Interpreting Home Test Results
These tests work similarly to a pregnancy test, using a test strip that a person wets with fresh urine.
After 12 minutes, the test strip will change color, indicating whether a UTI is present. A person must match the color of the test strip pads to the color blocks on the foil pouch in the test kit.
Most strips test for leukocytes and nitrites. Some also check pH levels.
Leukocytes are a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight off infection. Healthy urine contains chemicals called nitrates that can turn into nitrites if an infection is present. Therefore, the presence of leukocytes or nitrites in the urine is often a sign of a UTI.
Lastly, some home strips test pH levels. Healthy urine is slightly acidic, with a pH value in the range of . A pH level of 8.5 or 9 can indicate the presence of an infection and, therefore, a UTI.
If a home test is positive for any of these indicators, an individual likely has a UTI.
How Do You Treat Cystitis
Commonly, cystitis clears up on its own within a few days.
During this time there are cystitis treatments you can buy over the counter to help relieve any pain you are experiencing. These include cystitis sachets which contain potassium or sodium citrate. You simply dissolve the powder in water and then drink the solution this also helps to keep you hydrated.
If you have symptoms of cystitis that dont improve within three days, you should visit your GP.
When To Contact A Doctor
If a person suspects that they have a UTI, they should ask a healthcare professional for advice about the best way to treat it.
Antibiotics may not always be necessary, but it is still important to seek medical attention. This reduces the risk of developing a more severe infection that is harder to treat.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about treating UTIs.
Also Check: Not Being Able To Hold Bladder
What Is Apple Cider Vinegar
It’s basically fermented apple juice, but not the sugary kind you see in cardboard boxes. This is the real stuff, fermented with all kind of healthy bacteria.
The raw apple cider vinegar has the “mother” in it and you will see the sediment in the bottom of the jar. This is the healthy bacteria that can help your body, which is responsible for its health benefits. Don’t get any apple cider vinegar that doesn’t contain it!
When To See A Doctor
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.
Show Sources
Read Also: Botox For The Bladder Side Effects
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
A physical therapist can also help you strengthen and stretch your pelvic floor muscles, because performing the wrong exercises can actually worsen your interstitial cystitis symptoms. When you overstimulate an already tense pelvic muscle, this can lead to more tension and aggravate bladder symptoms.
A study published in the Journal of Urology in 2001 found that pelvic floor manual therapy reduced pelvic pressure and the urge and frequency of urination in interstitial cystitis patients.
Another study published in the Journal of Urology, in 2012, found that 10 myofascial physical therapy treatment sessions significantly reduced pain, urgency, and frequency of urination in 59% of women with interstitial cystitis.
Myofasical release is a technique used by physical therapists to alleviate pain in the myofascial tissues along the pelvic floor.
Ask your doctor to recommend a physical therapist that specializes in pelvic floor problems like interstitial cystitis. In addition, the physical therapist can teach you how to stretch your pelvic floor muscles and keep them relaxed.
You can also reduce urine urgency and improve bladder control at home with pelvic floor exercises called Kegels. Before you perform this exercise, you must find your Kegel muscles, which stop urine flow during urination.
/8how Do Antibiotics Help In Treating Uti
Antibiotic courses for UTI in women usually last for five days and can stretch if the infection is not cleared. For men, antibiotics are prescribed for a longer period of time.
These medications attack and kill the bacteria causing the infection. The kind of antibiotic you’re prescribed depends on the type of bacteria detected in your urine, your current health situation, and whether your UTI is uncomplicated or complicated.
‘Uncomplicated’ UTI means that your urinary tract is normal, whereas ‘complicated’ UTI means that you have a disease or problem with your urinary tract. This could need further intervention.
Read Also: Do You Need Antibiotics For Bladder Infection
Free Weekly Newsletter + Report On Secrets Of Strong Immunity
For lack of space, Ive included only a few bladder infection remedies from which to choose, because theyre the most common. If you dont get good results, then contact your homeopath who has other bladder infection remedies that might more closely suit you.
Meanwhile, youre likely to cure yourself without the mallet of drugs that damage your gut and perhaps even your longterm health.
Once youve chosen the correct bladder infection remedy based on symptoms that are presenting, use it in the 30th potency every 3-4 hours. If symptoms are severe, the selected remedy may be given every 1-3 hours. Stop when theres significant improvement. This may take up to 4 doses.
If theres no change, then consider the next best choice. In either case, once you make your choice, stay with it until it proves incorrect.
What Are The Causes Of Urinary Tract Infections
An infection occurs in the urinary tract when bacteria enter the urethra and sets up camp there. Sometimes they will migrate from there to the bladder, causing further infection. If you dont get treated, the bacteria can even move on to the kidney. When we urinate, we often flush out the bacteria, but sometimes this bacterium can take root.
