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.
Possible Higher Risk Of Death
- Risk factors: History of heart disease
One research study found that people with heart disease who take clarithromycin have a higher risk of dying from any cause. Experts dont know why this happened, and other research studies have not found this same problem. To be on the safe side if you have heart disease, you should take a different antibiotic if its possible.
Bladder Infection Vs Uti: What’s The Difference
You keep running to the bathroom to peeor setting up shop closer to the bathroomonly to produce a few drops. On top of that dissatisfying trickle, it feels like you have killer cramps and burns when you go. You guessed it you likely have a bladder infection or a urinary tract infection . But dont panic. UTIs are common and you can get treatment for a UTI online.
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How To Cope With Side Effects
What to do about:
- feeling sick stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food while youre taking this medicine. It might help to take your clarithromycin after you have had a meal or snack.
- diarrhoea and being sick drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. Take small, frequent sips if youre being sick. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having strong-smelling pee. Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea or vomiting without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.
- losing your appetite eat when youd usually expect to be hungry. If it helps, eat smaller meals more often than usual. Snack when youre hungry. Have nutritious snacks that are high in calories and protein, such as dried fruit and nuts.
- bloating and indigestion try not to eat foods that cause wind . Eat smaller meals, eat and drink slowly, and exercise. There are pharmacy medicines that can also help, such as charcoal tablets or simethicone. Ask a pharmacist for advice.
- headaches rest and drink plenty of fluids. Do not drink too much alcohol. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller if you need one. Talk to your doctor if the headaches last longer than a week or are severe.
- difficulty sleeping avoid having a big meal, smoking, and drinking alcohol, tea or coffee in the evening. Try not to watch television or use your mobile phone before going to bed. Instead, try to relax for an hour before bedtime.
Why Is This Medication Prescribed
Clindamycin is used to treat certain types of bacterial infections, including infections of the lungs, skin, blood, female reproductive organs, and internal organs. Clindamycin is in a class of medications called lincomycin antibiotics. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of bacteria.
Antibiotics such as clindamycin will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Using antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.
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What Are The Side Effects Of Clarithromycin
With any medication, there are risks and benefits. Even if the medication is working, you may experience some unwanted side effects.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Allergic reactions
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
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Causes Of Utis And Bladder Infections In Men
Women are more likely to get urinary tract infections and bladder infections than men because they have a shorter urethra located closer to their rectum.
For them, sexual activity or even wearing a pair of underwear for too long can cause bacteria like E. coli to come in contact with the urinary tract.
Men can get UTIs too, but in their case, its usually due to genetics, prostate changes with age, or an abnormal immune response. STDs such as chlamydia are another frequent cause of UTIs in men.
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Symptoms Of Urinary Tract Infections In Dogs
Dog UTI symptoms result from inflammation and pain due to bacteria invading the bladder wall.
Signs of a UTI in dogs may include:
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Inappropriate urination
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Frequent urination
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Straining to urinate with only a small amount of urine production
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Blood in the urine
In more severe cases, where the infection moves into a dogs kidneys, you may see:
Can Clarithromycin Be Used For Ear Infections
Can clarithromycin be used for ear infections? Clarithromycin is an antibiotic. Its used to treat chest infections, such as pneumonia, skin problems such as cellulitis, and ear infections.
Does clarithromycin help ear infections? Clarithromycin is prescribed to treat bacterial infections such as respiratory infections, ear infections and skin infections. It can be taken by adults and children. It works by stopping the bacteria causing the infection from multiplying.
What is the drug clarithromycin used for? Clarithromycin is used to treat certain bacterial infections, such as pneumonia , bronchitis , and infections of the ears, sinuses, skin, and throat.
What antibiotics treat inner ear infection? Antibiotics are often not needed for middle ear infections because the bodys immune system can fight off the infection on its own. However, sometimes antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, are needed to treat severe cases right away or cases that last longer than 23 days.
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Symptoms Of Kidney Infection
The symptoms of a kidney infection usually start in the bladder or urethra, which spread to one or both of your kidneys.
If not treated properly, the infection can cause permanent damage to your kidney, which can be life-threatening.
The common symptoms of a kidney infection include:
- Abdominal pain.
