When To See A Gp About Cystitis
In the following circumstances, you should definitely see a doctor if you believe you may have cystitis:
- Minor cystitis symptoms do not clear up in 2 days
- Cystitis symptoms become more severe
- You get cystitis frequently
- Antibiotics to treat cystitis dont appear to be working
- Symptoms reappear shortly after finishing a course of antibiotic
It is important to see a doctor in such cases so that they can run further tests or prescribe antibiotics to treat cystitis. If you suffer from recurrent bacterial cystitis, a doctor will need to examine you to rule out other serious health complications including diabetes, kidney stones, and abnormalities in the urinary tract.
Is Vaginitis An Std
Vaginitis isnt an STD or STI, but some sexually transmitted diseases can cause vaginitis. Trichomoniasis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes and HPV are all transmitted through sexual contact. And all of them can lead to vaginal inflammation and pain associated with vaginitis. But sex isnt the only way you can get vaginitis. Bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, non-infectious vaginitis and atrophic vaginitis are all types of vaginitis that arent considered STIs.
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Can A Uti Go Away On Its Own
Those who have dealt with a urinary tract infection, or UTI, know the uncomfortable symptoms that it causes. A UTI is a bacterial infection in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra. UTIs most commonly occur in the lower urinary tract. While they are not typically serious unless left untreated, UTIs can cause painful symptoms like a burning sensation or pain when urinating, or a strong urge to urinate but being unable to do so. When the symptoms of a UTI first set in, many people find themselves wonderingcan a UTI go away on its own?
More often than not, a UTI will need antibiotics in order to clear up. The specific kind of antibiotics prescribed will depend on the particular strain of bacteria that is causing the infection. In order to identify the right medicine, a physician will likely ask you to leave a urine sample. The sample will not only confirm the presence of an infection, but will be analyzed by a lab to identify the particular type of bacteria that is present in the urinary tract.
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Why Antibiotics Sometimes Dont Work
Most UTIs arent serious. But if left untreated, the infection can spread up to the kidneys and bloodstream and become life threatening. Kidney infections can lead to kidney damage and kidney scarring.
Symptoms of a UTI usually improve within 2 to 3 days after starting antibiotic therapy. Many doctors prescribe an antibiotic for at least 3 days.
While this type of medication is the standard treatment, researchers are noticing that antibiotic-resistant bacteria are reducing the effectiveness of some antibiotics in treating UTIs.
Some UTIs dont clear up after antibiotic therapy. When an antibiotic medication doesnt stop the bacteria from causing an infection, the bacteria continue to multiply.
The overuse or misuse of antibiotics is often the reason for antibiotic resistance. This can happen when the same antibiotic is prescribed over and over again for recurrent UTIs. Because of this risk, experts have been looking for ways to treat UTIs without antibiotics.
Some research has shown that UTIs can be treated without traditional antibiotics by targeting E. colis surface component for adhesion, FimH.
Typically, the urinary tract flushes away bacteria when you urinate. But according to researchers, FimH can cause E. coli to firmly attach to the cells in the urinary tract. And because of this tight grip, its hard for the body to naturally flush the bacteria from the urinary tract.
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Are Bladder Infections Common
Bladder infections are very common and can affect anyone, however they tend to be more prevalent in women . This is largely because the female urethra is shorter than the male urethra, therefore, bacteria can enter the bladder more easily.
Bladder infections are also more common in people who:
- Have kidney stones, or any condition that blocks the urinary tract
- Have difficulty emptying their bladder
- Have diabetes
- Have a weakened immune system
- Use a contraceptive diaphragm or spermicidal lubricants/condoms
- Use a urinary catheter
- Men with an enlarged prostate, as described above, and women have who been through the menopause can also be prone to bladder infections.
Preventing Uti In Puppies
As with most medical conditions, prevention is always better than treatment. Though there is no hard and fast prevention for urinary tract infections in puppies, you can try the following to help avoid them:
- Drink Water: Encourage your puppy to drink plenty of water by ensuring that a full bowl of clean and fresh water is always available.
- Cool It Down: On hot days, toss some ice cubes in your puppys bowl to help cool the water down.
- Use Flowing Water: Many dogs and puppies like to drink from running water. If your puppy is particularly adverse to a bowl, consider purchasing a pet drinking fountain.
- Give Probiotics: If your puppy is experiencing chronic UTIs, ask your vet if probiotics might help.
