Thursday, March 28, 2024

How To Deal With A Bladder Infection At Home

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Natural Remedies For Uti Relief

Bladder infection prevention tips

A true UTI needs antibiotics to clear the bacteria responsible for the symptoms and infection, Dr. Sherry explains, so call your doctor if you’re experiencing UTI symptoms. While you wait for your appointment, though, there are some home remedies you can try to help relieve some of the discomfort.

Avoid foods and beverages that will irritate your bladder

Drinking coffee and alcohol, and eating spicy food or foods with lots of added sugar will irritate the urinary tract. They can decrease the blood flow to the bladder, which will make it harder for your immune system to fight off the infection.

Drink lots of water and empty your bladder often

According to Chicago-based OB/GYN, Jessica Shepherd, MD, drinking lots of water when you are experiencing UTI symptoms can help flush away the bacteria. Draining your bladder frequently is essential to getting rid of the bacteria, Dr. Shepherd explains. The more water you drink, the more youll have to relieve yourself.

Use a heating pad

Dr. Shepherd and Dr. Sherry both recommend applying heat to your abdomen for relief from UTI cramps or the burning sensation. A heating pad or hot water bottle over your lower abdomen can help ease some of the discomfort from a UTI, Dr. Sherry says. If youre using an electric heating pad, be careful not to fall asleep with it on or leave it on your skin for long periods of time. This can be dangerous and either burn your skin or worse, cause a fire.

Try an herbal remedy

Strengthen The Immune System

There is no remedy more effective than having a strong immunity against an infection. This can be easily achieved by consuming foods that have a high ability to boost your immune system and work well in fighting numerous diseases. Lemon juice is one of the best fruits for boosting immunity. Drink it along with water every morning. You may also consume green tea on a regular basis to have a high immunity.

Furthermore, fruits rich in vitamin C such as kiwi, broccoli, strawberries, bell peppers, and tomatoes are great for keeping infection at a bay. Also consume foods high in vitamin D such as cheese, egg yolks, mackerel, salmon and meat from grass-fed animals.

Essential Oil Of Oregano

Common oregano, or Origanum marjoram, is what you usually find in your grocery stores spice section. The oil of oregano used to treat yeast infections isnt the same type, however.

Look for oil of oregano made from wild oregano, or Origanum vulgare.

A 2017 study found oregano essential oil to be effective in altering the growth of C. albicans.

Oil of oregano is a natural blood thinner, so dont use it if you take blood thinners for another health condition. In addition, dont use it if you have blood-clotting issues, such as from a vitamin K deficiency.

Remember: Essential oils should not be taken orally. Theyre meant to be inhaled as part of aromatherapy. While some studies are examining other ways to use essential oil of oregano, experts recommend diluting it in a carrier oil, such as olive or sweet almond oil, at this time.

To use: Mix three to five drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil. Then, apply it to the skin in massage. It can also be inhaled using a diffuser. Dont apply this essential oil near the vagina.

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Uti Treatment Without Antibiotics Is It Possible

In some cases, it is possible to treat urinary tract infections without the use of antibiotics. However, natural home remedies to treat UTIs must be used at the first sign of an infection to prevent the infection from developing.

According to OB/GYN Dr. Nivin Todd, the majority of UTIs are easy to treat and rarely produce complications. However, if the infection becomes more serious or has other complications, a course of antibiotics may be needed. This could happen if you have recurring UTIs, suffer from diabetes or have some kind of kidney damage.5

Also, treatments for women who are pregnant usually include antibiotics to prevent long-term health risks.

Because of the increase in resistance to antibiotics, many doctors recommend preventative measures to treat UTIs. For example, the journal Open Forum Infectious Diseases published a study on how to lower the need for antibiotics when treating UTIs. It was found that women who increased daily fluid intake by 1.5 L had a 50% lower risk of developing another UTI.6

A report published in the journal Current Infectious Disease Reports found that treating uncomplicated UTIs without antibiotics is often the best course.

Increasing your fluid intake, using the bathroom regularly, and taking probiotics can all help to treat simple UTIs without antibiotics.

Researchers recommended that antibiotics should only be used if the urinary infection doesnt clear up within 3 days.7

When To See A Doctor For A Uti

How to Treat Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Naturally (With ...

Always go to your primary care physician immediately if there is blood in the urine, if you have a fever, and/or low back pain with your UTI symptoms, Sajdak advises. UTIs can move fast, so its better to go sooner than later.

Although natural remedies can be beneficial for alleviating UTI symptoms and preventing recurrent UTIs, they may not be effective in treating the infection.

If symptoms still persist after three days then it is time to move on to antibiotics, says Ivy Branin, ND, a naturopathic doctor in New York City who specializes in womens health. I often recommend a patient to see their doctor for a UA and a prescription for antibiotics just in case and to fill it if they have no improvement after three days.

Leaving a UTI untreated can cause additional health problems. Bacteria can reach the ureters or kidneys and cause kidney infections. Untreated UTIs during pregnancy can also potentially cause early labor and low birth weight. Seeking treatment for UTI that isnt going awayor one that keeps coming backis always a good thing.