You really dont want this to happen, as it can turn quite serious and require a hospital stay, as well as lead to an even worse kidney or bladder infection. These bacteria usually come from the colon. Sometimes other tiny organisms that are sexually transmitted can also cause these kinds of infections.
Common causes of UTIs include:
- Sexual intercourse
- Kidney stones or other obstructions of the urinary tract
- Incomplete emptying of the bladder, often due to spinal cord injuries or other conditions
- Suppressed immune systems, which can occur with HIV/AIDS or diabetes
You May Like: T1 Bladder Cancer Life Expectancy
How To Treat Swim Bladder Disease
Treatment methods for swim bladder disease depend on the causing factors. That’s why it’s necessary to understand the root cause for an appropriate remedy. The treatment methods are as follows
- Use an Epsom salt bath if your fish has constipation. You should mix one tablespoon of Epsom salt with a half-gallon of water in an aquarium. Leave your fish in the bath for around 10-15 minutes, and constipation should clear.
- Let your fish fast for three days if the issue is overfeeding. Move your fish into another aquarium and raise the temperatures to 80 degrees F. The high temperatures will speed up the digestion process and empty the fish system.
- For bacterial infection, you should move the sick fish to a quarantine tanknext, start dosing the aquarium with 3rd generation yellow powder. Follow the instructions correctly on the container as you monitor your fish. Though for a severe infection, the chances for your fish may be bleak. Always treat your fish with the appropriate antibiotic on time and follow the instructions.
- If you think your fish have shock, its best to turn off the rights and regulate the water temperature accordingly.
Again It Is Important To Catch A Bladder Infection Early
By some estimates, 25â42 percent of uncomplicated UTI infections clear on their own. In these cases, people can try a range of home remedies to speed up recovery.
Although the incidence is low, if left untreated a bladder infection can travel up into the kidneys.
So, if I were still having symptoms after a couple of days of treatment with raw apple cider vinegar, I would go to the doctor for medical help.
Up this point, the apple cider vinegar treatment has worked and I have not needed to visit the doctor! I’m so glad to have found a natural solution to a natural problem!
Recommended Reading: Gene Therapy For Bladder Cancer
Natural Remedies For Uti Relief
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.
Home Remedies For Fast Uti Relief
The urge to go to the bathroom, pain during urination, and lower abdominal pressure and pain associated with urinary tract infections can make it difficult to concentrate at work or school, enjoy favorite activities and rest comfortably at night. Fortunately, there are ways that you can get UTI relief through home remedies while your body fights the infection.
Recommended Reading: Bladder Infection And Abdominal Pain
The Best Natural Remedies For Bladder Infections
Bladder infections are more common than you think. In fact, roughly 1 out of every 2 women will get a bladder infection in their lifetime.
Also known as urinary tract infections , bladder infections are commonly caused by E. coli bacterium. Symptoms include frequent and painful urination. In the worst cases, patients see blood in their urine and have pain in the abdominal area.
Read on to learn how to treat bladder infections without traditional medicine. Explore 7 of the best natural remedies for bladder infections.
At What Age Should Children Be Able Control Their Bladder
Wetting in children under 3 years old is very common. Most children will be able to control their bladder after they turn 3, but this age can still vary. An OAB is often not diagnosed until a child is 5 or 6 years old. By the age of 5, of children are able to control their urine during the day. Your doctor may not diagnose nighttime urinary incontinence until your child is 7 years old.
Bed-wetting affects
Less commonly, your child may experience leakage, especially when active or when sneezing.
You May Like: Can A Prolapsed Bladder Cause Nausea
Avoid Bladder Irritating Foods When You Have A Uti
Certain foods are known bladder irritants – citrus or very acidic foods, artificial sweeteners, caffeine, alcohol – these can all irritate the bladder, leading to bladder leaks. And, if you currently have a UTI, they may affect you even more. Try to watch out for these common bladder irritants to prevent further irritation to your bladder and UTI.
Soothe Uti Pain With Heat
Inflammation and irritation from UTIs cause burning, pressure, and pain around your pubic area, says Kandis Rivers, MD, a urologist in the Henry Ford Health System in Wast Bloomfield, Michigan. Applying a heating pad can help soothe the area. Keep the heat setting low, dont apply it directly to the skin, and limit your use to 15 minutes at a time to avoid burns.
Read Also: Fake Bladder For Drug Test
Avoid Vitamin C If You’re Already Experiencing Uti Symptoms
Vitamin C is known to help prevent UTIs by acidifying the urine, which can kill certain bacteria present in the urinary tract. But Dr. Sherry warns if you already have a UTI or are experiencing real symptoms of one, vitamin C will not be effective in killing off bacteria. This is because unless you know the exact bacteria causing the UTI, vitamin Calthough helpfulmay not be doing enough to kill the infection youre experiencing.
