Preventing Urinary Tract Infections In Adults
A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection in the part of the body that produces and eliminates urine. The urinary tract consists of the kidneys, bladder, ureters, which are tubes that carry urine to the bladder, and the urethra, which carries urine out of the body. An infection can occur at any point along this tract.
Your NYU Langone doctor may recommend making lifestyle changes to help prevent UTIs, particularly if you get them often.
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.
Foods To Avoid When Treating A Uti
If youâre suffering from a Urinary Tract Infection , you need to make sure youâre following the proper procedures to alleviate as much pain as possible. This means that you need to watch what you put in your body, because certain elements can cause problems for you. From drinks to actual foods, weâre going to tell you about what you should avoid.
Caffeine. Itâs a single word, but it is everywhere in most diets. Coffee and soda are leading culprits when it comes to making life miserable with UTI. The reason being is that caffeine can increase the rate at which you urinate, which has two problems associated with it. If you proceed to urinate frequently, youâre bound to experience slight dehydration in your body, resulting in salts in your urine. These salts can irritate the bladder, and worsen the symptoms of UTI. On the other hand, you may find yourself holding back the desire to urinate. If you are in this category, you run the risk of increased bacteria in the bladder. Water and cranberry juice are the two most beneficial things you can drink, as they flush bacteria from your system with little to no irritation.
Sugar is a great food source for bacteria, but not good to eat when you have a UTI! You should avoid sugary foods such as cookies, soda, chips, candy, cake and foods with starch.
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What Causes Urinary Tract Infections
Normal urine is sterile and contains fluids, salts, and waste products. It does not contain bacteria, viruses, or fungi. A UTI occurs when germs, most often bacteria from the digestive tract, get into the opening of the urethra and start to multiply.
Most UTIs are caused by E. coli bacteria, which normally live in the colon.
What Foods Can I Eat That Will Prevent A Uti
Consuming foods high in antioxidants has been known to help prevent a urinary tract infection. Foods high in antioxidants include cranberries, blueberries, oranges, dark chocolate, unsweetened probiotic yogurt, tomatoes, broccoli, and spinach. Smart drink choices are decaf coffee cranberry, blueberry, or pomegranate juices and black and green tea. Of course, plenty of water is also essential when fighting off a UTI.
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Acidic Fruits Can Worsen Symptoms Of A Bladder Infection
Fruit may be an essential part of a healthy diet, but fruits containing a lot of acid can irritate the bladder and worsen your UTI symptoms. So try to avoid lemons, oranges, grapefruits, and tomatoes when you’re treating a UTI. Other fruits that may cause bladder irritation and worsen a urinary tract infection include apples, peaches, grapes, plums, strawberries, and pineapple. You should also steer clear of juices made from these fruits.
What Are Symptoms Of A Uti In Females
- The most common sign of a UTI is a strong urgency to urinate.
- Dysuria is when sharp pains or burning is felt when urinating.
- The urge to urinate returns minutes later .
- Soreness may be felt in the lower abdomen, in the back or in the sides.If you notice a strong odor, cloudy urine or even blood presence, you should walk-in to the GYN Emergent Care Center for immediate care.
If bacteria enters the ureters and spreads to the kidneys, symptoms may include back pain, chills, fever, nausea and vomiting.
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Bugs That Cause Urine Infections
Escherichia coli is responsible for 80 to 90 percent of urinary tract infections. Most E. coli bacteria are completely harmless when they are in the gut. However, if the bacteria find their way into the urethra, a person may develop a urinary tract infection.
Other bacteria which cause a urinary infection include the Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Enterococcus, Proteus, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Serratia and Candidaa yeast.
Tip #: Avoid Reusing Catheters
Many people wonder if reusing a catheter is an option. The optimal method of intermittent catheterization and the type of catheter has been a long-standing debate.
We have either been told it is safe to reuse or we have thought it is economical to wash and reuse catheters. Nevertheless, there is a good reason why you may not want to risk washing and reusing your catheters.
Multiple tests in professional research settings have indicated a risk of infection when reusing catheters. Test results have consistently shown that no matter how rigorous the cleaning process, the risk of bacteria remained. In one laboratory test using PVC urethral catheters, it was found that a full antibacterial washing method still failed to sanitize 67% of the catheters.
Reusing catheters exposes the patient to a plethora of possible cleaning techniques and duration of catheter use. If you want to read more about catheters, read our complete guide to catheters.
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Urinary Tract Infection Treatment
If you are a healthy adult man or a woman who is not pregnant, a few days of antibiotic pills will usually cure your urinary tract infection. If you are pregnant, your doctor will prescribe a medicine that is safe for you and the baby. Usually, symptoms of the infection go away 1 to 2 days after you start taking the medicine. Its important that you follow your doctors instructions for taking the medicine, even if you start to feel better. Skipping pills could make the treatment less effective.