What Are The Types Of Utis
UTIs are categorized into two types.
Complicated UTIs refer to infections associated with another condition. Often, that underlying condition makes the UTI worse because it may involve pre-existing kidney or bladder problems. If left untreated, complicated UTIs can lead to severe, permanent kidney damage.
The other category of UTIs is an uncomplicated UTI. These occur in individuals who are otherwise healthy and do not have abnormalities in their urinary tract. Uncomplicated UTIs tend to be recurring. They are categorized based on where the infection develops along the urinary tract. If it develops in the bladder, its called cystitis if it grows in the kidney, its called pyelonephritis .
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Small Compounds Targeting Urease
Urease, an enzyme which catalyzes the hydrolysis of urea, is crucial in the pathogenesis of several uropathogenic bacteria such as P. mirabilis, Klebsiella sp., Pseudomonas sp. and Staphylococcus sp. . This enzyme leads to the alkalinization of the urine and the production of struvite and carbonate apatite that make up the major component of urinary stones . These conditions lead to the inflammation of the urogenital epithelia thus increasing the risk of catheter-associated biofilm formation that may contribute to pyelonephritis , mainly due to both bacterial and host cysteine protease .
The most studied inhibitors of urease are hydroxamic acids . These molecules have a high inhibitory activity against urease, by bonding to the two nickel ions in the urease active site . Initially, these molecules were used to treat UTIs by preventing urine alkalization . However, because of the growing evidence of side effects such as mutagenic power, they were progressively phased out .
Through similarly interacting with nickel ions in the urease active site, the phenyl phosphoramidates were found to have the highest inhibitory activity . Studies testing these molecules in an in vitro model and in a rat model found promising results. Since then, no in vivo studies or clinical trials have been developed, probably due to the poor hydrolytic stability of these molecules which leads to a very short half-life .
How Should This Medicine Be Used
Clindamycin comes as a capsule and a solution to take by mouth. It is usually taken three to four times a day. The length of your treatment depends on the type of infection you have and how well you respond to the medication. Take clindamycin at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take clindamycin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly.
Take the capsules with a full glass of water so that the medication will not irritate your throat.
You should begin to feel better during the first few days of treatment with clindamycin. If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
Take clindamycin until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop taking clindamycin too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.
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Can Utis Be Treated Without Antibiotics
Liu says the best way to treat UTIs is to have a urine analysis.
You can do a urine test strip at home or submit a urine culture at a walk-in clinic if you cant get an appointment with your healthcare provider.
Dr. Swann says its best to consult with a medical expert who can account for ones personal history and circumstances and obtain a bacterial culture if needed.
Liu adds that a urine analysis is particularly important for people who:
- have recently had a UTI
- are immunocompromised
If you dont have any of these other concerns and you are treating at home, then you can take pain medication and also make sure that you are drinking plenty of water to see if symptoms improve, she says.
Nonantibiotic options for reducing symptoms associated with UTIs can include increasing water intake, suggests Moore.
In people who are post-menopausal, a life stage associated with a greater risk of UTIs, Moore says to try:
- topical estrogen to normalize vaginal pH and vaginal colonization with healthy bacteria
- treatment of bowel issues as they increase the risk of bacteria spread
- supplements , which prevent bacterial adherence to the bladder lining
Finally, when it comes to treating UTIs at home, bear in mind that cranberry supplements and cranberry juice are different.
Unfortunately,
Other Uses For This Medicine
Clindamycin is also sometimes used to treat acne and is used along with other medications to treat anthrax and malaria . Clindamycin is also sometimes used to treat ear infections, tonsillitis , pharyngitis , and toxoplasmosis when these conditions cannot be treated with other medications. Clindamycin is also sometimes used to treat bacterial vaginosis . Clindamycin is also sometimes used to prevent endocarditis in certain people who are at risk of developing this infection as a result of a dental procedure. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication for your condition.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
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Are There Any Home Remedies For A Urinary Tract Infection
The best home remedy for a UTI is prevention . However, although there are many home remedies available from web sites, holistic medicine publications, and from friends and familymembers there is controversy about them in the medical literature as few have been adequately studied. However, a few remedies will be mentioned because there may be some positive effect from these home remedies. The reader should be aware that while reading about these remedies , they should not to overlook the frequent admonition that UTIs can be dangerous. If the person does not experience relief or if his or her symptoms worsen over 1 to 2 days, the person should seek medical care. In fact, many of the articles about UTI remedies actually describe ways to reduce or prevent UTIs. Examples of home treatments that may help to prevent UTIs, that may have some impact on an ongoing infection, and that are unlikely to harm people are as follows:
There are over-the-counter tests available for detecting presumptive evidence for a UTI . These tests are easy to use and can provide a presumptive diagnosis if the test instructions are carefully followed a positive test should encourage the person to seek medical care.
