Otc Uti Treatment: Key Takeaway
Women are prone to contracting a urinary tract infection at least once in their life. Certain UTIs do not need treatment if they are diagnosed on time and if the symptoms are cared for, however, some UTIs require medical intervention in the form of antibiotics.
While antibiotics are the standard treatment for UTIs, researchers are looking for better OTC treatment options for UTI symptoms that might eliminate their need. Several OTC UTI treatment drugs help prevent and manage UTI symptoms but should never be considered a replacement to prescribed antibiotics. The only clinically proven cure for a UTI is a prescribed antibiotic and nothing else as of yet.
If you think you have a UTI, you may visit Family Medicine Austin and consult our healthcare experts. It is always advised to avoid self-treatment and seek medical help.
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Treatments For Cystitis From A Gp
If you see a GP and they diagnose you with cystitis, youâll 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.
Top 23 Best Natural Home Remedies For Bladder Infection Pain & Other Symptoms
1. Water
Water plays an important part in the natural activity of our kidney. If your kidney acts normally, your bladder will be easy to take out all the urine. Therefore, if you do not provide enough water for your body, you will not have enough water for the usual activities of your body. According to the advice of many doctors, it is good for you to drink at least one and a half liter of water a day. One study also found that drinking plenty of water helps to reduce the risk of frequent UTIs in those who are prone to getting them. You could drink not only pure water but also the juice from various kinds of fruits, although do watch high sugar content. It is also better for you to avoid harmful drinks such as alcohol, coffee, or soft drinks. These types of drinks contain a large number of carbohydrates, and diuretic compounds that stress the kidney.
2. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice may be another effective remedy in the list of top 23 best home remedies for bladder infection presented here. Lemon juice is a rich source of vitamin C, which is very helpful in treating bladder infection and making you healthy. Citrate, an alkaline compound of this fruit may be effective in treating UTIs and prevents the risk of kidney stones.
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Why Antibiotics Are The Golden Standard
Urinary tract infections occur due to an external bacterial infection in the urinary tract of a body. The most common treatment option is a course of antibiotic therapy that targets the pathogens and the bacteria causing the infection.
The appropriate antibiotic course leads to higher symptomatic and bacteriological cure rates and significantly reduces the chances of reinfection. The types of antibiotics prescribed as the first line of treatment are based upon the type of bacteria found in your urine after the urine analysis, your health status, and the severity of the infection.
Other Over The Counter Products For Uti Prevention
Some OTC products do not directly affect the progress of an acute infection, but could help to prevent UTIs in the future:
- Special probiotics to restore vaginal flora
- Bacterial biofilm-fighting molecules
However, it is crucial to address the reason you had a UTI happened in the first place.
There are multiple factors that can make you more prone to UTIs, such as certain contraceptive methods , diseases that affect vaginal health etc.
Therefore, a holistic approach to UTI prevention is more effective than just treating an acute infection.
Whats your favorite OTC UTI remedy that worked for you?
Written by Anastasia Visotsky, medically reviewed by Dr. Ogunyemi
Anastasia Visotsky
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Treatment From A Gp For Utis That Keep Coming Back
If your UTI comes back after treatment, you may have a urine test and be prescribed different antibiotics.
Your doctor or nurse will also offer advice on how to prevent UTIs.
If you keep getting UTIs and regularly need treatment, a GP may give you a repeat prescription for antibiotics.
If you have been through the menopause, you may be offered a vaginal cream containing oestrogen.
Best Natural Home Remedies For Bladder Infection Pain
Difficulting urinating and pain may signify a Bladder infection. This illness may cause many disadvantages to your life and work. Moreover, if this situation lasts for a long time, it may turn into a more serious kidney infection which is very harmful to your health and difficult to recover. The main cause of this illness is the overgrowth of bacteria in your bladder or urethra . Nowadays, Western medicine has many drugs to help patients overcome this illness. However, it is better to apply some natural remedies for this infection that are safe and effective without any side effect. In this article, we will give you the top 23 best natural home remedies for bladder infection pain & other symptoms. These remedies are very cheap and easy to do at your own home. This writing collected the best treatments to get rid of bladder infection from reliable sources. Nevertheless, it is only for informational purposes, and it is not aimed to give medical advice. Keep reading it to discover more!
