How Do You Know If You Have A Uti
You cant treat something if you dont know what it is, so how do you know if you have a UTI?
Some of the most common UTI symptoms are:
- Painful, burning urination
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Smelly, cloudy, or red-colored, blood-tinged urine
- Pain in the abdominal area, near your back or your side below the ribs
- Fever
- Tiredness or weakness
- Shakiness or confusion
Fever and pain in your back may be signs that the infection has reached your kidneys.
To confirm a UTI diagnosis, your doctor may also run a urine test. The results of your test can help confirm whether you have a UTI. While a urine test is one way to know whether you have a UTI, medical evidence also has shown that your doctor can be pretty confident about your diagnosis based on your answers to the questions about symptoms.
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
What Women Should Know
When it comes to self-diagnosis, Chapa advises women to be smart and use discretion. Many women are familiar with the symptoms of UTIs and yeast infections, but if you are unsure, you should contact your health care provider to determine the cause of your symptoms.
Additionally, although these two particular conditions are not sexually transmitted, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that all sexually active men and women under the age of 26 should be screened for sexually transmitted infections at least once a year.
At the very least, visiting your physician can help put your mind at ease. Its human nature to jump to worst-case scenario conclusions, Chapa said, but these infections are very common and treatable. The best course of action to relieve uncomfortable symptoms from each of these infections is to seek treatment as soon as symptoms arise.
Article written by Ava English
Christina Sumners
You May Like: How To Get A Bigger Bladder
Best Remedies For Bladder Infections
About bladder infections
Bladder infections are the most common type of urinary tract infection . They can develop when bacteria enter the urethra and travel into the bladder.
The urethra is the tube that takes urine out of the body. Once bacteria go into the urethra, they can attach to the walls of the bladder and multiply quickly.
The resulting infection can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as the sudden urge to urinate. It may also cause pain while urinating and abdominal cramping.
A combination of medical and home treatments may ease these symptoms. If left untreated, bladder infections can become life-threatening. This is because the infection can spread to the kidneys or blood.
Here are seven effective bladder infection remedies.
Who Should Be Tested For Chlamydia
You should go to your health provider for a test if you have symptoms of chlamydia, or if you have a partner who has a sexually transmitted disease. Pregnant women should get a test when they go to their first prenatal visit.
People at higher risk should get checked for chlamydia every year:
- Sexually active women 25 and younger
- Older women who have new or multiple sex partners, or a sex partner who has a sexually transmitted disease
- Men who have sex with men
Recommended Reading: Can Chlamydia Cause Prostate Cancer
Don’t Miss: How Long Does Overactive Bladder Last
How Can You Tell The Difference Between Uti And Interstitial Cystitis
The Difference Between a UTI and IC
âIn women who have interstitial cystitis, urine culture results will be negative, meaning that no bacteria are found in the urine as with a urinary tract infection.â With IC, women may also experience pain during sexual intercourse, another symptom not commonly associated with a UTI.
What Are Urinary Tract Infection Risk Factors
There are many risk factors for UTIs. In general, any interruption or impedance of the usual flow of urine is a risk factor for a UTI. For example, kidney stones, urethral strictures, an enlarged prostate, or any anatomical abnormalities in the urinary tract increases infection risk. This is due in part to the flushing or washout effect of flowing urine in effect, the pathogens have to go against flow because the majority of pathogens enter through the urethra and have to go retrograde to reach the bladder, ureters, and eventually the kidneys. Many investigators suggest that women are far more susceptible than men to UTIs because their urethra is short and its exit is close to the anus and vagina, which can be sources of pathogens.
People who require catheters have an increased risk as the catheter has none of the protective immune systems to eliminate bacteria and offers a direct connection to the bladder. Catheters that are designed to reduce the incidence of catheter-related infections are available , but are not used by many clinicians because of short-termed effectiveness, cost, and concern about antibiotic resistancedevelopment in bacteria.
Also Check: Can Stress And Anxiety Cause Overactive Bladder
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.
See A Doctor About Your Urinary Tract Infection
UTIs are bacterial infections, and that means that you need an antibiotic. Some bacterial infections will go away on their own, but this one will just get worse and worse until you want to die. Really, the pain can be quite bad. And the infection can get backed up into your kidneys and become quite serious if you wait too long. So, go and visit your doctor. Your doctor will also be able to properly diagnose you and eliminate other serious illnesses that can cause similar symptoms, such as a sexually transmitted disease or kidney infection.
Read Also: How To Prevent Urinary Tract Infections In The Elderly
Recommended Reading: Does Diabetes Cause Bladder Problems
What Is A Bladder Infection
A bladder infection is a type of urinary tract infection, but not all UTIs are bladder infections. Bladder infections are the most common type of UTIs. A bladder infection may also be called cystitis and it is usually caused by bacteria.
