so you wake up and use the bathroom.
- Use an incontinence pad or wear incontinence pants. These can lessen the concern of urinating in your sleep or give you the option of not getting out of bed to urinate.
- Use a hot water bottle or heating pad to warm your abdomen to minimize bladder discomfort or pressure.
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When To See A Doctor
If you are experiencing symptoms of a UTI, its best to see your doctor as soon as possible. For those who are pregnant, a UTI can be dangerous for both mother and child.
Your doctor will perform the necessary tests, like a urine culture, to figure out the primary bacteria responsible for your infection. Theyll then prescribe medication that is targeted for your specific needs.
Again, this isnt something you want to ignore for too long because your UTI could get a lot worse. Ramin said, in rare cases, the bacteria could make its way to your kidneys, which makes the UTI more difficult to treat.
In more serious cases of urinary tract infection, antibiotics may need to be administered intravenously and then followed by a course of oral antibiotics for several days to weeks, he said.
Practice Good Personal Hygiene To Prevent Uti
Prevention is always better than cure. Maintaining proper personal hygiene is crucial in preventing UTIs.
If you are a woman, always wipe from front to back, especially after defecating.29 This reduces the chances of bacteria from your bowels entering your urethra. You should help children inculcate this habit from a very young age.
Change your sanitary napkins regularly, avoid taking long bubble baths, and do not use perfumed products near your urethra.30 Keeping it clean and dry down there prevent an infection.
Both men and women should wear breathable underwear and should shower regularly to prevent the build up of bacteria near the urethra.31
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There Are A Lot Of Variables To Consider When Diagnosing A Uti
Women who have had UTIs before most likely recognize their symptoms. However, something that causes you to urinate more frequently and causes discomfort isnt necessarily a UTI.
My first goal when speaking with a patient is to get as much information as I can, so I can determine the best diagnosis and treatment plan, says Dr. Talbott. Urinary tract infections can be confused with sexually transmitted diseases, or they can be more complicated if you have diabetes or other diseases that contribute to a suppressed immune system. It is also challenging when addressing a pediatric patient, or in the elderly with multiple complex health issues.
If youre experiencing fever, nausea, or pain, you most likely have a kidney infection. However, if you have thick white discharge, you might have a yeast infection. Blood in the urine may also suggest a bladder infection, while a discharge with a fishy odor may indicate bacterial vaginosis.
Giving your doctor as much information as you can helps him or her determine the most likely way to get you feeling better fast, says Dr. Talbott.
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Symptoms Of Urinary Tract Infections
How do you know if you have a UTI? Well, sometimes there are actually no symptoms at all and other times you will experience some pretty noticeable signs.
The most common symptoms associated with UTIs are:
- Strong, persistent need to urinate
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Urine with a strong odor
- Urinating small amounts frequently
- Pain in the pelvic area, particularly for women
If the infection has made it to your kidneys, you might have one or more of these symptoms:
- Pain located below the ribs in your back or side
If you think you have a UTI, especially if you think that itâs become a kidney infection, itâs important to see your doctor. They can rule out the cause and prescribe you antibacterial or antibiotic drugs to kill off the bacteria.
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How Long Does A Uti Last
- UTIs should resolve within two weeks. With treatment, however, a urinary tract infection should resolve within 7 days. These are considered uncomplicated UTIs. If your UTI recurs twice within 6 months or three times within 12 months, it is considered a UTI recurrence. Untreated UTIs can cause severe infections, like bladder and kidney infections.
Frequent Urination And Not Holding It
Proper urination habits are very important in preventing UTIs. The urinary system was designed to hold a large amount of fluid and then through the release of that fluid wash out the urinary tract. Withholding your urine for a large length of time can allow for the bacteria in the urinary tract to get into the urinary cell walls. Too frequent urination, can not allow for enough pressure build-up and washing of the urinary tract while using the toilet.
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Importance Of Monitoring Symptoms For Early Intervention
When it comes to treating a urinary tract infection during pregnancy, it is often recommended that expecting mothers monitor their symptoms closely so that health care providers can intervene early. This can help prevent any potential issues or complications both for the mother and unborn baby. Early intervention with natural remedies might include drinking large quantities of water throughout the day, urinating regularly and avoiding holding in urine, cutting down on caffeine and alcohol intake, and trying to keep stress levels managed. Other natural remedies could include cranberry juice, probiotic yogurt with active cultures, avoiding feminine hygiene sprays and using mild 6-8 pH soaps when washing the genital area. It is however essential for an expecting mother who has been diagnosed with a UTI to consult with her health care provider before attempting any DIY home treatments in order to ensure safe use during pregnancy.
Ease Your Urinary Woes With Sips Of Green Tea
- Add a tablespoon of green tea to warm water.
- Let it soak for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Strain it and drink it.
Catechin is a component of green tea which has antimicrobial properties. Green tea also has diuretic properties to help flush out the bacteria from your urinary system.21 You can sip 4 to 5 cups of warm green tea throughout the day.
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Natural Remedies For Utis
Urinary tract infections should be treated each time you have one to avoid a recurrent urinary tract infection as well as the spread to your kidneys resulting in severe infection.
They can be treated naturally and with an antibiotic prescription to kill the bacteria however there are steps you can take to reduce the frequency and severity of these infections altogether.
