How Are Utis Treated
UTIs are treated with antibiotics. After several days of antibiotics, your doctor may repeat the urine tests to be sure that the infection is gone. Its important to make sure of this because an incompletely treated UTI can come back or spread.
If someone has a lot of pain from a UTI, the doctor may recommend a medicine to help relieve the spasm and pain in the bladder. This will turn pee a bright orange color, but its harmless and will usually make a person much more comfortable within hours. In the case of a kidney infection, a doctor may prescribe pain medicine.
If youve finished all the medicine or if your symptoms arent much better after 2 to 3 days of treatment, contact your doctor.
Drink lots of water during and after treatment because each time you pee, the bladder cleanses itself a little bit more. Cranberry juice may also be helpful. Skip drinks that containe caffeine , such as soda and iced tea.
People who get a doctors help for a UTI right away should be clear of symptoms within a week. Someone with a more severe infection may need treatment in a hospital so they can get antibiotics by injection or IV .
A doctor may tell people with UTIs to avoid sex for a week or so, which lets the inflammation clear up completely.
About Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections are common infections that can affect the bladder, the kidneys and the tubes connected to them.
Anyone can get them, but they’re particularly common in women. Some women experience them regularly .
UTIs can be painful and uncomfortable, but usually pass within a few days and can be easily treated with antibiotics.
This page is about UTIs in adults. There is a separate article about UTIs in children.
This page covers:
Diagnose Your Uti Head To The Doctor
Suspect you have a UTI? A good idea is to find an OTC UTI test that you can take in the convenience of your own home. These UTI tests will give you fast results, and help your doctor make a quicker decision on whether or not antibiotics are necessary to treat your UTI, if that is the case. If you dont have an OTC UTI test available, head straight to the doctors office! Theres a chance your doctor will want you to have a full pelvic exam to check for other infections, because UTI and sexually transmitted infection symptoms are sometimes similar. Either way, its better to be safe than sorry! Be sure to use your at home test kit before taking any urinary pain relievers to avoid inaccurate results.
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Heres What You Need To Know About Urinary Tract Infections
A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection in any part of your urinary system, which includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra. UTIs can be painful, but theyre also very common. In fact, over three million cases are reported in the United States each year.
If you suspect you have a UTI, also known as a bladder infection, heres what you need to know about confirming your diagnosis and seeking treatment.
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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Things You Can Do Yourself
To help ease pain:
- takeparacetamolup to 4 times a day to reduce pain and a high temperature for people with a UTI, paracetamol is usually recommended over NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or aspirin
- you can give childrenliquid paracetamol
- rest and drink enough fluids so you pass pale urine regularly during the day, especially during hot weather
It’s important to follow the instructions on the packet so you know how much paracetamol you or your child can take, and how often.
It may also help to avoid having sex until you feel better.
You cannot pass a UTI on to your partner, but sex may be uncomfortable.
Taking cystitis sachets or cranberry products has not been shown to help ease symptoms of UTIs.
Why Is It Burning After I Pee
A burning feeling is usually a symptom of a problem somewhere in the urinary tract. Urethral stricture disease, prostatitis, and kidney stones are possible causes of this symptom, and they are all curable. Treatment can often relieve the symptoms of painful bladder syndrome if this is the underlying issue.
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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.
A Painful Problem: Can A Uti Go Away On Its Own
Healthcare professionals see 7 million office visits from people with a UTI every year.
A UTI isnt just an uncomfortable annoyance to brush off. Ignoring your symptoms can compromise your health and drain your bank account. Urinary tract infections cost patients over a billion dollars annually on hospital bills.
Urinary tract infections are one of the most common bacterial infections. But just because it is common doesnt mean you shouldnt take it seriously.
Can a UTI go away on its own?
The answer isnt a simple yes or no. Read the information below before you decide whether or not to see a doctor about your UTI.
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Can A Uti Go Away On Its Own
Urinary tract infections when bacteria gets into your urine and travels up to your bladderare the source of 8.1 million visits to health care providers each year, according to the Urology Care Foundation. In fact, UTIs are so common that about 60 percent of women and 12 percent of men will have at least one UTI during their lifetime.
UTIs are common, but can they go away on their own, or do they always require medical attention and antibiotics? The answer isnt so simple.
Urologist Mark Perlmutter, M.D., says a UTI can go away on its own, but not every type of UTI and not every time.
Yes, a UTI could go away on its own, but some infections are different than others, he says. And if left untreated, it may linger longer.
