Urinary Tract Infections In Babies And Young Children
Babies and children are at risk of UTIs. These infections always need to be investigated as they may indicate a serious underlying condition, such as urinary reflux. Reflux is caused by a bladder valve problem allowing urine to flow back into the kidneys from the bladder. Reflux can cause the urine to stay inside the body increasing the risk of infection. It may lead to kidney scarring, which in turn leads to high blood pressure and sometimes kidney problems.
Foods For Urinary Tract Infection
Most females experience a urinary tract infection, or UTI at least once in their life at some point. While men can also get UTIs, they are more common in females. Because of a shorter urethra, females are at a higher risk of getting a UTI.
Common symptoms of UTI are-
- Abdominal pressure
- Frequent urination
- Urinating small amounts even after going to the washroom repeatedly.
If left untreated, these symptoms of a urinary tract infection can quickly intensify from mild to severe and painful.
If you start to notice the symptoms of a suspected urinary tract infection, do not wait to see a gynecologist. The sooner you begin your treatment and prescribed medication, the better it is for you.
Along with the prescribed medications, what a female drinks and eats while having a UTI can influence the treatment. Some foods and drinks can worsen the symptoms of UTI and can interrupt the treatment. Here is a basic guide for you to know what to eat and drink and what all to avoid if you have a urinary tract infection.
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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
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Urinary Tract Infections Must Be Treated Promptly By Your Doctor Left Untreated A Uti Can Be Painful And May Spread There Are Several Things You Should Avoid While You Have A Uti In Order To Prevent Worsening Of Symptoms
Urinary tract infection is one of the most common infections affecting older adults, especially women. If you have a UTI without complications, and you are otherwise in good health, your doctor might prescribe a shorter urinary tract infection treatment, such as a 3-day course of antibiotics. However, treatment type and length will depend on your medical profile and specific symptoms. Additionally, your physician may prescribe pain medication that relieves burning during urination, but pain is usually relieved shortly after beginning the antibiotic treatment. Below is some information to help you know what to do if you have a UTI infection in order to prevent exacerbating your UTI symptoms.
The following things can further irritate your bladder and increase the frequency of sensing an urgent need to urinate. Until your UTI has cleared up, you should:
What To Eat During A Uti
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nick Rosen, MD on February 1st, 2021
A burning sensation, abdominal pain, and cloudy urine are all signs of a potential urinary tract infection . This uncomfortable infection can affect any part of your urinary systemkidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethrahowever, most UTIs involve the lower urinary tract . The painful symptoms of a UTI are not only annoying, but they can also be dangerousleading to serious consequences if the infection reaches the kidneys. The first step to feeling better is contacting a doctor, but there are some ways you may be able to relieve UTI symptoms in addition to following a professional care plan. Before we get into foods and drinks for UTIs, lets cover some basics:
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What Is The Urinary Tract
The urinary tract makes and stores urine, one of the body’s liquid waste products. The urinary tract includes the following parts:
- Kidneys: These small organs are located on back of your body, just above the hips. They are the filters of your body removing waste and water from your blood. This waste becomes urine.
- Ureters: The ureters are thin tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to your bladder.
- Bladder: A sac-like container, the bladder stores your urine before it leaves the body.
- Urethra: This tube carries the urine from your bladder to the outside of the body.
Why Antibiotics Sometimes Dont Work
Most UTIs arent serious. But if left untreated, the infection can spread up to the kidneys and bloodstream and become life threatening. Kidney infections can lead to kidney damage and kidney scarring.
Symptoms of a UTI usually improve within 2 to 3 days after starting antibiotic therapy. Many doctors prescribe an antibiotic for at least 3 days.
While this type of medication is the standard treatment, researchers are noticing that antibiotic-resistant bacteria are reducing the effectiveness of some antibiotics in treating UTIs.
Some UTIs dont clear up after antibiotic therapy. When an antibiotic medication doesnt stop the bacteria from causing an infection, the bacteria continue to multiply.
The overuse or misuse of antibiotics is often the reason for antibiotic resistance. This can happen when the same antibiotic is prescribed over and over again for recurrent UTIs. Because of this risk, experts have been looking for ways to treat UTIs without antibiotics.
Some research has shown that UTIs can be treated without traditional antibiotics by targeting E. colis surface component for adhesion, FimH.