When a UTI has been treated with antibiotics the chance of recurrence increases in the future. This is because antibiotics are not specific and kill off most bacteria making the urinary tract less able to protect itself from new bad bacteria that are introduced. With repeated treatment with antibiotics, the bad bacteria that do survive can become resistant to those antibiotics making each subsequent infection harder to treat.
Soothe Your Infection With Ginger Tea
- Add 2 tablespoons of fresh crushed ginger to boiling water.
- Let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain it and drink 2 to 3 cups a day. Add honey for a better taste.
Ginger has antimicrobial properties that work against a variety of bacterial strains.20
While chewing on a piece of ginger will also have positive effects, its best to consume it as a tea to treat your UTI. The more liquid you drink, the faster you flush out UTI bacteria.
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What Foods Should A Dog With A Uti Avoid
Does your dog ask you to go outside more frequently? Is he attempting to relieve himself more often than usual? Chances are, your dog might be suffering from a urinary tract infection or UTI. It can be hard to tell if your dog is in pain because he may not show any signs at all. However, if you see bloody, cloudy, or their urine has a strong smell, your dog may have a UTI.
In todays article, we will focus our attention on UTIs in dogs, their causes and symptoms, and the ways we can approach UTIs in dogs with a proper diet. Unfortunately, certain everyday dog foods can exacerbate an existent UTI, which is why putting together a list of foods to avoid for dogs with UTIs will be helpful for all dog parents!
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Change Menstrual Pads Tampons Or Cups Frequently
Low-absorbency pads made of synthetic materials can expose your vulva to bacteria and increase your risk of infection. Using tampons can encourage bacteria to multiply faster, so its important to change your tampon regularly. Tampons and menstrual cups may increase your risk of getting or worsening a UTI if its not positioned correctly. If it pushes on your urethra and traps your urine, bacteria can spread to the bladder. Changing the size or shape of a menstrual cup may help prevent recurrent UTIs.
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Sip Some Cranberry Juice
Studies into the effectiveness of cranberry juice for UTI treatment have produced mixed results. However, anecdotal evidence and some small studies indicate that cranberry juice may aid in healing by making it difficult for bacteria to stick to the lining of the urinary tract. If you wish to try this traditional folk remedy, choose a juice that lists cranberries as its first ingredient and is free of artificial sweeteners and added sugar.
When To See A Doctor For A Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary tract infection is one of those health issues thatâs almost impossible to ignore.
Fortunately, though, itâs also one thatâs fairly easily managed if you know the signs to be on the lookout for and what to do when you think you have one.
âUTIs are a very common type of infection that can occur in both women and men,â says Dr. Chris Kannady, a urologist at Houston Methodist. âAnd knowing when to see a doctor is important since, left untreated, a UTI can spread beyond the lower urinary tract and into the kidneys, which is a more serious infection that can be harder to treat.â
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Combine Home Remedies With Medical Care
All of the above home remedies may ease symptoms of a UTI. However, none of them are likely to cure a urinary tract infection. While it is not possible for the immune system to fight off the bacteria that causes UTIs on its own, antibiotics are usually necessary to aid in the process. You can combine home remedies for UTI relief with the medication your primary care provider prescribes to both treat the infection and minimize your discomfort.
If you decide to let your immune system fight the infection on its own, keep close tabs on your condition. Specifically, see your doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Pain in your lower back
The above symptoms could indicate that the infection has spread to the kidneys. A kidney infection requires prompt medical care, since it can permanently damage the organs or move into the bloodstream and cause a potentially fatal infection.
Even without kidney infection symptoms, you should see your doctor if:
- Your symptoms dont improve after two or three days
- You have had three or more UTIs in the last 12 months
- Youre pregnant
- You have a medical condition or take a medication that suppresses your immune system
The Lowdown On Natural Treatments
D-mannose
D-mannose is a supplement made from a glucose-like sugar that you can find online or in health food stores. D-mannose is most helpful at preventing E. coli from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract, says Rice. D-mannose in recurrent urinary tract infections. . If taken with a lot of water, this can effectively flush out the bacteria that is causing the infection.
Rice often tells patients to take 500 milligrams every two to three hours when experiencing symptoms however, the best dose is individual. You can find more guidelines here, and when in doubt, a good rule of thumb is to follow the manufacturers guidelines. Be sure to drink lots of water throughout the day to help the D-mannose remove the bacteria. Again, if the symptoms persist more than 24 hours or get worse, get yourself to the doctor.
D-mannose isnt recommended for those with diabetes, and if youre taking other medications, you need to talk to a doctor before starting this treatment. Diarrhea is a common side effect.
Althaea officinalis, otherwise known as Marshmallow, is an anti-inflammatory herb widely available in powdered, supplement, and tea form. Althaea officinalis is a demulcent herb that can soothe and coat the lining of the urinary tract to help decrease inflammation, says Rice. Make a strong tea and sip throughout the day.
Uva-ursi
Just add water
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Can Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Treat Utis
Studies, such as one published in January 2018 in Scientific Reports, have shown that apple cider vinegar has some antibacterial and antifungal properties, but theres no scientific or medical evidence that drinking apple cider vinegar cures UTIs. Drinking large amounts of apple cider vinegar could lead to throat irritation and tooth decay.