Drinks To Fight Uti Urinary Tract Infections
29 September, 2018
Urinary tract infections occurs when harmful microorganisms colonize your urinary tract. This includes your kidneys and bladder. In most cases, its caused by bacteria that manage to reach these organs through your urethra, although it can also originate within the kidneys themselves. Men can develop urinary tract infections to some extent, but women get them more frequently because their urethras are much shorter. An so, here we will explore those great drinks to fight UTI.
Urinary tract infections can be triggered by poor hygiene habits, sexual intercourse, or holding in the urge to urinate.
You can also get a UTI due to the presence of kidney stones, diabetes, and other more serious health conditions.
Although it typically manifests through the uncomfortable sensation of burning or pain, it can be accompanied by a fever, abdominal cramps, and changes in the urine.
Fortunately, while taking antibiotics, you can prepare some medicinal beverages that can help speed up your recovery process.
Find out what they are in this article.
How Do Health Care Professionals Treat A Bladder Infection
If you have a bladder infection caused by bacteria, a health care professional is likely to prescribe antibiotics. If the diagnosis is not certain, based on your symptoms or lab test results, you may not need antibiotics. Instead, your health care professional will work to find the cause and the best treatment for your symptoms.
Urinary Tract Infection Treatment
The typical treatment for a UTI is antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. To diagnose a UTI, your doctor may identify your symptoms and prescribe you the appropriate medication.
In other instances, if your symptoms aren’t straightforward, or if you’ve been struggling with recurrent UTIs, your doc may suggest further testing.
More in-depth testing may involve:
- Additional bacteria cultures of a urine sample
- Ultrasound, computerized tomography scan, or magnetic resonance imaging
- Cystoscopy using a camera to look inside your urethra and bladder
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Will A Uti Go Away On Its Own
As with any infection, an otherwise healthy woman’s body is technically equipped to fight and resolve a UTI on its own. An estimated 25-42% of UTIs resolve without conventional treatment.
The problem arises when the infection becomes too rampant for the immune system to handle. If immunity is compromised in any way, or if the infection has been building for a while, then it’s time to bring in some extra help to fight those bad bacteria.
The trouble is, antibiotic-resistant UTIs are increasing. As the New York Times reported, one in three simple UTIs is now considered resistant to one of the most common antibiotics used to treat them, Bactrim. One in five is considered resistant to other commonly prescribed antibiotics.
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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Treatment Strategies For Recurrent Utis
Recurrent urinary tract infections, defined as three or more UTIs within 12 months, or two or more occurrences within six months, is very common among women these but arent treated exactly the same as standalone UTIs. One of the reasons: Continued intermittent courses of antibiotics are associated with allergic reactions, organ toxicities, future infection with resistant organisms, and more.
Because of this, its strongly recommended that you receive both a urinalysis and urine culture from your healthcare provider prior to initiating treatment. Once the results are in, the American Urological Association suggests that healthcare professionals do the following:
- Use first-line treatments. Nitrofurantoin, TMP-SMX, and fosfomycin are the initial go-tos. However, specific drug recommendations should be dependent on the local antibiogram. An antibiogram is a periodic summary of antimicrobial susceptibilities that helps track drug resistance trends.
- Repeat testing. If UTI symptoms persist after antimicrobial therapy, clinicians should repeat the urinalysis, urine culture, and antibiotic susceptibility testing to help guide further management.
- Try vaginal estrogen. For peri- and post-menopausal women with recurrent UTIs, vaginal estrogen therapy is recommended to reduce risk of future UTIs.
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Why Do I Keep Getting Urinary Tract Infections
UTIs can be extremely frustrating when they keep coming back. Most of the time, the recurrent infection is caused by the same pathogen as the initial infection. And about 80% of UTIs are reoccurring.
This could be due to the antibiotic resistance of the bacteria. Since we take so many antibiotics, they are becoming less and less effective against many strains of E. coli. It can also be simply physiology certain women are just more prone to urinary tract infections.
One of the keys is to make sure that you start treating a UTI as soon as you feel even very mild symptoms pop up. The longer the bacteria have a chance to multiply, the harder the infection is to get rid of.
Practicing the natural and preventive measures I’ve laid out here is a great idea take a daily probiotic, vitamin C, and drink plenty of watereven if you don’t have symptoms right now. These good habits can go a long way towards keeping a UTI from cropping back up.
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How Are Urinary Tract Infections Diagnosed
Your doctor will use the following tests to diagnose a urinary tract infection:
- Urinalysis: This test will examine the urine for red blood cells, white blood cells and bacteria. The number of white and red blood cells found in your urine can actually indicate an infection.
