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Treatment Of Recurrent Utis

Mayo Clinic Minute: Treating Urinary Tract Infections

Some people develop recurring urinary tract infections and may require further testing to determine the cause. Treatment may include longer doses of antibiotics or more potent doses of antibiotics delivered intravenously. Recurrent UTIs may be a symptom of a more chronic problem and require further examination by a trained urologist.

References

Couling, R. . Managing lower UTI in adults in the community. Nurse Prescribing. 6, 485-489.

Huang, C.-H. et al. . Cranberry-Containing Products for Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections in Susceptible PopulationsA Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Archives of Internal Medicine. 172:988-996.

OShea, L. . Diagnosing urinary tract infections. Practice Nurse. 40, 20-25.

Riley, J. . Urinary tract infection. Conditions and Procedures in Brief, 1-3.

Stapleton, A.E. et al. . Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection and Urinary Escherichia coli in Women Ingesting Cranberry Juice Daily: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 87:143-150.

Urinary tract infection. . Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from .

Urinary tract infectionCauses. . University of Maryland Medical Center.

Urinary tract infections in adults. . National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information. Publication No. 122097.

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Signs Of A Kidney Infection To Know And When To Go To The Hospital

Youre probably not constantly on the lookout for signs of a kidney infection. But getting a urinary tract infection can open you up to also getting an infection in one or both kidneys, which means this is an illness that should be on your radar. Yep, its an unfortunate truth: A urinary tract infection can lead to a kidney infection, which is medically known as pyelonephritis and can be incredibly serious. So if youre experiencing symptoms of a UTI and thinking, Eh, I can wait a few more days to get those antibiotics, think again. Heres what you need to know about the signs of a kidney infection, its underlying causes, why its so important to get treatment as soon as you can, and more.

Can A Uti Be Treated Without Antibiotics

Antibiotics are very effective means of treatment for UTIs. However, in some cases, the body can often resolve minor and uncomplicated UTIs on its own without antibiotics.

Following some estimates, about 25-42 percent of uncomplicated UTI infections are usually clear on their own. In these cases, people may most likely try a number of home remedies to speed up recovery.

Complicated UTIs require medical treatment. Such UTIs involve at least one of the fundamental factors:

Change in the urinary system or organs, in the form of a swollen prostate as well a reduced flow of urine

Kinds of bacteria that may be resistant to antibiotics

Problems that affect the immune system, such as HIV, cardiovascular disease, or lupus

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What Is A Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection is an infection of the urinary system. This type of infection can involve your urethra , kidneys or bladder, .

Your urine typically doesnt contain bacteria . Urine is a byproduct of our filtration systemthe kidneys. When waste products and excess water is removed from your blood by the kidneys, urine is created. Normally, urine moves through your urinary system without any contamination. However, bacteria can get into the urinary system from outside of the body, causing problems like infection and inflammation. This is a urinary tract infection .

How To Prevent Utis

11 Efficient Ways to Prevent Urinary Tract Infection
  • Empty your bladder frequently as soon as you feel the urge to go and empty it completely.
  • Wipe from front to back.
  • Dont use scented feminine care products they just cause irritation.
  • Always pee before and after sex.
  • Wear cotton underwear only and loose-fitting clothing as much as possible. Avoid tight jeans and nylon underwear as they can trap moisture and create an environment that breeds bacteria.
  • Never stay in a wet swimsuit for too long.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.
  • Take probiotics and increase your vitamin C intake to boost your immune system.
  • Opt for showers over baths.
  • If you use a diaphragm, unlubricated condoms, or spermicide as a birth control method, you may want to consult your doctor about switching to another option as these have all been known to contribute to UTIs.

Read Also: How To Stop A Urinary Tract Infection Without Antibiotics

Can Probiotic Yogurt Cure Uti

Probiotics are live bacteria found in yogurt, kimchi, pickles, kefir, and other foods. Consuming probiotic-rich yogurt can help with the development of beneficial gut bacteria that support the efficient breakdown of food. As a result, you may have a more efficient digestive system, more energy, and overall feel better.

Probiotics in yogurt may also benefit urinary systems. Yogurt can help fight urinary tract infections and may help prevent the development of more serious urinary problems, such as bladder cancer. Probiotics have antibacterial properties and lower the pH of your urine.

Can I Prevent A Urinary Tract Infection

You can usually prevent a urinary tract infection with lifestyle changes. These tips can include:

In some post-menopausal women, a healthcare provider may suggest an estrogen-containing vaginal cream. This may reduce the risk of developing a UTI by changing the pH of the vagina. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have recurrent UTIs and have already gone through menopause.