Your doctor may also suggest a medicine to numb your urinary tract and make you feel better while the antibiotic starts to work. The medicine makes your urine turn bright orange, so dont be alarmed by the color when you urinate.
Avoid Delays In Urinating
Do not allow yourself to hold your urine because you think you are too busy to urinate. When you sense the urge to urinate and hold in the urine instead, you can put yourself at risk for major urinary tract issues. Retaining the urine also allows germs that are floating in your bladder to remain there. Emptying the bladder promptly flushes out bacteria.
For more information about UTI symptoms and treatments, or to make an appointment to see an OB/GYN in Little Rock AR, contact us by calling the Womans Clinic at 664-4131.
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How You Can Treat Cystitis Yourself
If you have been having mild symptoms for less than 3 days or you have had cystitis before and do not feel you need to see a GP, you may want to treat your symptoms at home or ask a pharmacist for advice.
Until you’re feeling better, it may help to:
- wipe from front to back when you go to the toilet
- gently wash around your genitals with a skin-sensitive soap
Some people believe that cranberry drinks and products that reduce the acidity of their urine will help.
But there’s a lack of evidence to suggest they’re effective.
Use Diaphragms And Condoms Carefully
For women, the usage of a diaphragm for contraception can lead to the risk of getting bladder infections. The reason is that this diaphragm may push on your bladder and restrict it from emptying completely when urinating.
If you use a diaphragm and get bladder infections again, you might have to change your method of contraception and there are quite many of them you can find. If you choose condoms as your method, you should use ones that dont maintain spermicidal lubricant on. This is because the spermicidal lubricant can lead to an irritation and make the risk of bladder infections easier. So, try to use condoms free of spermicidal lubricant to protect your body from this disease soon.
Bladder infections, even recurring cases, are not actually serious enough to take effects your overall health. And there is also vaccine protecting you against bladder infections. On one day, bladder infections will no longer exist, but home remedies or prescription of doctor are still good for you until then.
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Maintain Good Urinary And Bowel Habits
To avoid a UTI, its important to take steps to prevent bacteria from entering the urinary tract. Your doctor may advise you to urinate whenever you feel the urge. Holding urine in can trap bacteria in the bladder.
Your doctor may discuss other habits that are believed by some to be helpful in avoiding a UTI. For women, this includes wiping from front to back after urination or a bowel movement to help prevent bacteria in the anus from entering the urethra. After sexual intercourse, women may flush bacteria from the body by urinating, and both men and women should clean the opening to the urethra.
Chronic diarrhea can be associated with recurrent urinary tract infections. Your doctor determines any treatments for this condition.
Does Cranberry Juice Prevent A Urinary Tract Infection
Many people say that cranberry juice can help treat, or even prevent, a UTI. Researchers are currently looking into the topic, but havent found a definitive answer yet. Healthcare providers recommend drinking lots of fluids if you have, or have a history of getting, a UTI. Adding a glass of unsweetened cranberry juice to your diet isnt a proven way to prevent a UTI, but it typically wont hurt you either.
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How To Prevent Urinary Tract Infections In Females
When compared to urinary tract infections in men, urinary tract infections in women are more common. However, as a woman you don’t need to worry, because you can practice how to prevent urinary tract infections in females that we share here.
Urinary tract infection is a condition when the organs of the urinary system become infected. The organs of the urinary system include the kidneys, ureters, urethra, and bladder. Generally, urinary tract infections are caused by infection with E. coli bacteria that occurs in one of these organs.
Symptoms Of Urinary Tract Infections
UTIs can affect different parts of your urinary tract. A bladder infection is called cystitis and an infection of the urethra is called urethritis.
There are a number of symptoms that you might experience if you have developed a UTI, including:
- A persistent urge to pee
- Needing to pee suddenly
- Urine that is red, bright pink or blackish
- Pain in the lower tummy
UTIs can be difficult to detect in elderly people and in individuals with dementia. You might notice sudden changes in their behaviour. For example, they may become confused, agitated or withdrawn.
There is not enough evidence to confirm such symptoms are caused by UTIs in older individuals. However, it is worth making an appointment with a doctor to help determine the cause.
Children can also behave differently if they develop a UTI and may:
- Feel unwell
- Wet themselves
- Hold in their pee to avoid going to the toilet
Babies may be ill-tempered, refuse to eat and have a high temperature or fever. This means a temperature of 37.5C or above.
If you suspect that you, or anyone in your care, has developed a UTI, you should make an appointment with a doctor. Your doctor can treat the infection and check for any underlying health conditions.