- Urine culture: A urine culture is used to determine the type of bacteria in your urine. This is an important test because it helps determine the appropriate treatment.
If your infection does not respond to treatment or if you keep getting infections over and over again, your doctor may use the following tests to examine your urinary tract for disease or injury:
- Ultrasound: In this test, sound waves create an image of the internal organs. This test is done on top of your skin, is painless and doesnt typically need any preparation.
- Cystoscopy: This test uses a special instrument fitted with a lens and a light source to see inside the bladder from the urethra.
- CT scan: Another imaging test, a CT scan is a type of X-ray that takes cross sections of the body . This test is much more precise than typical X-rays.
How Long Should I Take Antibiotics
Your doctor will let you know. Typically, for an uncomplicated infection, you’ll take antibiotics for 2 to 3 days. Some people will need to take these medicines for up to 7 to 10 days.
For a complicated infection, you might need to take antibiotics for 14 days or more.
If you still have symptoms after completing antibiotics, a follow-up urine test can show whether the germs are gone. If you still have an infection, you’ll need to take antibiotics for a longer period of time.
If you get UTIs often, you may need a prolonged course of antibiotics. And if sex causes your UTIs, you’ll take a dose of the medicine right before you have sex. You can also take antibiotics whenever you get a new UTI if youâre having symptoms and a positive urine culture.
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Antibiotics For Uti: Will A Uti Go Away On Its Own
While the body can resolve minor infections without the assistance of medicine, for any serious UTIs, antibiotics are highly recommended.
If a UTI goes untreated the infection can spread from the urethra and bladder up into the kidneys.
Here, it becomes a much more serious infection as the risk of bacteria spreading into the bloodstream increases.
UTIs in the kidneys are dangerous and in some cases considered a medical emergency. If the infection reaches the bloodstream, your condition can become fatal and you should seek medical attention immediately.
Its for this reason that antibiotics for UTI are highly recommended.
Are There Natural At
Yes. While taking antibiotics is still considered the gold standard of UTI treatments, there are some things you can do at home that help relieve symptoms, as well. These include:
- Drink plenty of water. Consuming at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily can help flush away UTI-causing bacteria, setting you up for a quicker recovery. Plus, the more you drink, the more youll have to urinate.
- Urinate often. Each time you empty your bladder, youre helping to flush bacteria out of your system.
- Try heat. Applying a heating pad to your pubic area for 15 minutes at a time can help soothe the pressure and pain caused by UTI-related inflammation and irritation.
- Tweak your wardrobe. Wearing loose cotton clothing and underwear can help you recover from a UTI.
- Go fragrance-free. Make sure your personal hygiene products are fragrance-free to sidestep further irritation, notes the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
- Cut out certain irritants. Caffeine, alcohol, spicy food, raw onions, citrus fruits, carbonated drinks, artificial sweeteners, and nicotine can further irritate your bladder, making it more difficult for your body to heal, per the Cleveland Clinic.
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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.
The Best Antibiotics For Uti
The top antibiotics for UTI are:
- Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole This is a combination antibiotic drug used for treating UTI and other infections. The antibiotic works by preventing the growth of bacteria. It is available in tablet and suspension form and must be prescribed by a doctor. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
- Fosfomycin Fosfomycin is an antibacterial drug used for treating urinary tract infections. It kills bacteria that cause UTI. Fosfomycin is available by prescription only in tablet form. Fosfomycin side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, and headaches.
- Nitrofurantoin This antibiotic is frequently used to treat acute UTIs. Nitrofurantoin inhibits bacterial DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis. The most common side effects of Nitrofurantoin are nausea, loss of appetite, and vomiting.
- Cephalexin Cephalexin can treat a variety of bacterial infections, including UTIs. By inhibiting the formation of the bacterial cell wall, Cephalexin helps prevent the growth of bacteria causing a UTI. Cephalexin is available in capsule, and suspension form.
- Ceftriaxone Ceftriaxone injection also treats many different types of infections caused by bacteria. The injection may be administered in a doctors office or hospital. Ceftriaxone kills bacteria that cause urinary tract infections and is only available with a doctors prescription.
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First Line Of Defense
If youre just feeling the first hint of a UTI, you can get ahead of the infection with AZO Urinary Tract Defense®. It includes a pain reliever to help soothe and a powerful antibacterial agent to help control your infection. If youre beyond that stage, relieve painful UTI symptoms FAST with an over-the-counter urinary pain reliever like AZO Urinary Pain Relief® or for a higher dose of the active ingredient, AZO Urinary Pain Relief® Maximum Strength.