Symptoms of a UTI can differ depending on what part of the urinary tract is infected. A bladder infection usually causes symptoms such as:
- Burning when urinating
- The feeling that you need to pee frequently, but when you go to the toilet very little urine comes out
- Pain in the pelvic area just above the pubic bone.
Bladder infections are usually considered simple UTIs and treatment is usually with antibiotics for three to five days. Symptoms usually resolve in a couple of days.
You May Like: What Antibiotic Good For Ear Infection
Clinical Presentation And Diagnosis
Patients with cystitis often present with a frequent, persistent urge to urinate despite passing a small amount, dysuria or a burning sensation during urination, or suprapubic heaviness.7 Patients with pyelonephritis often experience flank pain or tenderness, a low fever , chills, nausea, vomiting, and malaise with or without symptoms of cystitis.2 Patients with a lower or upper UTI may experience hematuria or notice that their urine is cloudy or has a strong odor. Elderly patients tend to present with nonspecific symptoms including altered mental status, change in eating habits, lower abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation.6
In most patients who present with signs and symptoms of UTIs, a history of illness is the most important diagnostic tool, especially when symptom onset is sudden or severe and when vaginal discharge and irritation are not present.2,3 Sometimes, however, UTI diagnosis cannot rely solely on patient symptoms because some patients are asymptomatic this is more common in older adults than in younger adults.6 Laboratory tests, urine-sample tests, and pelvic examinations should be performed in patients with urinary tract symptoms to properly diagnose UTIs.2,3 Laboratory tests for UTIs include assessments for the presence of bacteriuria and pyuria, nitrite, leukocyte esterase, and antibody-coated bacteria.2
Recommended Reading: Sudden Loss Of Bowel And Bladder Control
What Are The Symptoms Of A Kidney Infection
Symptoms usually develop quickly, over a few hours or so, and may include:
- Pain in a loin or flank. .
- High temperature which may cause shivers.
- Feeling sick and/or being sick .
- Diarrhoea.
- Blood in the urine.
- There will also usually be symptoms of a bladder infection for example, pain on passing urine, and going to the toilet often.
Not all of the symptoms may develop, and sometimes a kidney infection can just cause vague symptoms. For example, just feeling generally unwell but not being able to say why.
In older people a kidney infection may cause confusion. This is why a urine test is often done when an elderly person suddenly becomes confused or appears generally unwell.
Read Also: Eye Infection And Burning Urination
Creating Stronger Strains Of Bacteria
Over time, some species of bacteria have become resistant to traditional antibiotics. According to some research , several species of E. coli, the primary cause of UTIs, are showing increasing drug resistance.
The more a person uses an antibiotic, the greater the risk of the bacteria developing resistance. This is even more likely when people do not follow a doctors instructions to complete the full prescribed course of treatment.
It is essential to continue a course of antibiotics until the end date that the doctor provides. People should also never share antibiotics with others.
Read Also: Can You Bleed From A Bladder Infection
Nonprescription Products For Utis
When you have a UTI, it is vital to make a doctorsappointment. You should never try to treat it on your own with homeremedies or nonprescription products. Some women purchase OTC productswithout medical advice, such as those containing phenazopyridine . Purchasers may believe that this ingredient alone cancure the UTI. This is a common misconception, as the product may provideonly temporary relief of symptoms .
After obtaining this relief, a woman may decide that theUTI is gone and that she does not need to see her physician after all.This is a mistake. Phenazopyridine does not act to kill bacteria, so anyrelief obtained is probably short-lived. The label warns against usingthe product for more than 2 days, and advises seeing a physician ifsymptoms last more than 2 days. Of course, the safest course of actionis to see a physician first, and ask whether this product should be usedalong with the antibiotic/antibacterial prescription product. Further,no herbal product or dietary supplement is proven safe or effective forpreventing or treating a UTI.
Azo Urinary Pain Relief Maximum Strength
Active Ingredients:
Helps inhibit the progression of infection until you see a health care professional. AZO is not intended to replace medical care.
The AZO brand portfolio of products is the #1 Most Trusted Brand per Nielsen data through 8/6/16 and the 2016 Pharmacy Times Survey .
Biological activity of 10oz cranberry juice cocktail.
AZO Urinary Pain Relief®, AZO Urinary Tract DefenseTM, AZO Cranberry®, AZO Test Strips®, AZO Yeast®, and AZO Bladder Control® are trademarks of DSM.
Pacran® is a trademark of Naturex.
Go-Less® is a registered trademark of Frutarom.
Synetrim® CQ is a trademark of Icon Group, LLC and is protected under U.S. Patent 7,175,859.
Read Also: How To Do Bladder Training
How Azo Is Used
Azo Standard is available as 95-milligram pills, and the proper dose is usually two pills up to three times a day, per the U.S. National Library of Medicine. A maximum-strength version is also available, which offers 97.5-milligram pills.