Typically, the urinary tract flushes away bacteria when you urinate. But according to researchers, FimH can cause E. coli to firmly attach to the cells in the urinary tract. And because of this tight grip, its hard for the body to naturally flush the bacteria from the urinary tract.
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How Are Utis Diagnosed
To diagnose a UTI, health care providers ask questions about what’s going on, do an exam, and take a sample of pee for testing.
How a sample is taken depends on a child’s age. Older kids might simply need to pee into a sterile cup. For younger children in diapers, a catheter is usually preferred. This is when a thin tube is inserted into the urethra up to the bladder to get a “clean” urine sample.
The sample may be used for a urinalysis or a urine culture . Knowing what bacteria are causing the infection can help your doctor choose the best treatment.
Preventing Future Urinary Tract Infections
BATHING AND HYGIENE
To prevent future urinary tract infections, you should:
- Choose sanitary pads instead of tampons, which some doctors believe make infections more likely. Change your pad each time you use the bathroom.
- Take showers instead of baths. Avoid bath oils.
- Urinate before and after sexual activity. Drinking 2 glasses of water after sexual activity may help promote urination.
- Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom.
- Avoid tight-fitting pants. Wear cotton-cloth underwear and pantyhose, and change both at least once a day.
DIET
The following improvements to your diet may prevent future urinary tract infections:
- Drink plenty of fluids, 2 to 4 quarts each day.
- Do not drink fluids that irritate the bladder, such as alcohol and caffeine.
RECURRING INFECTIONS
Some women have repeated bladder infections. Your provider may suggest that you:
- Use vaginal estrogen cream if you have dryness caused by menopause.
- Take a single dose of an antibiotic after sexual contact.
- Take a cranberry supplement pill after sexual contact.
- Have a 3-day course of antibiotics at home to use if you develop an infection.
- Take a single, daily dose of an antibiotic to prevent infections.
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Can Menopause Cause Frequent Urination Without Infection
During menopause, many people find that they need to urinate more often. Up to 77% of people wake up one or more times a night to urinate during menopause, according to an article in The Journal of the North American Menopause Society.
The article also suggests that lower estrogen levels may inhibit antidiuretic hormone, which helps regulate the amount of water in the body.
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.
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Can Coffee Cause A Urinary Tract Infection
Chances are, you are a coffee drinker.
You know how I know that? Around 83% of adults in the United States drink coffee. And together we all drink somewhere around 587 million cups every single day. Thats around 3 cups per person.
We all know that coffee can come will some real perks like heightened energy and focus. And we all know it can come with some downsides like the jitters and headaches.
But can coffee be harmful? Could that morning drink actually cause infections?
You may have heard the rumor that our beloved cup of Joe is responsible for causing urinary tract infections. Those painful, burning, uncomfortable infections that send us to the doctor begging for antibiotics!
Discover in just 7 short questions why you may be experiencing painful UTIâs and uncover how to return to your normal life. Take The Urinary Quiz Now!
Could coffee really be to blame? Im here to clue you in.
Questions To Ask Your Doctor
- Do I need any tests, such as urinalysis?
- What is the likely cause of my urinary tract infection ?
- Do I need medicine? How should I take it?
- What are the possible side effects of the medicine?
- When should I expect relief from my symptoms?
- What symptoms would indicate that my infection is getting worse? What should I do if I experience these symptoms?
- I get UTIs a lot. What can I do to prevent them?
- Do I need preventive antibiotics? If so, should I be concerned about antibiotic resistance?
- My child gets UTIs a lot. Could an anatomical problem be causing his or her UTIs?
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Coffee May Raise Risk Of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
Drinking caffeinated beverages may contribute to the development of lower urinary tract symptoms in both men and women, according to a new report. LUTS may be less likely to develop in men who drink citrus juice.
Nancy N. Maserejian, ScD, of New England Research Institutes in Watertown, Mass., and colleagues analyzed data from 4,145 individuals who are part of the Boston Area Community Health cohort. Men who reported drinking more than two cups of coffee per day at baseline had a significant twofold increased likelihood of LUTS onset compared with those who reported drinking no coffee, Dr. Maserejians group reported online ahead of print in the American Journal of Epidemiology.
