Friday, March 22, 2024

What To Avoid When You Have A Bladder Infection

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Can Utis Be Prevented

How to PREVENT UTI | 5 Natural Ways to AVOID Repeat Bladder Infection

A few things can help prevent UTIs. After peeing, girls should wipe from front to back with toilet paper. After BMs, wipe from front to back to avoid spreading bacteria from the rectal area to the urethra.

Also, go to the bathroom when needed and dont hold the pee in. Pee that stays in the bladder gives bacteria a good place to grow.

Keep the genital area clean and dry. Girls should change their tampons and pads regularly during their periods. Bubble baths can irritate the vaginal area, so girls should take showers or plain baths. Avoid long exposure to moisture in the genital area by not wearing nylon underwear or wet swimsuits. Wearing underwear with cotton crotches is also helpful. Skip using feminine hygiene sprays or douches, as these can irritate the urethra.

If you are sexually active, go to the bathroom both before and within 15 minutes after sex. After sex, gently wash the genital area to remove any bacteria. Avoid sexual positions that irritate or hurt the urethra or bladder. Couples who use lubrication during sex should use a water-soluble lubricant such as K-Y Jelly.

Finally, drinking lots of water each day keeps the bladder active and bacteria-free.

UTIs are uncomfortable and often painful, but theyre common and easily treated. The sooner you contact your doctor, the sooner youll be able to get rid of the problem.

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Urinate Before And After Sex

Sexual activity increases the chances of getting a UTI, especially if youre a woman. Thats because bacteria can easily get into the urethra during sex.

To reduce your risk, pee immediately before and after sex. The idea is to flush out bacteria that may cause UTIs.

Its also a good idea to gently wash your genital area before sex. This can help keep the area clean and reduce the chance of bacteria spreading to your urethra.

What Foods And Drinks Should You Avoid While Having A Bladder Infection

The National Kidney Foundation estimates that 10 million people visit the doctor each year for bladder infections. Fortunately, most infections can be treated and do not cause serious damage. But for some, bladder infections return frequently, causing persistent irritation. When experiencing symptoms of a bladder infection, you need to drink lots of water and to watch the types of food you eat. Alcohol, caffeine, sugar, citrus and spicy and fatty foods should be avoided, as they are most likely to impair immunity and irritate the bladder. Talk to you doctor about treatment of bladder infections, and see a registered dietitian for advice on food choices.

If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.

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Skip Citrusy Or Caffeinated Sodas Irritate The Bladder

Sodas in general have been found to irritate the bladder in people with chronic bladder inflammation, and they could aggravate symptoms in someone with a bladder infection. Citrus-flavored sodas and caffeinated sodas are the culprits when it comes to worsening urinary tract infection symptoms. So, when you’re struggling to overcome a bladder infection, stick to water or cranberry juice as your drink of choice.

Healing An Irritated Bladder

Avoid and Treat Bladder and Urinary Tract Infections

The healthy bladder is coated with a mucosal tissue called the glycosaminoglycan layer, generally referred to as the GAG layer. This layer protects the bladder from direct contact with urine. The GAG layer can become damaged by bacteria or other trauma, such as pelvic surgery, repeated infections, or a complicated pregnancy. I went on a regimen designed to heal the GAG layer.

First of all, go on a low-acid diet. If you look up an Interstitial Cystitis diet or IC diet, you will get varying advice on this. Different people seem to have different triggers. The ones I mention in the âcommon food triggersâ section, should be avoided. Most of them definitely affected me.

One book I read said, âIf you wouldnât put it on an open wound, donât eat it,â and this resonated with me. So things like hot spices, lemon and vinegar would be off limits. If I ate acidic food, I could feel my bladder burning within 10 minutes.

This list is a good starting point. Pay attention to you body. If you feel worse, ask yourself, âWhat did I eat?â

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What Is A Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections, otherwise known as UTIs, are incredibly common. In fact, UTIs are the second most common type of infection, accounting for approximately 10 million doctor visits yearly. UTIs occur when there is an infection in the urinary tract, and while most are not serious, they can lead to more serious problems down the road.

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Avoid Insufficient Water Intake

Depleting your body of water leads to dehydration. When the body is dehydrated, bacteria can grow in the bladder. Additionally, not drinking sufficient amounts of water can keep your medication from penetrating into your kidneys and bladder. Drinking abundant amounts of water flushes the kidneys and bladder, helps deliver the antibiotic to the urinary tract, prevents dehydration, and, additionally, reduces risk of developing kidney stones.