Remember: Theres no over-the-counter cure for a UTI. Only your doctor can prescribe a UTI antibiotic to rid the bacteria causing the infection.
What To Eat And Avoid If You Have A Urinary Tract Infection
Eat blueberries. Just like cranberry juice, blueberries can help keep bacteria from sticking to the lining of the urinary tract.
Add probiotics to your diet. Probiotic drinks, plain greek yogurt and fermented food like sauerkraut and pickles contain the good bacteria which can help keep the bad bacteria away, and help treat the UTI.
Avoid eating spicy foods as they can irritate the bladder and possibly even worsen the UTI.
Avoid eating a lot of acidic fruits like oranges, lemons, or limes when you have a urinary tract infection as these fruits can irritate the bladder. However, once the UTI is gone, eating acidic fruits rich in Vitamin C can help in preventing future infections.
Eating grapefruits, strawberries, spinach, and green peppers can help keep the bladder healthy and prevent UTIs.
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Can You Get A Uti From Fingers
Its pretty easy to get a urinary tract infection. Bacteria that live in the vagina, genital, and anal areas may enter the urethra, travel to the bladder, and cause an infection. This can happen during sexual activity when bacteria from your partners genitals, anus, fingers, or sex toys gets pushed into your urethra.
Antibiotics For Uti: Most Common Bacteria To Cause Utis
According to a study by The National Center for Biotechnology Information, the most common bacteria that cause UTIs are:
- Escherichia coli
- Klebsiella pneumoniae
- Streptococcus spp. , Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococci were each found to be the third pathogens in different periods during the two-year study.
These strains of bacteria are the most likely cause of any given UTI and first line antibiotics are typically highly effective.
First line antibiotics refer to the prescription your doctor gives you, based on your symptoms, before any official testing is done to determine the type of infection.
In most uncomplicated UTIs, the initial antibiotic for UTI will cure the infection and further testing is not needed.
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Uti Causes And Symptoms
A UTI, or urinary tract infection, is caused by organisms that are too small to be seen without a microscope, including fungi, viruses and bacteria. Despite the bodys many natural defenses, certain bacteria have the ability to attach themselves to the lining of the urinary tract and inhabit the urethra, bladder and kidneys. The majority of UTI cases are caused by E. colibacterium that can live in the bowel and vaginal cavities, around the urethral opening, and in the urinary tract.
Other significant pathogens that can cause UTIs include Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Klebsiella pneumonia. In diabetic patients, Klebsiella and group B streptococcus infections are more common. Pseudomonas infections are more common in chronically catheterized patients.
Urinary tract infections are extremely common, especially among sexually active women ages 18 to 24. Although a UTI isnt typically complicated or life-threatening, it does cause pain and suffering and negatively impacts ones quality of life.
Generally, symptoms of a UTI in adults may include:
- pain when urinating
- a burning sensation in the bladder or urethra when urinating
- a strong, frequent urge to urinate, but only passing small amounts
- muscle aches
- urine that appears red or bright pink
- strong-smelling urine
- people with suppressed immune systems
- people with diabetes
Precautions Regarding UTIs and Home Remedies for UTI
Final Thoughts on Home Remedies for UTI
Which Antibiotic Will Work Best
Your doctor will take a urine sample to confirm that you have a UTI. Then the lab will grow the germs in a dish for a couple of days to find out which type of bacteria you have. This is called a culture. Itâll tell your doctor what type of germs caused your infection. Theyâll likely prescribe one of the following antibiotics to treat it before the culture comes back:
Which medication and dose you get depends on whether your infection is complicated or uncomplicated.
âUncomplicatedâ means your urinary tract is normal. âComplicatedâ means you have a disease or problem with your urinary tract. You could have a narrowing of your ureters, which are the tubes that carry urine from your kidneys to your bladder, a narrowing in the urethra which transports urine from the bladder out of the body, or, you might have a blockage like a kidney stone or an enlarged prostate . It’s also possible you have a urinary fistula or a bladder diverticulum.
To treat a complicated infection, your doctor might prescribe a higher dose of antibiotics. If your UTI is severe or the infection is in your kidneys, you might need to be treated in a hospital or doctor’s office with high-dose antibiotics you get through an IV.
Your doctor will also consider these factors when choosing an antibiotic:
- Are you over age 65?
- Are you allergic to any antibiotics?
- Have you had any side effects from antibiotics in the past?
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