Introduction
If you’ve ever had a UTI (urinary tract infection), you know how uncomfortable and painful they can be. UTIs can be caused by bacteria that enter the urethra and travel up to the bladder or kidneys. Women are more prone to UTIs than men because of their anatomy, but they can affect anyone. In this article, we will discuss how to treat a UTI, including symptom recognition, prevention, and effective remedies.
Understanding the Symptoms
UTIs are caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract and multiplying in the bladder or kidneys. Symptoms can include a frequent need to urinate, painful urination or pressure in the lower back or abdomen. UTI can occur in different parts of the urinary tract such as bladder infections (cystitis) and kidney infection (pyelonephritis).
Bladder infections: Bladder infections usually come with the following symptoms:
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating
- Frequent urination, often with little output
- Urine that is cloudy or has a strong, unpleasant odor
- Feeling an urgent need to urinate, even when the bladder is empty
- A feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen
Kidney infections: Kidney infections usually come with the following symptoms:
- Fever and chills
- Pain in the side, back, or groin
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion or disorientation (in seniors)
- Urine that is cloudy or has a strong, unpleasant odor
- Frequent urination, often with little output
Maintaining Proper Hygiene
One of the most important measures to prevent UTIs is to maintain proper hygiene. Keeping yourself and your environment clean can help keep bacteria away from your urinary tract.
Tips for wiping from front to back:
- Wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria around the anus spreading to the urethra
- Wash the genitals before and after intercourse to reduce the risk of bacterial infections
Cleaning bathroom surfaces: Make sure to clean your bathroom, particularly the toilet, regularly. Bacteria can survive on surfaces for a long time, so wiping them off regularly can help prevent UTIs.
Wearing breathable fabrics: Clothes that are too tight or fabrics that don’t breathe can trap moisture, leading to higher bacterial growth. Opt for cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes whenever possible to let your skin breathe and reduce your risk of infection.
Drinking Lots of Fluids
One of the keys to treating and preventing UTI is drinking plenty of fluids, particularly water. Drinking lots of fluids can help flush bacteria out of your bladder and lower urinary tract, lessening the risk of infection.
Other drinks that may be beneficial for UTI include:
- Cranberry juice: Acidic substances like cranberry juice help create an environment in your urinary tract that impedes bacterial growth. Drinking pure, unsweetened cranberry juice regularly can help reduce your risk of developing a UTI.
- Herbal teas: Some herbal teas are known to help prevent and even treat UTIs. Chamomile, green tea, and dandelion will help reduce inflammation and clear toxins from your urinary tract.
Using Over-the-Counter Remedies
Over the counter remedies can help relieve some UTI symptoms, although they do not cure the underlying infection. These are some forms of treatment you can use:
- Pain relief medication: Over the counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help ease the pain of a UTI and relieve urinary tract pressure. Make sure to follow the recommended dosages carefully.
- Topical creams: Creams and ointments like bacitracin, neomycin and polymyxin B (combination antibiotics) can help to alleviate UTI symptoms.
- Natural supplements: Like OTC medications, natural supplements like garlic extract, vitamin C, cranberry supplements, and probiotics are claimed to have properties that can help prevent and even treat UTIs.
Seeking Medical Treatment
It’s always important to consult with a doctor or healthcare provider if you experience symptoms of a UTI. While many people can treat UTIs with home remedies; some cases may require prescription medication to clear up the infection such as antibiotics. Antibiotics kill bacteria, so your doctor will prescribe the most appropriate one to treat the bacteria causing your UTI. It’s important to take antibiotics as prescribed and to finish the entire course of medication even if you start feeling better before it runs out.
Preventing Recurrent Infections
It’s easy to get reinfected after treating your UTI, here are some ways to prevent recurrent UTIs:
- Practice good personal hygiene habits, such as wiping front to back and cleaning the bathroom regularly.
- Urinating before and after intercourse can help flush bacteria that may have entered the urethra during sex.
- Staying hydrated and drinking lots of fluids help flush out bacteria from the urinary tract and keep your urine diluted so it can be passed more easily.
Conclusion
UTIs are painful and disruptive, but with proper care and attention, you can treat and prevent them. Maintaining good hygiene practices, drinking lots of fluids, using OTC remedies such as pain relief medication and topical creams, seeking medical treatment if necessary, and preventing recurrent infections can go a long way in helping you stay healthy and comfortable. Remember, if UTI symptoms persist, seek medical attention. Don’t hesitate to get help so you can start feeling better as soon as possible.