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How Can I Manage Bladder Irritation

You can manage discomfort by avoiding foods you have identified as bladder irritants. But removing foods from your diet doesnt mean you can never have them again. You might be able to enjoy them in moderation . Drinking plenty of water will help reduce pain from any bladder-irritating foods you might ingest, in moderation or accidentally.

How Do You Know If Youre Dealing With A Standard Uti Or Severe Kidney Infection

How to GET RID of Bladder Infections | Recurrent UTI

Both are technically forms of UTIs. A standard UTI, though, typically just means youre dealing with cystitis, or inflammation of the bladder. That inflammation causes those typical UTI symptoms like painful or burning urination and urgent or frequent urination, explains Dr. Mueller.

But a kidney infection, also known as pyelonephritis, is caused by the same bacteria and oftentimes results from an untreated bladder infection. These symptoms are typically much more severe.

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Check If Its 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

How Do Utis Affect Pregnancy

Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy raise your risk for UTIs. UTIs during pregnancy are more likely to spread to the kidneys.

If youâre pregnant and have symptoms of a UTI, see your doctor or nurse right away. Your doctor will give you an antibiotic that is safe to take during pregnancy.

If left untreated, UTIs could lead to kidney infections and problems during pregnancy, including:

  • Premature birth

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Wipe From Front To Back

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases , UTIs can develop when bacteria from the rectum or feces gain access to the urethra. This small channel allows urine to flow out of the body.

Once bacteria are in the urethra, they can travel up into other urinary tract organs, where they can lead to infections.

How Can I Avoid A Bladder Infection

Can Males Have Uti

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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How Long Do Kidney Stone Symptoms Last

As mentioned, the time frame for these symptoms can be as short as a week or up to a month and beyond. So, even if it feels like your kidney stone pain has subsided, its important to reach out to your doctor since sporadic pain is common with this condition.

While some kidney stones pass on their own, others require treatment such as medications or procedures to help break up the stone or even surgical removal. Your doctor can perform the tests needed to determine whether the stone is likely to pass on its own or if you might need treatment. In addition, your doctor can help you manage the pain associated with passing the stone, adds Dr. Kannady.

Have A Glass Of Cranberry Juice

For women especially, a daily glass of cranberry juice can help lower your risk of getting recurrent UTIs. The reason cranberry juice helps is that these powerful berries have a natural compound that helps keep UTI-causing bacteria away from the urinary tract.

Cranberry juice is also effective if you notice the telltale symptoms of a UTI beginning. The compound it contains can help prevent the UTI from developing or getting worse. Be sure to opt for beverages with 100% cranberry juice instead of cocktails, which also contain other juices.

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Foods And Drinks That Inhibit Immunity

Certain foods and drinks have been shown to hinder the immune system. Alcohol, fatty foods, sugar and refined breads and pastas reduce your body’s ability to defend itself. Sugar consumed in large amounts decreases white blood cell function for up to five hours after consumption. If you’re experiencing symptoms of a UTI, reducing your intake of these foods can help improve your body’s natural defenses.

How Are Kidney Infections Treated

Urinary Tract Infection | How To Prevent UTI (2018)

A physician will treat the disease based on his or her examination. He or she may start the patient on the standard treatment of a course of antibiotics before the lab tests results are available. The medication may change once the exact strain of bacteria is revealed by the lab tests.

If the treatment is effective, the patient should feel better in two to three days. If not, your healthcare provider will start looking for additional problems. Most antibiotic treatments last for 14 days and it is essential that patients take the pills as recommended for the full 14 days even though symptoms may disappear after a few days. The disappearance of symptoms does not mean all bacteria are killed. Some may remain and the infection may reappear.

There is also a concern that those bacteria that remain may develop resistance to the medication. For some reason the disease is more difficult to treat in men and they may have to take medication for up to six weeks. Patients with severe illness, those that have significant nausea and vomiting, high fevers, significant pain and signs of dehydration may be hospitalized for a few days while the antibiotics are administered intravenously. Urine samples are taken after about six weeks of treatment and examined to insure the bacterial infection is eradicated.

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Top Tips To Prevent Further Bladder Infections

When you chat with you doctor, he may suggest you make a few lifestyle changes including:

  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Reduce your intake of alcohol, tea and coffee as these can all irritate the bladder
  • Take urinary alkalinisers
  • Take mild painkillers for pain relief
  • Avoid eating any foods that can irritate the bladder while the infection is present, including foods with high acid content and amino acids
  • Drink cranberry juice everyday

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When To Call A Doctor

Get medical help at once if it hurts to pee and you also have any of these symptoms:

This may mean potentially life-threatening kidney disease, a prostate infection, a bladder or kidney tumor, or a urinary tract stone.