- Keep It Clean:Be sure to frequently clean your puppys bowls to keep them clear of bacteria and mold. This is especially important when your leave food and water out all day for your puppy to consume freely.
- Switch Food: Again, if your puppy is prone to UTIs, talk to your vet about switching to a dog food made specifically to promote urinary tract health.
- Get a Checkup: An important step in keeping your puppy healthy and happy is to have annual checkups, which will help avoid health issues like UTIs.
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Boost Nutrients To Knock Out Yeast
Toddlers embracing new foods and weaning off milk or formula are likely not meeting all their nutritional needs. Current conventional agricultural practices mean the soil has become stripped of nutrients so that most foods are not as nutritious as they were 50 years ago. Organic foods are typically more nutrient-dense and safer than conventionally grown foods so be mindful of and judicious about the source of your groceries. Try to maintain a diet rich in whole unprocessed foods, high in plant-based sources, and diverse in nutrients. Boost this good foundation with the following foods for an extra ounce of prevention or treatment.
These helpful foods contribute to a hostile environment for yeast. Try the following ways to incorporate some of them into your childs diet.
Garlic and onion: Garlic is known to have antibacterial and antifungal properties but isnt always popular with little ones on its own! Hummus is an easy way to make garlic more palatablemake your own mixed with coconut oil for an immune boostand roasted garlic is delightfully sweet and easy to prepare. Try giving your child a few cloves a day mixed into savoury foods or even let them try it straight-up!
Lavender tea: This is lovely and soothing blended with ice. Lavender oil is antifungal and adding lemon to the tea can also alkalinize the mouth and fight yeast. Have fun and blend lavender with other herbal teas like chamomile and mint for added benefits.
Use immune-boosting, thrush-busting supplements
How Can I Avoid A Bladder Infection
Its not always easy to avoid contracting a bladder infection, but there are some precautions you can take to reduce your risk.
These precautions include:
- Not waiting long periods to empty your bladder when you feel the urge
- Making sure you empty your bladder fully
- Avoiding the use of perfumed products around your genitals
- Emptying your bladder after sex
- Wiping from the front to the back after going to the toilet
- Avoiding using a contraceptive diaphragm or spermicidal condoms or lubricant
- Wearing cotton instead of synthetic underwear
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What Is A Kidney Infection
Kidney infections are technically a type of UTI, since kidneys are part of your upper urinary tract, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases . These infections are typically caused by bacteria called Escherichia coli that is usually found in the large intestine but can wreak havoc when it finds itself in the urinary tract.
Kidney infections are one of the most common urologic conditions that we see in general urology practice, Fara Bellows, M.D., a urologist at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, tells SELF. Still, kidney infections are no joke.
This is a serious organ infection, and people need to take care of it, urologist David Kaufman, M.D., of New Yorks Central Park Urology, tells SELF. Bladder infections are really uncomfortable, but kidney infections can be deadly.
Water Is Your Best Friend
When you first notice burning when you use the restroom, its tempting to reduce your water intake. After all, that will prevent the pain, right?
Wrong.
It seems counter-intuitive, but you need to flush out your system. You should drink plenty of water to help your body remove the E. Coli. Dont overdo it, but drink as much water as possible in those crucial first 24 hours.
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Can Sex Make A Uti Worse
If you already have a UTI, having sex can make the infection feel worse, exacerbating the symptoms. Using spermicides can increase discomfort because it can cause irritation. Using non-lubricated latex condoms can also increase friction leading to irritation. Using a water-based lubricant or lubricated condoms will help avoid making your UTI feel more irritated. After and before sex, be sure to urinate immediately to flush out the bacteria.
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.
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When To See A Gp
Women do not necessarily need to see a GP if they have cystitis, as mild cases often get better without treatment.
Try some self-help measures or ask a pharmacist for advice.
See a GP if:
- you’re not sure whether you have cystitis
- your symptoms do not start to improve within 3 days
- you get cystitis frequently
- you have severe symptoms, such as blood in your urine, a fever or pain in your side
- you’re pregnant and have symptoms of cystitis
- you’re a man and have symptoms of cystitis
- your child has symptoms of cystitis
A GP should be able to diagnose cystitis by asking about your symptoms.
They may test a sample of your urine for bacteria to help confirm the diagnosis.
When Should I Contact My Childs Healthcare Provider
Urinary tract infections need to be taken care of right away. Call a healthcare provider if your child:
- Shows a decrease in feeding or drinking.
