What Is Urinary Tract Infection? Treatment Options For A UTI?
Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are one of the most common types of bacterial infection in adults. More than half of all women will experience at least one UTI during their lifetime.
The symptoms can be uncomfortable and painful but there are simple treatments that usually work.
What is urinary tract infection?
A UTI occurs when bacteria enter the urethra and multiply in the bladder. The resulting irritation causes discomfort, burning, urgency to urinate, and — in women — pain during intercourse. A UTI can also lead to more serious infections of the kidneys (pyelonephritis), especially in people with weak immune systems or structural abnormalities of the urinary tract.
The first symptoms of a UTI are usually burning with urination and having to urinate more frequently than usual. Some women may also have pain during intercourse, vaginal discharge, or fever.
If you think you have a UTI, call your doctor. If you are diagnosed with a UTI, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to eliminate the infection. Drinking lots of water will also help flush out bacteria.
What causes urinary tract infection?
Microorganisms — typically bacteria — that enter the urethra and bladder, producing Inflammation and infection, are responsible for urinary tract infections.
Some common causes of a UTI include:
- A new sexual partner or multiple sex partners
- Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during the menstrual cycle
- Wiping from back to front after a bowel movement rather than front to back
- Using an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control
- Not enough intake of fluids and dehydrated state
- Diabetes
- Kidney stones that block the flow of urine or keep the bladder from emptying
- A weakened immune system due to certain disorders, such as diabetes or cancer
- Menopause, which can cause changes in the urinary tract
- Pregnancy, which can cause hormonal changes that promote infection
- Narrowing of the urethra in males due to prostate enlargement, which blocks the flow of urine
What are the signs of a urinary tract infection?
If you see any of these symptoms in yourself or someone else, it’s time to visit a doctor:
- Frequent and urgent need to urinate
- Despite having an empty bladder, you feel the need to urinate.
- Sensitivity when passing urine
- Painful or burning sensation when passing urine
- Blood in the urine (it may be cloudy or bright red)
- Fever over 100° F
- Nausea
- Vomiting
What to expect during a UTI diagnosis?
A doctor can test for a urinary tract infection with a physical exam, urinalysis, urine culture, and additional blood or imaging tests.
What are the treatment options for a UTI?
The first step in treating a UTI is to determine the type of infection. A UTI is categorized by where it occurs in your urinary tract — your urethra, bladder, or kidneys (urosepsis).
Treatment for a UTI includes drinking plenty of fluids and antibiotics; however, there are natural remedies that can help you to speed up the healing process.
During an acute UTI, antibiotics are the first line of defense. If your infection is not improving or you have symptoms of a more serious infection, your doctor may order tests to determine if it has spread to tissues lining your bladder or kidneys.
Urinary tract infections that go untreated can lead to kidney infections (pyelonephritis). Kidney infections can cause permanent damage and may even be life-threatening.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics can help cure a urinary tract infection quickly and prevent complications, such as kidney infections. If you’re prescribed antibiotics for a UTI, make sure to finish all of the medication even if your symptoms disappear. You’ll need to take all antibiotics as prescribed even if you are feeling better.
Fluids: Drinking plenty of fluids helps flush out bacteria to speed healing. You should drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, unless your doctor directs otherwise.
Cranberry Supplements: Cranberry supplements help prevent UTIs by preventing bacteria from sticking to the bladder. The active ingredient in cranberry is proanthocyanidins, which is a powerful antioxidant that prevents bacteria from transforming into an inflammatory state.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C strengthens the immune system, which helps fight infection.
Medications to Treat Symptoms: You may also be prescribed medications for symptoms of a UTI, including pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs.. If you experience pain in your back or abdomen, your doctor may recommend acetaminophen.
How long does urinary tract infections last?
A UTI can last from 24 hours to weeks. You may need antibiotics for treatment or your doctor might prescribe other remedies to help speed up the healing process.
If you are diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, it is important to take all medications as directed, even when symptoms disappear. Untreated infections can lead to more serious complications, including kidney infection.
A urinary tract infection is caused by bacteria that enter your urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply in your bladder or kidneys. The likelihood of getting a UTI increases if you have a urinary catheter in place, recent sexual intercourse or any type of trauma to the urethra. While urinary tract infections are common in women, men may also get them through sexual activity.
Can I flush out a UTI?
Yes, To flush the infection out of the urinary system, drink six to eight glasses (1.5 to 2 liters) of water every day. This will reduce the concentration of bacteria in your urine and help encourage them to exit the system.
You should also drink cranberry juice twice a day, which can help prevent infection by preventing bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall.
If you’re experiencing symptoms but don’t have a UTI, that doesn’t mean you can skip cranberry juice. It is still beneficial for preventing infection and flushing water through your urinary tract.
What helps a UTI?
Drinking six to eight glasses (1.5 to 2 liters) of water every day will reduce the concentration of bacteria in your urine and help encourage them to exit the system.