You should also call your doctor if:

  • Symptoms return after youâve finished treatment.
  • You also have discharge from your or . This may be a sign of a sexually transmitted disease , pelvic inflammatory disease , or other serious infections.
  • You have ongoing pain or a hard time peeing. This may also be a sign of an STD, a vaginal infection, a kidney stone, enlargement of the prostate, or a bladder or prostate tumor. Or it could be that the infection is resistant to the antibiotic your doctor prescribed.

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What Is The Prognosis For A Person With A Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections typically respond very well to treatment. A UTI can be uncomfortable before you start treatment, but once your healthcare provider identifies the type of bacteria and prescribes the right antibiotic medication, your symptoms should improve quickly. Its important to keep taking your medication for the entire amount of time your healthcare provider prescribed. If you have frequent UTIs or if your symptoms arent improving, your provider may test to see if its an antibiotic-resistant infection. These are more complicated infections to treat and may require intravenous antibiotics or alternative treatments.

Avoid Delay In Going To The Doctor When You Have A Uti

How to Prevent a UTI: Our Tips for Urinary Health

At the first sign of symptoms of a UTI, call your doctor. Attempting to treat a UTI yourself just allows the infection additional time to spread. Putting off getting medical attention for a UTI puts you at risk of serious health complications. Over-the-counter medications can mask pain, but do not kill the bacteria antibiotics are necessary to eliminate a UTI infection.

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Complications Of Urinary Tract Infections

Delayed treatment for UTIs can lead to complications. Most UTIs cause no lasting damage if they are treated quickly. But if left untreated, UTIs can lead to complications that include:

  • Recurring infections
  • Narrowing of the urethra in men
  • A potentially life-threatening infection called sepsis, especially when kidneys are infected

Dont Sabotage Your Recovery

Donât give in and reach for the foods that are hurting you. I really sabotaged myself for a while because I would not give up that one cup of coffee in the morning. Once I got past that, I started to get better. Donât undermine your recovery with that one glass of wine or cup of coffee, the way I did. Just stop. If all goes well, this will be a temporary situation. You can go back to enjoying those things later, but for now, you have to get this situation under control.

Instead of your regular acidic indulgences, milk or vanilla ice cream can be pleasant and very soothing. Make sure you get a brand of ice cream that does not contain a lot of chemicals.

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Uti Diagnosis And Treatment

Think you may have a UTI? The standard way to diagnose one is a urine culture. Most doctors will ask for a clean catch sample, where you pee into a cup midstream after carefully wiping your outer vaginal area.

If you are diagnosed with a UTI, your doctor will likely provide a pregnancy-safe antibiotic for seven to 14 days to get rid of all of the bacteria. Be sure to take the recommended full course, even if you start to feel better midway through treatment, and drink plenty of water.

If the infection has reached your kidneys, your practitioner may suggest staying in the hospital, where you can receive IV antibiotics.

Keep in mind: Some women have a UTI with no symptoms at all. Because an untreated infection can lead to complications including kidney infection and, potentially, an increased risk of fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia and preterm birth notify your provider immediately if you have any UTI-like symptoms.

Likewise, the urine tests at your regular prenatal visits are really important.

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5 Foods to Avoid if You Have UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)

In addition, as the uterus grows throughout pregnancy, it can put pressure on the bladder, making it more difficult to empty completely.

Pregnancy can also make a UTI more difficult to treat, which can have serious consequences, including pyelonephritis preterm labor low birth weight and .

A urinalysis and a urine culture are routinely performed at an initial prenatal visit to screen for UTIs, but if youre pregnant and suspect you may have an infection, seek medical attention quickly.

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Avoid Irritating Feminine Products

Some of the feminine products you use may increase your UTI vulnerability by irritating your urethra. Most of them contain chemicals that may interfere with your vaginal health and pH level. This interference can lead to the overgrowth of UTI-causing microorganisms, including the E. coli bacterium.

Some irritants you may want to avoid include

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What Can Happen If A Urinary Tract Infection Goes Untreated

However their antibiotics can actually natural remedy to use is to take x-rays. Urinary tract infection your doctor. With every course than the case of white blood cells. The urge to urinate is accompanied by a wide range based on which to grow. Sexual intercourse but no more often. Dehydration rest cranberries are often employed as an immunity. Eliminate all processed foods and simple liquids in its body. Thankfully can be different from doctor prescription herbal medications.

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