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Eating Diet & Nutrition

Experts dont think eating, diet, and nutrition play a role in preventing or treating bladder infections. If you have any type of UTI, talk with a health care professional about how much to drink each day to help prevent or relieve your infection.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and other components of the National Institutes of Health conduct and support research into many diseases and conditions.

Can Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Treat Utis

Studies, such as one published in January 2018 in Scientific Reports, have shown that apple cider vinegar has some antibacterial and antifungal properties, but theres no scientific or medical evidence that drinking apple cider vinegar cures UTIs. Drinking large amounts of apple cider vinegar could lead to throat irritation and tooth decay.

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Stay Away From Triggers

Another effective way to deal with a bladder infection is to prevent it. Therefore, avoiding the things that trigger the infections, such as smoking cigarettes, consumption of caffeine, chocolates, alcoholic beverages and spicy foods, may help in reducing the chances of a urinary infection. Also, limit your consumption of artificial sugars and sugar-based foods.

When To See A Doctor

How to Treat Urinary Tract Infections Naturally – Home Remedies For Uti

Contact your doctor if you have pain or discomfort when you urinate or other symptoms of a bladder infection, especially if the symptoms have been present for two days or more. If an infection lingers for too long, you risk the bacterial infection traveling to other parts of your body, including your kidneys. Therefore, you should seek treatment if you notice symptoms.

Your doctor will complete a physical examination and collect a urine sample to send for lab analysis to determine if an infection is present. Complications from an uncomplicated bladder infection are typically rare with antibiotic treatment. However, if you develop fever, chills, nausea, or confusion, you should immediately contact your doctor. These symptoms suggest a more serious infection that has spread to your kidneys. If you have a kidney infection, you may need an IV treatment of high-dose antibiotics, which may require hospitalization.

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Here Are 6 Best Home Remedies For Urinary Tract Infections :

1. Drinks lots of water

Drinking water is one of the most basic home remedies for UTI. Your body’s status of hydration is an important marker of your risk of urinary tract infections. Multiple studies have linked low fluid intake with increased risk of recurrent UTIs. One of the best ways to get rid of this disorder is to flush out the bacteria from the body and drinking lots of water is primary to that goal. When you drink more water, you urinate more often and that in turn reduces your risk of developing UTIs.

2. Eat more citrus fruits

Citrus fruits are considered to be a part of the extra-health benefits group of fruits. This is due to the high vitamin C content of these fruits. Vitamin C boosts overall immunity of the body and that protects you from urinary tract infections. Vitamin C increases the acid levels in your urine thereby killing harmful bacteria. Regular consumption of citrus fruits is strongly linked to a lower risk of UTIs.

Also read: Citrus Fruits: Know The Health Benefits

3. Include more probiotics in your diet

4. Apple cider vinegar

One of the best home remedies for UTIs is apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is enriched with antibacterial properties. Drinking it with some luke warm water on an empty stomach every morning can be quite helpful in killing UTI-related bacteria. It kills the bacteria in your urinary system to free you from the bacteria the healthy way.

5. Ginger tea

6. Drink cranberry juice

Practice Good Sexual Hygiene

The also says that sexual intercourse introduces bacteria and other microbes from outside the body to the urinary tract. Practicing good sexual hygiene can help to reduce the number of bacteria that people can transfer during intercourse and other sexual acts.

Examples of good sexual hygiene include:

  • urinating before and immediately after sex
  • using barrier contraception, such as a condom
  • washing the genitals, especially the foreskin, before and after engaging in sexual acts or intercourse
  • washing the genitals or changing condoms if switching from anal sex to vaginal sex
  • ensuring that sexual partners are aware of any current or previous UTIs

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Here Are Some Tips And Good Practices To Consider If You Are Dealing With Bladder Infections

  • Ensure you drink a lot of fluids daily.
  • Avoid drinking fluids, such as caffeine and alcohol, that irritate the bladder.
  • Wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
  • Opt for showers instead of baths.
  • Opt for sanitary pads instead of tampons.
  • You may take a single dose of an antibiotic after sexual contact. This may help inhibit sexually transmitted disease.
  • Contact your health care provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Let him/her know if you are pregnant.

Medical Treatment For Kidney Infections

How to Treat a Urinary Tract Infection With ACV And Baking ...

Antibiotics are always the first line of defense against a kidney infection. If the kidney infection isnt severe, a doctor will likely give you oral antibiotics to take once or twice a day for 10 to 14 days.

Its important to take the entire course of antibiotics, even if you feel better within several days, as stopping early could lead to antibiotic resistance or re-infection. A doctor will also encourage you to drink plenty of water.

In some cases, kidney infections may require admission to the hospital. Youll be given fluids and antibiotics intravenously through an IV, both of which can help treat the infection.

In addition, lab work and imaging may be done to determine the severity of infection as well as the cause, such as a blockage due to a kidney stone or anatomical abnormality.