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How Should This Medicine Be Used
Phenazopyridine comes as a tablet or capsule to take by mouth. It usually is taken three times a day after meals. Do not chew or crush the tablets as it may cause your teeth to become stained swallow them whole with a full glass of water. You may stop taking this drug when pain and discomfort completely disappear. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take phenazopyridine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Empty Your Bladder As Needed
Keeping a full bladder for a long time or delaying the urge to urinate can contribute to a bladder infection. Holding your urine increases the risk of bacterial growth.
In addition, it increases pressure on the kidneys, which can cause kidney problems. Hence, urinate frequently to reduce the risk of bladder infections as well as kidney problems.
- Use the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge to urinate. Try to empty your bladder completely whenever you urinate.
- It is also important to urinate after having sex. It will help flush bacteria away from the urinary tract.
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Keep Asking Questions Until You Get The Answer You Need
The Medical Experts are all here to answer your questions online or with a phone call.
- You can drink one-half glass of cranberry juice every day, which is one of the easiest home remedies for bladder infection.
- Those who suffer from a bladder infection should drink about 3 to 4 glasses of cranberry juice every day to protect the kidneys from the infection.
You must drink the cranberry juice that is unsweetened. You can mix apple juice with it to enhance the taste.
Caution: Don’t consume cranberry juice if you used to have kidney stones.
Follow Good Bathroom And Diapering Habits
Some children simply dont urinate often enough. Children should urinate often and when they first feel the need to go. Bacteria can grow and cause an infection when urine stays in the bladder too long. Caregivers should change diapers often for infants and toddlers, and should clean the genital area well. Gentle cleansers that do not irritate the skin are best.
Your child should always wipe from front to back after urinating or having a bowel movement. This step is most important after a bowel movement to keep bacteria from getting into the urethra and bladder.
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How Long Do You Need To Take Antibiotics For A Uti
Antibiotics are typically prescribed for 3-7 days. The course may be extended or the prescription may change if the initial course fails to treat the infection.
For antibiotic therapy to be effective, you need to take the drugs as instructed. Many times, symptoms may seem to resolve before you complete the entire course of antibiotics. However, avoid discontinuing the course of treatment and continue to take the doses as prescribed.
If you are a female and suffer from frequent UTIs, your doctor may ask you to:
- Take a single dose of antibiotic after intercourse
- Take low-dose antibiotics for up to 5 months
- Undergo vaginal estrogen therapy if you are menopausal
In The Meantime There Are A Few Things You Can Do For A Little Relief
Drink water lots of it. Getting in the recommended eight glasses of water per day can help flush the bacteria out of your bladder and make you heal a bit faster. Limit your caffeine or sugary drinks though, as they can irritate you bladder.
When you gotta go, go. Holding your urine when you really have to go gives time for the bacteria in your system to multiply, making it harder to get rid of.
Talk to your doctor about over the counter pain relievers. While these wont cure a UTI, they may help give you a bit of relief while youre waiting for the antibiotics to treat the infection.
Rest. Getting enough rest gives your body the energy it needs to be able to fight off an infection. Make sure you are getting the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
Wear loose clothing. Not only will this be more comfortable for you during this time, but it might also prevent bacteria growth. Bacteria grow the quickest in moist, warm environments so ditch the skinny jeans for a week or so and opt for loose trousers, skirts or dresses.
Follow the steps above for quick relief from UTIs.
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Alleviating A Uti At Home
Bri Nutrition 3x Strength Crangel Power Plus
Coming in at third on the list of the most popular UTI remedies is BRI Nutrition Cranberry Concentrate Extra Strength. The main difference between this product and others on the list is that it includes lingonberry into its formula, which is an all-natural ingredient that helps fight off UTI.
While its not the cheapest option on the list, it has proven to be quite effective on some people. That said however, its worth saying that BRI Nutrition Cranberry Concentrate Extra Strength has been said to be ineffective on others.