Health & Wellnesswhy Some Women Get Kidney Infections From Uti And How To Protect Yourself
While treating UTIs at home might not be as easy as having a glass of cranberry juice, the experts say women can stop urinary infections from happening. The most basic way to prevent UTIs is to wipe in the right direction after using the toilet women should always wipe from front to back.
Thats kind of a common sense thing, Greves said. If you wipe from back to front, what if there is fecal material, which has e-coli or other bacteria? They could be introduced to the urinary tract.
Women also might want to urinate after intercourse.
We often tell people that, but theres little specific data, Giugale said, that says that those things are going to prevent urinary tract infection.
However, its another low-risk way to lower the chance of getting a UTI. Urinating after sex might help the body dispel some bacteria moved around during intercourse.
Sometimes there can be e-coli involved in it and the thought is to urinate afterwards, Greves said.
If UTI symptoms dont dissipate after a few days or women notice blood in their urine its time to contact a doctor. Untreated UTIs can become more severe or spread into the kidneys, which might require treatment with intravenous antibiotics.
The ultimate thing is there’s a bacterial infection growing and festering, Greves said, and they need to talk to their doctor to go on some antibiotic and fight this so it doesn’t spread up into the kidney.
Don’t Miss: How Long To Take Antibiotics For Bladder Infection
Pet Insurance Can Help You And Your Pup
If youd rather leave UTI treatment to the experts especially if youre worried about your dog developing a bladder or urinary tract ailment, youre not alone. Bladder/urinary tract disease is one of the top 10 most vet-treated conditions for dogs,1,2 and continued treatment can hit your finances.
You may want to consider signing up for pet insurance as a proactive measure to lower your financial risk for potential health threats during your dogs lifetime. Why? Pet insurance is one of the best things you can do for your dog not only for the health of your pup, but to save you from financial trouble should an accident, illness, or pet emergency arise.
Humans have health insurance, so our furry friends should too. That way youll never have to choose between an expensive treatment and your pets suffering or even his life. Pet insurance gives you peace of mind, so you can make better and less emotional decisions in the face of a crisis.
Read about the best pet insurance providers to learn more.
How To Treat A Cat Uti At Home
A cat UTI is more common in female cats than male cats.
However, male cats can have serious complications from UTIs as well.
Cats diagnosed with idiopathic cystitis can also have crystal formation. Male cats may experience blockage in their narrow urethras, which can become deadly.
Urinary tract infections occur when bacteria grows in the bladder.
UTIs and bladder infections usually cause physical discomfort, although some show no signs at all.
Cats with UTIs typically exhibit:
- Blood in urine
If your cat exhibits any of these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian immediately.
Don’t Miss: What Is A Bladder Doctor Called
How Long Does It Take For A Uti To Go Away Without Antibiotics
It can take around nine days for a UTI to go away with antibiotics. It could take longer to go away without antibiotics, but everyone is different. It’s important to remember that an untreated UTI could lead to complications like a bladder or kidney infection. Make sure to talk to a doctor if you’re experiencing UTI symptoms.
What Is The Long
Urinary tract infections are uncomfortable and painful. Most chronic UTIs will resolve with a prolonged course of antibiotics, but monitoring for further symptoms is important since the chronic UTIs usually recur. People with UTIs should monitor their bodies and seek immediate treatment with the onset of a new infection. Early treatment of infection decreases your risk for more serious, long-term complications.
If youre susceptible to recurring UTIs, make sure to:
- urinate as often as needed
- wipe front to back after urinating
You May Like: What Tests Are Done For Bladder Cancer
A Note About Cranberry Juice And Utis
Cranberry juice or cranberry extract in supplemental form has long been used as a home remedy for UTIs.
The thought is that the proanthocyanidins in cranberries may help prevent bladder infections by keeping the bacteria from clinging to the bladder wall, says Sonya Angelone, MS, RDN, a nutrition consultant based in San Francisco, and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Yet theres scientific controversy over how effective cranberry juice is at preventing UTIs due to conflicting conclusions in studies on the topic, according to an article published in May 2016 in Advances in Nutrition. Some studies have found it might work, while others have found no effect.
Bottom line, there is some evidence it may help, and it doesnt hurt to try it, says Angelone. Just be sure to chose unsweetened cranberry juice . Mix this with sparkling water or plain yogurt, she recommends.
Another low-calorie option choose a cranberry pill that contains d-mannose, she says.
Top 5 Natural Remedies For Urinary Tract Infections
Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***.
Urinary tract infections can be very frustrating. You might take antibiotics to get rid of them, but they keep coming back againand againand again. What can you do?
Well, when a UTI keeps occurring, some simple changes in your diet may make a difference. There are a variety of foods that irritate the gallbladder that can lead to UTIs.
If you already have a UTI, then youre not out of luck yet. There are a variety of natural remedies for urinary tract infections that can be done at home. You will not only get rid of your UTIs you will keep them away too!
Read Also: My Journey With Bladder Cancer