If you have recurring UTIs that increase your risk of frequent kidney infections, a doctor will help you establish the cause of their frequency and help you prevent further infections from occurring.

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Check If It’s A Urinary Tract Infection

Symptoms of a UTI may include:

  • pain or a burning sensation when peeing
  • needing to pee more often than usual during the night
  • pee that looks cloudy
  • needing to pee suddenly or more urgently than usual
  • needing to pee more often than usual
  • lower tummy pain or pain in your back, just under the ribs
  • a high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery
  • a very low temperature below 36C

Urinate When The Need Arises

Frequent urination puts pressure on bacteria in the urinary tract, which can help to clear them out.

It also reduces the amount of time that bacteria in the urine are exposed to cells in the urinary tract, reducing the risk of them attaching and forming an infection.

Always urinate as soon as possible when the urge strikes to and treat UTIs.

Read Also: Sleep Number Bed Bladder Replacement

Can I Treat Uti Symptoms With Over The Counter Medicines

Weve already talked about the most common UTI symptoms, but what can you actually do about them?

  • Drink lots of water. Drinking water helps keep your urine diluted which makes urinating less painful. Staying hydrated also helps you urinate more often so that you continue to get rid of the bacteria in your bladder. This however will not cure a UTI once you have it.
  • Avoid irritating beverages. Water–good. Caffeinated and alcoholic drinksnot so good. The caffeine in beverages like coffee, tea, and alcohol can build up in the urine, which could make urinating even more painful while you have a UTI.
  • Try a heating pad. It might be time to pull out that good, old-fashioned heating pad your grandmother gave you. A low level of heat can help ease any abdominal pain or cramps you feel. This however will not cure a UTI once you have it.
  • Try over-the-counter pain medications. Many women search for over-the-counter UTI treatment. Even though some OTC medications can help relieve your symptoms, they cant cure a UTI.
  • Acetaminophen or ibuprofen are OTC pain relievers that could help ease some of the pain and discomfort UTIs can cause. Phenazopyridine is another pain reliever that could help relieve uncomfortable symptoms. Some forms of phenazopyridine are OTC while others require a prescription.

  • Antibiotics. Taking antibiotics is the only way to get rid of a UTI completely.
  • Lets talk more about antibiotics.

    Get Your Fill Of Water And Water

    How to Treat and Prevent UTI at Home Naturally

    One of the first things to do when you have a urinary tract infection is drink plenty of water. Thats because drinking water can help flush away the bacteria that’s causing your infection, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases . It puts you on the right track for recovery.

    Most people can be assured theyre getting the water they need by simply drinking water when thirsty, according to the health and medicine division of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. But to be safe, you may want to make sure youre drinking at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. General recommendations have suggested that women get about 91 oz of water daily and men get about 125 oz each day, including water from food, as also noted in that group’s report.

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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.

    Up Your Vitamin C Intake

    Theres some scientific evidence that increasing your vitamin C intake can help your body fight off infections, including those in the urinary tract. Thats because vitamin C can increase urine acidity, giving it antibacterial capabilities.

    In one study, pregnant women who took 100 mg of vitamin C had less than half the risk of developing a UTI than the control group.

    If you want to use vitamin C to treat or prevent a UTI, talk to your provider, who can help you decide how much to supplement. Another way to increase vitamin C intake is by eating foods that are rich in the vitamin, like red peppers, kiwi, and citrus fruits.

    If you have a current UTI, citrus fruit and juice may irritate your bladder, so be sure to monitor your symptoms if you decide to up your vitamin C intake.

    Recommended Reading: How To Strengthen Bladder Control Muscles

    What Is The Fastest Way To Get Rid Of A Yeast Infection

    The fastest and most reliable way to get rid of a yeast infection is to see a doctor if you suspect you have one. They will likely prescribe fluconazole, an oral treatment that may still take a week to get rid of the infection.

    Additionally, the vaginal suppository Monistat and generic versions of this medication will successfully treat most vaginal yeast infections.

    Can You Prevent Getting A Uti

    7 Tips On How To Deal With A UTI a.k.a. Urinary Tract ...

    There are a few things you can do to try and prevent getting one. For instance:

    • Correct intimate cleansing
    • Not using borrowed clothes or swimsuits
    • Adhering to some basic hygiene rules when using public toilets and saunas

    There are also some medicinal herbs that can be taken in the form of tea or as concentrated tinctures, depending on the infections stage and the type of bacteria that caused it. Both reduce the germs population.

    Depending on the stage of infection, there are certain supplements that you can take that help treat a UTI, for instance, probiotics.

    Also, make sure to drink enough water! Most people dont drink enough, especially in the winter- they forget to drink properly. Drinking the right amount of water helps to prevent and cure the infection.

    During her 19 years as an Alternative Therapist, Dalite has seen many people in her clinic with such an infection, therefore, she has a lot of experience in treating UTIs. Contact her and together you can find a solution to this problem.

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