UTIs are classified into two main categories: uncomplicated, also known as cystitis and complicated, which may be catheter-associated or happen during pregnancy. In most cases, UTIs are caused by E. coli bacteria normally found in the bowels.
When to Seek Care
Why Do Women Get Urinary Tract Infections More Than Men
There are many things that can put you at risk for a urinary tract infection, such as advanced age, incomplete bladder emptying and/or sexual intercourse. In addition, your gender could also put you at a higher risk of a UTI, as women tend to be diagnosed with urinary tract infections more often than men.
Researchers suggest this is because of female anatomy, making it easier for the bacteria responsible for UTIs to make its way into the body.
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Why Wont My Urinary Tract Infection Go Away
Urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria that invade your system through the urethra. Under most normal circumstances, your body purges these bacteria on its own, and drinking a lot of water and practicing proper hygiene in the area can help.
However, the body isnt always successful at cleaning the system, resulting in an uncomfortable and often persistent urinary tract infection. Because UTIs are not thought to be serious, too many patients fail to seek out necessary treatment, and the problem only continues, if not worsens.
A UTI can occur anywhere in the urinary tract, from the kidney to the bladder to the ureters to the urethra . Symptoms of the condition include:
- burning sensation or pain from urination
- bloody, cloudy, or foul-smelling urine
- low-grade fever
- strong urge to urinate
- pressure or cramping in the back or lower abdomen
To avoid an extended battle with a UTI, quick, effective action must be taken to combat the issue. Mild infections usually call for oral antibiotics and perhaps pain medication. If your problem is more chronic in nature, stronger antibiotics might be required. Increasing your intake of fluids and avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and citrus juices will also help speed recovery.
It should be noted that women tend to suffer more frequently than men because they have shorter urethras that are closer to the anus. Pregnancy, menopause, diabetes, advancing age, kidney stones, incontinence, and prolonged periods of immobility are also risk factors.
Treatments For Cystitis From A Gp
If you see a GP and they diagnose you with cystitis, you’ll usually be prescribed a course of antibiotics to treat the infection.
These should start to have an effect within a day or 2.
If you keep getting cystitis, a GP may give you an antibiotic prescription to take to a pharmacy whenever you develop symptoms, without needing to see a doctor first.
Your GP can also prescribe a low dose of antibiotics for you to take continuously over several months.
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Uncommon Symptoms Of A Urinary Tract Infection You Should Know
About 40% of women develop at least one urinary tract infection in their lifetime. Having one UTI over the span of decades doesnt sound too bad, but not all women are that lucky.
Its estimated that 20-30% of women will have a second UTI within 3-4 months. And for 11% of women, UTIs become an ongoing problem, recurring at least once every year and often more frequently.
UTIs typically cause a specific cluster of symptoms: a strong need to urinate, frequent urination, burning when you urinate, and passing small amounts of urine. Women receive comprehensive care for UTIs at Fred A. Williams, MD, so call the office in Paris, Texas, if you experience any of those symptoms.
Were also available to answer your questions if you develop one or more of these three uncommon symptoms of a UTI.
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What To Think About
Give your child the antibiotics as directed. Do not stop using them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of medicine. Your child may begin to feel better soon after starting the medicine. But if you stop giving your child the medicine too soon, the infection may return or get worse. Also, not taking the full course of medicine encourages the development of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. This makes antibiotics less effective and future bacterial infections harder to treat.
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Why You Should Never Ignore The Symptoms Of A Uti
According to the NIH, urinary tract infections are the most common infection in the U.S. Half of women have at least one UTI in their lifetimes. Men are susceptible, too, although their longer ureters protect their urinary tract from bacteria and other pathogens.
How do you know if you have a UTI? The experts at Rose Family Practice and Urgent Care in Vancouver and Battle Ground, Washington, recommend you contact them for a UTI evaluation if you experience symptoms such as:
- Strong, persistent urge to urinate
- Frequent urination, small amounts of urine at a time
- Urine thats pink, red, or brown
- Bloody or cloudy urine
- Burning sensation when you urinate
- Pain or pressure in your lower abdomen, lower back, or pelvis
- Urine that smells strange
- Fatigue, fever, or chills
Most UTIs can be resolved with a course of antibiotics. Not treating a UTI can spread the infection and cause serious and even life-threatening health issues.
Some UTIs dont have symptoms. If you already know that youre prone to UTIs, staying on top of your health with regular exams at Rose Family Practice will help keep infections in check, protect the health of your other organs, and minimize your risk for chronic UTIs.