- Isnt tolerating home medications.
- Is vomiting.
- Experiences an increase in fever or pain.
- Becomes more irritable or inactive.
- Has any signs or symptoms that worry you.
Quickly getting treatment for your childs UTI decreases the risk of kidney problems and the risk that the infection could spread.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Although a urinary tract infection isnt a life-threatening condition, it may result in a hospital stay or lead to complications that can affect your childs quality of life. Be sure to have them checked out by their healthcare provider as soon as they show symptoms. Always make sure that your child takes all of their prescribed medication. Even if they seem better, you should still have them take the medication until the treatment is complete.
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Use Nonaspirin Pain Relievers
Nonaspirin pain relievers can help relieve discomfort. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen can also help break fevers caused by the infection.
However, note that if you have kidney dysfunction, or acute kidney injury, as a result of a kidney infection, its important to avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , such as ibuprofen and naproxen .
How Do You Prevent A Bladder Infection
People who have recurrent bladder infections may be able to prevent them in some cases:
- Drink more fluids
- Urinate right after intercourse
- It is believed this will help flush out germs that can enter the bladder. There is no evidence this prevents bladder infections but it is not harmful.
Preventive antibiotics or antibiotics taken following intercourse, as recommended by your doctor
Cranberry juice, cranberry tablets, and a supplement called D-mannose have been promoted to help prevent frequent bladder infections but there are no studies that show these products are effective. However, use of these products probably is not harmful. Tell your doctor before taking any supplements.
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A Urologist Talks About The Perils Of Untreated Urinary Tract Infection
Urology Specialist Group Contents A Urologist Talks About the Perils of Untreated Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infection might just be the most common infection in the country, affecting more than 80 million adult Americans and ultimately responsible for nearly 10 million doctor visits every year. While the infection is easily treatable with antibiotics, the probability of recurrence is almost 20%. The worst part is, those who suffer repeated bouts of UTI are at more risk of their bodies developing a life-threatening response called sepsis, otherwise known as blood poisoning your bodys overtly active way to fight off infection.
What is Urinary Tract Infection ?
As the name implies, UTI is an infection that affects any part of the urinary system. Despite the fact that women are more susceptible to it than men, the risk of men getting infected increases as they age.
UTI is generally caused by certain strains of bacteria residing and multiplying anywhere in the patients urinary tract. The urinary tract is mainly composed of your kidneys, pelvis, ureter, bladder, and urethra. For this reason, UTI is also known by the following names: cystitis , urethritis , and pyelonephritis .
Most UTIs are not considered serious. However, leaving it untreated can lead to more serious medical problems. Infection can likely spread to your kidneys and blood stream causing permanent damage, and even death.
UTI: A Silent Killer
The Pain Has Become Unbearable What Can You Do
If you either have started taking the antibiotic and it hasnt kicked in yet or you havent gotten to the doctor yet, the pain may still be causing you a lot of discomfort. There are plenty of over-the-counter medications that you can take to relieve the symptoms while youre waiting for your antibiotic to work its magic. Simply consult with your doctor on which option they recommend and pick it up at your nearest drugstore.
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Can Yeast Infections Go Away On Their Own Or Do I Need Medication
Some mild yeast infections can go away on their own with some basic healthy habits, but sometimes they need antifungal treatments either bought over-the-counter, or prescribed by a doctor for more serious cases.
EverydayDr recommends PlushCare for all your online prescription needs. Their doctors commonly write prescriptions to treat yeast infections, and can discuss what medication is right for you during a video consultation. Book an appointment to get yeast infection treatment online here.
Here Is Some Trivia For You:
Did you know that bladder infections are more common in women than men?
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases estimates 40 to 60 percent of women will have at least one UTI in their lifetime.
This maybe due to the short urethra in women. The urethra is the tube that is about 1 ½ inches long and carries the urine out of the body.
The urethra’s short length makes it easy for bacteria to travel from outside the body to the bladder.
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Cystitis Relief At Home
Many women take dissolvable cystitis sachets containing sodium citrate or potassium citrate, which can help to relieve cystitis symptoms. These potassium or sodium citrate cystitis sachets work to reduce the acidity of your urine and thus reduce the burning sensation when urinating. Its important to note that these wont actually kill the bacteria in your bladder or fight the infection.
Sodium citrate cystitis relief sachets dont require a prescription, and can be bought over-the-counter at most pharmacies. You can also take anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or aspirin to ease painful symptoms.