Dogs That Are Prone To Utis
Any dog breed can develop a urinary tract infection, but female dogs develop UTIs more commonly than male dogs.
Male dogs have longer urethras, requiring the bacteria to travel farther to invade the bladder. Picture the bacteria getting tired on their long trek and either giving up on their journey or dying before they make it to their destination.
Dog breeds that are prone to bladder stones are more prone to UTIs in generalespecially chronic, recurrent UTIs. This is due to the stones rolling around in a dogs bladder and breaking down its defense mechanisms, causing inflammation.
Breeds that are predisposed to chronic UTIs secondary to bladder stones include:
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What Are Risks Of Not Taking Antibiotic During Pregnancy
Depending upon the antibiotic taken during pregnancy the risks will differ, but in most cases complications of NOT taking the antibiotic are higher than taking it. Risks depend on which antibiotic you take, so thats something to discuss with your doctor. Depending upon the antibiotic taken during pregnancy the risks will differ.
Treatment For Utis In Dogs
Based on your dogs urine test results, your vet will prescribe an appropriate antibiotic for you to administer as directed.
For acute UTIs, vets usually prescribe an antibiotic for 1-2 weeks. If urine culture and sensitivity testing reveals resistant bacteria, then treatment will include an antibiotic found to fight off that particular bacteria.
To clear the infection for chronic UTIs, treatment will address the underlying cause. Antibiotics are usually prescribed for 4-8 weeks and are based on urine culture and sensitivity to avoid antibiotic resistance. In rare instances of chronic UTIs, your vet may prescribe a lifelong antibiotic for your dogs comfort.
Your vet may also prescribe pain medications, anti-inflammatories, and probiotic supplements to help treat and clear the infections.
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Which Antibiotic Will Work Best
Your doctor will take a urine sample to confirm that you have a UTI. Then the lab will grow the germs in a dish for a couple of days to find out which type of bacteria you have. This is called a culture. Itâll tell your doctor what type of germs caused your infection. Theyâll likely prescribe one of the following antibiotics to treat it before the culture comes back:
Which medication and dose you get depends on whether your infection is complicated or uncomplicated.
âUncomplicatedâ means your urinary tract is normal. âComplicatedâ means you have a disease or problem with your urinary tract. You could have a narrowing of your ureters, which are the tubes that carry urine from your kidneys to your bladder, a narrowing in the urethra which transports urine from the bladder out of the body, or, you might have a blockage like a kidney stone or an enlarged prostate . Its also possible you have a urinary fistula or a bladder diverticulum.
To treat a complicated infection, your doctor might prescribe a higher dose of antibiotics. If your UTI is severe or the infection is in your kidneys, you might need to be treated in a hospital or doctors office with high-dose antibiotics you get through an IV.
Your doctor will also consider these factors when choosing an antibiotic:
- Are you over age 65?
- Are you allergic to any antibiotics?
- Have you had any side effects from antibiotics in the past?
Treating Utis And Bladder Infections
UTIs and bladder infections are typically treated with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. In order for the infection to go away completely, you need to take the full course of antibiotics, which lasts 3-7 days in most instances but can last longer.
It takes a bit of time for the inflammation to clear up every once the antibiotic begins working, though most people note significant improvement within 48 hours of being on the right antibiotic.
If antibiotics bother your stomach , consider taking probiotics to repopulate your good gut bacteria. This may also help you stay healthy and boost your bodys infection-fighting potential.
In the meantime, drink plenty of water so the flow of urine can help you flush out your system. You might also want to avoid sexual activity while youre recovering because its probably not going to feel great while your urinary tract is inflamed.
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