Men who increased their coffee intake during follow-up by two or more 8-ounce cups per day from baseline had a significant 61% increased odds of LUTS progression. In men, consumption of orange or grapefruit juice was associated with a significant 50% decreased risk of LUTS development.
Women who increased coffee intake by at least two 8-ounce servings per day during follow-up had a significant 64% increased odds of progression of storage symptoms compared with women who had no change from baseline. Baseline coffee consumption was not associated with LUTS among women. Women who increased their soda intake by two or more 8-ounce servings per day had a significant 59%, 58%, and 40% increased likelihood of overall LUTS, voiding symptoms, and storage symptoms, respectively.
See A Healthcare Provider
While UTIs arent usually a cause for major concern, if you dont get them treated, they can lead to more serious problems like a kidney infection. If you have a UTI, make an appointment with a healthcare provider as soon as possible. The fastest way to feel better is by taking an antibiotic to kill the bacteria causing your infection.
If going to see a provider in-person is not an option , there are plenty of telehealth services available that will allow you to set up a virtual appointment. Check out GoodRx Care for treatment of UTIs as well as many other medical conditions.
During your appointment, your provider will ask you questions about what symptoms you are experiencing and if you are prone to UTIs. You might be asked to provide a urine sample either in the office you are seen in or at a lab close to you. Lastly, your provider will prescribe you a course of antibiotics to get started on right away.
Some common antibiotics used for treating UTIs include nitrofurantoin , sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim , and ciprofloxacin . Typically, you only need to take them for 3 to 5 days, and most people start to feel relief within the first 2 to 3 days. Antibiotics can cause nausea, stomach upset, and diarrhea for many people. But, taking your dose with food can help lessen nausea and stomach upset, and taking a probiotic supplement like L. acidophilus can help with the diarrhea.
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Whats The Difference Between A Urinary Tract Infection And Bladder Infection
A urinary tract infection is a more general type of infection. There are many parts of your urinary tract. A UTI is a term for an infection that takes place throughout the urinary tract. A bladder infection, also called cystitis, is a specific infection. In this infection, bacteria makes its way into the bladder and causes inflammation.
Not all urinary tract infections become bladder infections. Preventing the spread of the infection is one of the most important reasons to treat a UTI quickly when you have symptoms. The infection can spread not only to the bladder, but also into your kidneys, which is a more complicated type of infection than a UTI.
How Antibiotics Destroy Your Guts
I was a frequent UTI sufferer for many years. I know they arent the nicest things to admit to but given that they affect almost 50% of all women, chances are many of you have struggled as well . The burning pain down there and the need to pee every 2 seconds had me ready to pop an antibiotic almost immediately. I mean, it was just another pesky UTI getting in the way of life that was fixed so easily by a quick course of 7. Little did I know the impact that tiny, toxic, antibiotic pill was having on my gut.
I have written a blog post that has lots of detail on how antibiotics destroy your gut, but to save time, here is a 1 minute summary:
The antibiotics enter into your gut, fight all the bad bacteria that is causing the UTI and during the process also kill off a lot of the good bacteria that your body needs to protect itself against other infections. This means that we lose lots of the good guys that support our immune system and leave ourselves susceptible to more infections by bad bacteria in the future. This course of events are often the beginning of what is commonly referred to as antibiotic-induced IBS , where the dysbiosis in your gut can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhoea, gas and bloating. And so the cycle of infection , and IBS continues If only Id known how to get rid of a UTI without antibiotics.
So, why are many practitioners so quick to prescribe antibiotics?
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How To Feel Better
If your healthcare professional prescribes you antibiotics:
- Take antibiotics exactly as your healthcare professional tells you.
- Do not share your antibiotics with others.
- Do not save antibiotics for later. Talk to your healthcare professional about safely discarding leftover antibiotics.
Drink plenty of water or other fluids. Your healthcare professional might also recommend medicine to help lessen the pain or discomfort. Talk with your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your antibiotics.
Urinary Tract Infections In Men
Men can get UTIs, particularly if they have trouble with urine flow. Older men who experience prostatitis are at a higher risk. If the bladder is not emptying properly, the build up ofurine makes it more difficult to cure the infection.
A small number of young men may get a UTI. In males, this is usually the result of a sexually transmitted disease.
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