If you do have symptoms, get help right way. Consequences of an untreated UTI include:
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How Do You Get Urinary Tract Infections
The design of the human body makes it so it isnt hard to get a bacterial UTI, because the infection comes from outside, through the urethra. Bacteria in the genital area can enter the urethra and the urinary tract, either because wiping after going to the bathroom, sexual activity, or unsanitary conditions. Once the bacteria have entered the urethra, the body tries fight them off, but sometimes the bacteria multiply and cause an infection.
In the case of a fungal infection, usually the fungus gets to the urinary tract through the blood stream. Those who develop this type of infection are usually ill with a disease that has compromised their immune system, such as AIDS.
In general, women get more UTIs than do men and this increases with age. Statistics show that many women get more than one. Almost 20% of women who have had one UTI will go on to have a second. Of this 20%, 30% of those will have a third, and in turn, 80% of these women will have more.
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Uti Symptoms Think Quick Grab A Urinary Pain Reliever
When you suddenly feel the typical symptoms of a UTI, grab an over-the-counter urinary pain reliever with Phenazopyridine Hydrochloride to help relieve those symptoms fast. Then immediately head to the doctor to determine if it actually is a UTI. For many, UTI symptoms include urinating often, burning and strong odor in your pee, blood in the urine and soreness or a feeling of fullness in the bladder or lower back.2 Sounds awful, right? Dont even THINK about treating a possible urinary tract infection without the help of a medical professional. The bacteria that cause urinary tract infections can multiply at a frightening rate so make moves fast!
Preventing Future Urinary Tract Infections
BATHING AND HYGIENE
To prevent future urinary tract infections, you should:
- Choose sanitary pads instead of tampons, which some doctors believe make infections more likely. Change your pad each time you use the bathroom.
- Do not douche or use feminine hygiene sprays or powders. As a general rule, do not use any product containing perfumes in the genital area.
- Take showers instead of baths. Avoid bath oils.
- Keep your genital area clean. Clean your genital and anal areas before and after sexual activity.
- Urinate before and after sexual activity. Drinking 2 glasses of water after sexual activity may help promote urination.
- Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom.
- Avoid tight-fitting pants. Wear cotton-cloth underwear and pantyhose, and change both at least once a day.
DIET
The following improvements to your diet may prevent future urinary tract infections:
- Drink plenty of fluids, 2 to 4 quarts each day.
- Do not drink fluids that irritate the bladder, such as alcohol and caffeine.
RECURRING INFECTIONS
Some women have repeated bladder infections. Your provider may suggest that you:
- Use vaginal estrogen cream if you have dryness caused by menopause.
- Take a single dose of an antibiotic after sexual contact.
- Take a cranberry supplement pill after sexual contact.
- Have a 3-day course of antibiotics at home to use if you develop an infection.
- Take a single, daily dose of an antibiotic to prevent infections.
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Is Urinary Tract Same As Bladder Infection
UTIs can affect any part of the urinary tract, including the urethra, ureters, bladder, or in more serious cases, the kidneys. A bladder infection is a UTI that only affects the bladder. It is not always possible to distinguish what UTI a person has because the symptoms of the different types can overlap.
What Is The Treatment For A Urinary Tract Infection
Make an appointment at Spring Valley Internal Medicine as soon as you think you have a urinary tract infection. Early intervention means less pain, fewer complications, and easy treatment.
Your provider tests your urine for infection and most likely prescribes antibiotics to eradicate the bacterial infection. You should start to feel better within a day or two, but take the entire course to make sure the infection doesnt return.
If you think you have a urinary tract infection, make an appointment at Spring Valley Internal Medicine today. Use the online scheduler or call the most convenient location.
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What About Kidney Stones Are They Involved Here Somehow
Sort of. A kidney stone isnt an infection, but a collection of salt and minerals that hardens and turns into a stone. While some stones may be small others can be much larger. They may stay in the kidney, or begin to move into the ureter, the tube that connects the kidney and the bladder. When this happens, kidney stones can become extremely painful.
Kidney stones can be tricky, since they may have many of the same symptoms as a UTI or a kidney infection pain when urinating, needing to urinate often, and cloudy or strong smelling urine, blood in the urine, fever, nausea or vomiting. And while stones often pass on their own, larger stones sometimes need to be broken up, or removed.
Sometimes, kidney stones can lead to a urinary tract infection or a kidney infection, so its important to get them checked out by your doctor. And, since the symptoms are so similar, getting a checkup is probably a good idea anyway just to rule out the possibility of an infection, and to make sure the stone is moving along as it should.
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