Over-the-counter supplements are also available for UTIs. These are sometimes recommended for people who have frequent UTIs as another way to prevent them. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any supplements and ask if these could be a good choice for you.

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Wipe From Front To Back

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases , UTIs can develop when bacteria from the rectum or feces gain access to the urethra. This small channel allows urine to flow out of the body.

Once bacteria are in the urethra, they can travel up into other urinary tract organs, where they can lead to infections.

After urinating, wipe in a way that prevents bacteria from coming into contact with the genitals. Use separate pieces of toilet paper to wipe the genitals and anus.

When Urinary Tract Infections Keep Coming Back

Understanding urinary tract infections and when to go to a walk-in – Live on 4/11/17

Image: Thinkstock

If you are prone to recurrent UTIs, you can head them off before they take hold.

Unless you’re in the fortunate minority of women who have never had a urinary tract infection , you know the symptoms well. You might feel a frequent urgency to urinate yet pass little urine when you go. Your urine might be cloudy, blood-tinged, and strong-smelling. For 25% to 30% of women who’ve had a urinary tract infection, the infection returns within six months.

If you have repeated UTIs, you’ve experienced the toll they take on your life. However, you may take some comfort in knowing that they aren’t likely to be the result of anything you’ve done. “Recurrent UTIs aren’t due to poor hygiene or something else that women have brought on themselves. Some women are just prone to UTIs,” says infectious diseases specialist Dr. Kalpana Gupta, a lecturer in medicine at Harvard Medical School.

Also Check: What Are The First Signs Of A Urinary Tract Infection

Why Antibiotics Might Not Work

Sometimes antibiotic treatment doesnt do the trick. This may occur when the bacteria causing the UTI become antibiotic resistant, meaning they outsmart and outlive the antibiotic.

See, bacteria have this amazing ability to mutate to evade being killed. And after being attacked multiple times by the same antibiotics we use on lots of people, the bacteria can learn to resist them. Some research estimates that as many as one in three uncomplicated UTIs are resistant to at least one common antibiotic. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2.8 million people in the U.S. get an antibiotic-resistant infection every year.

This sounds bad, and thats fair: Its not great news. But this doesnt spell doomsday either.

If your UTI isnt responding to treatment with one antibiotic, your doctor may prescribe another type of antibiotic. Most bacteria arent resistant to all the antibiotics out there, so chances are your urologist or primary care doctor has encountered this situation before and knows how to help.

How Are Urinary Tract Infections Diagnosed

Your doctor will use the following tests to diagnose a urinary tract infection:

  • Urinalysis: This test will examine the urine for red blood cells, white blood cells and bacteria. The number of white and red blood cells found in your urine can actually indicate an infection.
  • Urine culture: A urine culture is used to determine the type of bacteria in your urine. This is an important test because it helps determine the appropriate treatment.

If your infection does not respond to treatment or if you keep getting infections over and over again, your doctor may use the following tests to examine your urinary tract for disease or injury:

  • Ultrasound: In this test, sound waves create an image of the internal organs. This test is done on top of your skin, is painless and doesnt typically need any preparation.
  • Cystoscopy: This test uses a special instrument fitted with a lens and a light source to see inside the bladder from the urethra.
  • CT scan: Another imaging test, a CT scan is a type of X-ray that takes cross sections of the body . This test is much more precise than typical X-rays.

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What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of Utis

UTIs can cause such signs as:

  • pain, burning, or a stinging sensation when peeing
  • an increased urge or more frequent need to pee
  • fever
  • waking up at night a lot to go to the bathroom
  • belly pain in the area of the bladder
  • foul-smelling pee that may look cloudy or contain blood

If you have any symptoms of a UTI, you’ll need to go to a doctor right away. The sooner you begin treatment, the less uncomfortable you’ll be. Call your doctor’s office or clinic. If you can’t reach your doctor, you can visit an urgent care center or hospital emergency room. The most important thing is to take action as soon as possible.

An Extreme Urgency To Pee

10 Home remedies for Urinary Tract Infection

Do you find yourself going extra frequently, and are you finding that when you have to go, you HAVE to go? This could be a sign of a UTI. While your body is trying to fight the infection, it might have you going to the bathroom again and again to flush things out.

Make sure to drink plenty of water. Also keep in mind that this can be a sign of other problems , so dont hesitate to talk to your doctor if you suddenly have to pee all the time.