Based on consumer reviews, some people failed to experience any sort of benefit from the product, which makes it a questionable choice for some buyers. Nonetheless, it has been said to work wonders for others, so you should keep in mind that the results always depend on how the system takes to the product.
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Etiology And Risk Factors
Urine is generally sterile, and the causative agents for most UTIs originate in bowel flora that enter the periurethral area. Most UTIs are caused by one organism UTIs caused by multiple organisms may indicate contamination. The causative agents are gram-positive and gram-negative organisms, as well as some fungi.1 The gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli accounts for almost 90% of all episodes.3,5 Other common causative agents include Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, group B streptococcus, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida species.
Prevention From The Acidic Food And Drinks
If you provide your children with semi solids or the solid food and other different fluids apart from breast milk then, prevent them from giving acidic drinks and foods. The food should eventually be as blended as possible and also more of the diluted juice like breast milk or if given vegetables or sweets then make sure it should be less acidic.
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Drinking Plenty Of Fluids
Drinking lots of water is one of the best home treatments for UTI. Dehydration is itself a risk factor for developing a UTI, and regular urination can help remove bacteria from the urinary tract, which can help prevent infection.
In fact, studies show people who increase their water intake from less than 1.5 daily liters to 2.2 liters a day experience fewer UTIs.
Its commonly recommended to drink around 64 ounces of water daily, but everyones hydration needs are different. As a general rule, drink water throughout the day and whenever you feel thirsty.
When you are well-hydrated, your urine is typically clear or straw colored. You should also avoid caffeinated or alcoholic drinks when you have a UTI or want to prevent one.
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Herbal Remedies And Vitamins
No herbal remedy has been proven to treat or prevent a UTI, and not all are tested for safety, so its best to discuss any herbal treatments with a healthcare professional first.
There are some herbal supplements that may have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that can be helpful in treating UTI symptoms.
Studies have shown that certain herbal supplements, like garlic extract, have strong anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce the growth of bacteria, including E. coli.
Other natural supplements like D-mannose, a sugar naturally found in foods like cranberries and apples, may have antibacterial properties which can help relieve UTI discomfort. Both can be taken in the form of a capsule.
Cranberry extract or cranberry juice or a vitamin C supplement may also help a UTI go away faster by changing the pH balance of your urine to help keep bacteria from growing.
While not proven to treat a UTI, these may help you feel better faster.
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How To Get Rid Of A Uti In 24 Hours
Are you experiencing painful urination and a constant need to run to the bathroom? If so, then youre already wondering how to get rid of a UTI in 24 hours. The seven home remedies in this article can help.
If youre still experiencing symptoms after 24 hours, then you need antibiotics. To get your hands on them, youll need to visit the doctor.
The doctors at Oxford Urgent Care will provide you with prompt treatment and relief. Check out our contact information and visit our office as soon as possible to remedy your UTI.
Treat Related Health Problems
When a childs bladder doesnt work exactly as it shouldcalled dysfunctional voidingtreatments may help the bladder work better and prevent repeated infections. The muscles that control urination may be out of sync. Or, your childs bladder may be overactive or underactive.
Health care professionals can treat these types of bladder problems with medicines, behavior changes, or both. Children often grow out of these bladder problems naturally over time.
If your child has vesicoureteral reflux, a urinary tract blockage, or an anatomical problem, see a pediatric urologist or other specialist. Treating these conditions may help prevent repeated bladder infections.
Diabetes and other health conditions can increase the risk for a bladder infection. Ask your childs health care professional how to reduce the risk of developing a bladder infection.
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Phew Its Over But Will It Come Back
Theres good news and theres bad news. The bad news: one out of five women who get a UTI will get another one. If you do get another UTI, speak with your doctor about UTI treatment options, he or she may prescribe a longer course of antibiotics or have other UTI treatment options for you. The good news: changing up some of your daily habits and following some of our tips above may also help you protect yourself. When it comes to keeping UTIs away, knowledge is power.