Doctors often recommend taking Azo for the first two days of antibiotic treatment to ease the pain and burning of urination while the antibiotic takes effect. However, you should read the package instructions carefully, and keep in mind that most doctors caution against taking Azo for more than two days, as it can mask the presence of a more serious problem.
- Azo Standard is available as 95-milligram pills, and the proper dose is usually two pills up to three times a day, per the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- However, you should read the package instructions carefully, and keep in mind that most doctors caution against taking Azo for more than two days, as it can mask the presence of a more serious problem.
Manufacturers Respond To The Fda
The FDA received at least three responses to its list ofphenazopyridine questions within a 6-month period. The ConsumerHealthcare Products Association asked the FDA to reviewphenazopyridine, but completely sidestepped the issue ofcarcinogenicity.11 A submission from PolymedicaPharmaceuticals asserted that urinarydiscomfort should be self-treatable, and further argued against warningpatients on product labels that they may need a concomitantantibacterial.12 Polymedica also claimed that phenazopyridinedosages of 190 to 195 mg are safe and effective, but did not submitclinical dosage studies to support its assertions. Polymedica arguedagainst including any carcinogenesis statement. In short, the submissionwas entirely laudatory about phenazopyridine, although it did notreport newly conducted clinical studies, as would have been required bythe FDA to establish safety and efficacy.
A brief submission from Johnson & Johnson made essentially the same arguments as Polymedica, denying theneed for carcinogenicity labeling.13 This submission also failed to include new clinical studies providing evidence of safety and efficacy.
Don’t Miss: How Do You Know If Bladder Cancer Has Spread
Best For Pain Control: Eu Natural Stone Breaker
Best part: Eu Natural Stone Breaker costs comparatively low and it is available to ship in 24 hours. The eu natural stone breaker has flowmax and it works great. You can have the confidence that every capsule has the strength and potency that you are looking for in a gallbladder support & kidney cleanse product. Further, this is formulated for powerful detoxification with chanca piedra, hydrangea, and celery seed extract, potent ingredients for long-term wellness.
Most importantly, the eu natural stone breaker has no gluten and it is great for helpful tips.
Almost all buyers quickly discovered that the treatment is difficult at times to find a good remedy for the pain. In addition, a few strongly agree that the counter is good for kidney stone sufferers. In short, many have used the treatmentfor more than a few months without any problems, and it shows no sign of giving up.
Top Customer Quotes:
- The Manufacturer says: We wouldnt have it any other way and neither should you.
- This is perfect for good looking packaging and it works for lots of meat.
- This works for the kidney, will try for the gallbladder.
- This works for guinea pigs and can also be used for hay fever.
What Are The Side Effects Of Azo
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives difficult breathing swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using phenazopyridine and call your doctor at once if you have:
- little or no urinating
- confusion, loss of appetite, pain in your side or lower back
- fever, pale or yellowed skin, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting or
- blue or purple appearance of your skin.
Common side effects may include:
- headache
- dizziness or
- upset stomach.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Read Also: Ear Nose And Throat Infection
Don’t Miss: Bladder Infection Spread To Kidneys
Can I Take Azo Urinary Tract Defense If Im Pregnant Or Breastfeeding
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are pregnant, you should not take this medicine unless your doctor tells you to. Taking an NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.
How Can I Get Free Urine Flow
Go with the Flow
Also Check: Immediate Relief For Bladder Infection
How Much Does Phenazopyridine Cost
Phenazopyridine is available as a generic medication and may be significantly cheaper compared to the brand version. Unless there is a specific reason you need the brand, the generic medication will be a better value. For even more savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Who Should Take Azo Pills
If you have allergies to food, dyes or any kind of preservatives, let your doctor know before you take Azo pills. And if you have hepatitis or kidney disease, taking Azo may be contraindicated.
For those who may be pregnant or breastfeeding, know that Azo has received a class B rating, which means that animal studies haven’t been shown to harm to the fetus, but there are no similar studies in pregnant women.
According to the compendium Drugs for Pregnant and Lactating Women, there aren’t any adequate reports or well-controlled studies in human fetuses using this drug, and while one study did show that phenazopyridine crosses the human placenta, more research is needed 13. Rodent research showed Azo usage to be safe, even at higher-than-normal dosage levels. The same resource notes that Azo pills are likely compatible with breastfeeding.
If you’re a diabetic, keep in mind that this medicine may wreak havoc with your urine sugar tests or urine ketone tests. Check with your doctor before taking Azo pills, especially if your diabetes isn’t well-controlled.
Not sure whether Azo is for you?
If you’re older, taking a cranberry capsule might be the ticket to beating a UTI, especially if you’re at high risk. A 2014 study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that after taking cranberry capsules twice a day, older people with high UTI risk saw their UTI incidence drop.
Also Check: How To Ease Bladder Discomfort