A UTI can also spread to your kidneys, leading to a kidney infection. A kidney infection can cause:
- Pain in your sides or lower back
- A high temperature or fever
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhoea
When to worry?
Got a symptom youre concerned about?
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What To Drink For A Uti
Can you treat a UTI by drinking cranberry juice? The answer behind the infamous cranberry juice cure is mixed. In some clinical studies , the consumption of pure cranberry juice, cranberry extracts, or cranberry supplements helped reduce the risk of repeated UTIs. In any case, however, the benefit to drinking cranberry juice for a UTI is small. So, what should you drink for a UTI instead? Water is by far the best beverage choice for someone with a UTI. Drinking at least 12 8-ounce cups of water each day while you have an infection will help flush the bacteria from your system and can speed up the healing process.
Be Careful With Activities
There are some notices that you have to pay attention to prevent the risk of bladder infections. Firstly, when participating in physical exercise or activities, you have to make sure that your bladder is frequently empty and your body is supplied with enough water.
Secondly, take some precautions after sexual activity. This activity can increase the risk of bladder infections because it allows bacteria to enter into the bladder area. The bladder is advised to be emptied after intercourse thereby you should have a urinary antiseptic or antibiotic as soon as having sexual activity. This is followed by the direction of your doctor, indeed.
Finally, avoid using spermicidal jelly. It can kill sperm and normal vaginal florae, which are very important in restraining colonization with pathogenic bacteria.
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Foods To Avoid When You Have A Uti
Coffee
Ugh. I hate this list already. A common stimulant and irritant of the bladder, caffeinated beverages like coffee are probably not your BFFs if youre battling recurrent UTIs. One study found that women who increased their coffee consumption by two servings a day had a 64-percent higher risk of urinary urgency, while women who drank caffeinated soda also had urgency and urinary tract symptoms. Try swapping your daily joe out slowly for decaf or go cold turkey by choosing herbal tea instead.
Chocolate
Noooooo.Sometimes you just gotta choose between bladder pain and the legitimate pain in your heart associated with swearing off chocolaty treats. Since chocolate, like our other true love, coffee, contains some caffeine, it could irritate your already-sensitive bladder.
The good news: You would need to eat a lot of chocolate in order for its small caffeine contents to have a major effect. But if the UTIs keep coming back, and if chocolate is your usual sweet vice, try swapping it out occasionally for something equally delicious with zero caffeine, like these vegan peanut butter blondies.
Alcohol
A common diuretic, alcohol can create large volumes of urine quickly that may irritate the bladder and weaken your pelvic muscle tone. For days when you feel the UTI coming on, try cutting back on the fun juice and volunteer to be the DD for the night.
Spicy Food
Diet Soda
Our Specialists At Norton Childrens Urology Recommend Five Power Foods For A Urinary Tract Infection In A Child And Overall Better Urinary Health
A childs urinary system plays an important role in filtering and eliminating waste products from the body.
A balanced diet filled with key power foods can have a big impact on keeping the body healthy. Our specialists at Norton Childrens Urology, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, recommend five power foods to improve urinary health.
Water. Drinking plenty of water is the most important way to improve your childs urinary and digestive systems. Drinking enough water helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract, which prevents infection and helps the digestive tract function regularly. Children should drink one 8-ounce cup of water for every year in age . This should be increased with increased activity or in the warmer or colder seasons.
Sprucing up your childs water with fruit, cucumber slices or a sprig of fresh mint can help them choose water over other options.
Recipe: Infused water
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Things Women Can Do To Prevent Bladder Infections
A bladder infection, or urinary tract infection , is an infection in any part of your urinary system . Uncomplicated urinary tract infections affect the urethra and bladder or lower urinary tract. If left untreated, however, these types of infections can spread to the upper urinary tract or ureter and kidneys. While severe infections are rare, they are very dangerous and need immediate medical attention.
Seek urgent medical care if you begin to experience upper back or side pain, fever or chills, or nausea or vomiting.
Fortunately for men, bladder infections are rare. According to the National Association for Continence, only 12 percent of men will experience a UTI at least once in their lifetime as compared to 60 percent of women. Why? The urethra, the tube through which urine leaves the body, is much shorter in women than men. This means bacteria dont have as far to travel before reaching the bladder.
Tip #: Visit Your Doctor
Regular visits to the doctor can help you stay informed and aware of any potential risks to your health. Your doctor can help you create a plan that reflects your own personal needs and may have additional recommendations for you.
At the first sign of a bladder infection, it is highly recommended to visit the doctor immediately. Bladder infections, if left untreated, can pose a serious risk to your health. If the UTI moves into your kidneys, you will be at risk for serious complications. Your doctor can prescribe antibiotics for you and get you started on a treatment plan as soon as possible to avoid any severe health complications.
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