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How Are Utis Diagnosed

Only a health care provider can treat urinary tract infections. The first thing a doctor will do is confirm that a person has a UTI by taking a clean-catch urine specimen. At the doctor’s office, you’ll be asked to clean your genital area with disposable wipes and then pee into a sterile cup.

The sample may be used for a urinalysis or a urine culture . Knowing what bacteria are causing the infection can help your doctor choose the best treatment.

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.

Also Check: Why Are Urinary Tract Infections Common In Older Adults

What Are Urinary Tract Infections In Cats

Urinary tract infections are not common in cats. Only 1-3% of cats with signs of urinary tract disease will have a urinary tract infection.

Because they can resemble so many other conditions, UTIs need to be distinguished from other conditions, such as crystals in the urine. Fortunately, by running some simple tests, your veterinarian will be able to tell the difference.

In most cases, UTIs in cats are usually caused by bacteria. Bacterial urinary tract infections in cats are generally relatively easy to treat and respond well to medications. Chronic infections, or those that do not respond to regular medication, can require more testing to figure out why your cat is at higher risk for urinary tract infections.

About Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary Tract Infections in Children (UTIs)

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:

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What Can Happen If A Uti Is Not Treated

If treated right away, a UTI is not likely to damage your urinary tract. But if your UTI is not treated, the infection can spread to the kidneys and other parts of your body. The most common symptoms of kidney infection are fever and pain in the back where the kidneys are located. Antibiotics can also treat kidney infections.

Sometimes the infection can get in the bloodstream. This is rare but life-threatening.

Who To See For Urinary Tract Infection

Your primary care providerusually a , , or internal medicine physiciancan diagnose and treat urinary tract infections. However, if you have frequent UTIs, your healthcare provider may refer you to a , a physician who specializes in the urinary system, or a urogynecologist, a physician who specializes in treating women urinary and reproductive systems. If your UTIs commonly turn into kidney infections, you may also see a , or kidney doctor.

The sooner you notice the symptoms of a urinary tract infection and begin treatment, the sooner youll feel better. When in doubt, consult your healthcare provider.

Recommended Reading: How To Help A Urinary Tract Infection

How Do You Treat And Prevent A Uti

Once your doctor diagnoses you with a UTI by doing a simple urine test you will most likely be treated with antibiotics. They may also prescribe medicine to help with any painful urination or frequent urination symptoms.

Once you or your childs UTI has been treated, the next step is to try and reduce your risk of developing another one. Some tips to preventing future UTIs include:

  • Drink lots of water! This helps keep your urinary tract flushed out to prevent bacteria from finding their way into your bladder and kidneys
  • Wiping from front to back after using the bathroom
  • Avoid irritating products such as fragrance body wash or douches as this can irritate your urethra and reduce the ability to fight infection
  • Change birth control certain products used in condoms can be irritating to the urethra

What if youre having slightly different urinary symptoms such as seeing blood in your urine, severe back pain, and nausea? Then you may be having a different sort of urinary problem a kidney stone.

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Irritation Down There Doesnt Necessarily Mean A Uti

Urinary Tract Infections &  Kidneys

Youre likely to remember the symptoms of a UTI if youve experienced one. You have a frequent urge to pee which often results in a minimal amount of urine and any urine that is released causes a painful, burning sensation. You could also have discolored or foul smelling urine, or pressure in your lower abdomen, back or sides below your ribs. In the elderly, confusion can be the main symptom of a UTI. Such discomfort, however, may not indicate a urinary tract infection.

Other diseases present similarly to a UTI. For example, yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis lead to vaginal itchiness, irregular discharge or blood in the urine . At the onset, symptoms for sexually transmitted diseases can also be confused with those of UTIs. Thats why its important you seek professional medical advice when you start having symptoms you think are a urinary tract infection. If you do have a UTI, and you wait too long to receive treatment, it could lead to a more serious kidney and lower urinary tract infections.

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How To Prevent Your Cats From Urinary Tract Infection

To evaluate all the urinary tract diseases in a cat quickly right after these symptoms occur, all cat parents should be aware of their signs. And to find out the causes of your cats urinary tract problem to treat, there is no better way than taking them to a reliable vet.

Also, there is no one but your vet that can give you and your cat the best advice. By having a clean cat litter box, following your vet visit, and making their cats diet changes, you can give your cat a much more healthy life to decrease the likelihood for UTI to come back. That way, there is no need to think about How long does it take for a UTI to go away in a cat?

After knowing that your cats are suffering from urinary tract infections and choosing the best treatment options for them, the next question to pop up on your mind is How long does it take for a UTI to go away in a cat? Were here to help. Make sure to check out our post carefully.

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