What Are The Treatments For A Bladder Infection Vs A Uti
How a doctor deals with a patientâs UTI depends on where itâs located, what caused it, how severe the infection is, and whether there are other complicating factors to consider.
An uncomplicated bladder infection can sometimes clear up on its own. But given that it can turn into a more severe infection, you might be better off with a prescription for some oral antibiotics to kill off the bacteria. Per the American Urological Association , treatment for uncomplicated bladder infections typically involves taking one of the following:
- A single dose of Fosfomycin.
- Nitrofurantoin for five days.
- Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole DS for three days.
If you have a more complicated bladder infection, you may need to rely on other types of antibiotics and take them for up to 14 days to clear out the infection. Either way, you should start to feel better within a couple of days of taking the meds but be sure to finish the full course of antibiotics. Otherwise, resistant bacteria could grow and create a new infection thatâs harder to cure.
Doctors may also give you additional fluids through the IV. And thatâs assuming you donât get a complication, such as sepsis. Once the IV antibiotics help you feel better, you can generally go home and finish treating the UTI with more antibiotics for a total of 14 days, per the AUA.
Check If It’s Cystitis
- pain, burning or stinging when you pee
- needing to pee more often and urgently than usual
- pee that’s dark, cloudy or strong smelling
- pain low down in your tummy
Symptoms in young children may also include:
- a high temperature they feel hotter than usual if you touch their neck, back or tummy
- wetting themselves
- reduced appetite and being sick
- weakness and irritability
In older, frail people with cognitive impairment and people with a urinary catheter, symptoms may also include:
- changes in behaviour, such as acting confused or agitated
- wetting themselves more than usual
- shivering or shaking
Treatments For Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections can thankfully be treated with a course of antibiotics, which should show improvement within the first day of administration. However, make sure you do take the entire course of antibiotics you are prescribed, usually around a week, to completely eliminate bacteria and cure the infection.
Your doctor may also prescribe a medication to combat the pain and discomfort of urinating. If you think you are suffering from recurrent or chronic UTIs, it is important to tell your doctor to ensure you are receiving proper treatment.
In terms of home remedies, make sure you drink plenty of water to not only stay hydrated but also help flush out the bacteria. Use a heating pad on your abdomen and pelvis to relieve pressure. Avoid foods that can irritate your urinary system, including coffee, alcohol, and soda containing caffeine or citrus juice. Many people also turn to cranberry juice, though the efficacy of it is in doubt.
Some studies suggest that the tannins in cranberry juice keep bacteria from clinging to the walls of your urinary tract, but other studies have come up inconclusive.
Overall, thereâs no harm in drinking cranberry juice if you find it comforting, but you should avoid it if you are taking any blood-thinning medications.
Yeast infections all generally present the same set of symptoms, including:
- Thick white discharge
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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.
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Treatment From A Gp For Utis That Keep Coming Back
If your UTI comes back after treatment, you may have a urine test and be prescribed different antibiotics.
Your doctor or nurse will also offer advice on how to prevent UTIs.
If you keep getting UTIs and regularly need treatment, a GP may give you a repeat prescription for antibiotics.
If you have been through the menopause, you may be offered a vaginal cream containing oestrogen.
Take Probiotics And Vitamin C Supplements
Probiotics and vitamin C may help flush bacteria from the urinary tract to clear away UTIs. Probiotics contain healthy live bacteria that can destroy bad bacteria, while vitamin C can strengthen your immune system to fight disease and infection. Ask your doctor for recommendations on the best probiotics and vitamin C supplements you can take to make your UTI go away on its own.
Keep in mind that while youre trying to clear a UTI on your own, you may still experience symptoms. Symptoms of a UTI include:
- A strong urge to urinate
- A persistent need to urinate
- A burning sensation when urinating
- Pink, red, or dark urine
- Urine with a strong odor
- Passing small amounts of urine
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What Is A Urinary Tract Infection
A bacterial urinary tract infection is the most common kind of infection affecting the urinary tract. Urine, or pee, is the fluid that kidneys filter out of the bloodstream. Pee contains salts and waste products, but it doesnt normally contain bacteria. When bacteria get into the bladder or kidney and multiply in the pee, a UTI can happen.
There are three main types of UTI. Bacteria that infect only the urethra cause urethritis . Bacteria can also cause a bladder infection, which is called cystitis . Another, more serious kind of UTI is infection of the kidney itself, known as pyelonephritis . With this type of UTI, a person often has back pain, high fever, and vomiting.
The most common type of UTI is cystitis. These mostly just cause discomfort and inconvenience. Bladder infections can be quickly and easily treated. And its important to get treatment promptly to avoid the more serious infection that reaches the kidneys.
How To Know If You Have Uti
The symptoms of urinary infection consist of fever or chills , weakness, weight loss, vaginal pain, lower back pain, abdomen pain however, some of the symptoms depend on the location of the infected area.
Symptoms of lower UTI are:
- Increased urinating frequency however the amount of urine is decreased
An untreated urosepsis can lead to the fatal consequences like shock.
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Condom Use During Sex
Non-lubricated latex condoms may increase friction and irritate the skin during sexual intercourse. This may increase the risk of a UTI.
But there are many reasons to use condoms. Theyre important for reducing the spread of sexually transmitted infections and preventing unwanted pregnancy.
To help prevent friction and skin irritation from condoms, be sure to use enough water-based lubricant during sex.
Avoid using condoms coated with spermicide.
Who Gets Utis Which Children And Toddlers Are At Risk
UTIs are most common in immunosuppressed children and children who have been on antibiotics for a long period of time for other issues. If your child recently went through an organ transplantation, they are also more vulnerable to a urinary tract infection. Children can also be born with abnormalities of their urinary tract that make them more likely to get an infection.
Adults are also vulnerable to urinary tract infections.
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Who Is At Risk Of A Uti
Urinary tract infections can affect any person regardless of age, gender and ethnicity. They are, however, more common in females because they have shorter urethras, which are also closer to the rectum. This allows the bacteria to enter the urinary tract of the females more easily than that of the males.
Some of the other risk factors that increase the likelihood of UTIs are
How To Treat A Uti
The 2018 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence UTI guidelines suggest fluid and painkillers in self-care for simple UTIs with no signs of serious infection such as pyelonephritis or . They also suggest that in some situations patients should have back-up antibiotics to be taken if UTI symptoms worsen or after 48 hours if UTI symptoms are not settling. They leave open the option of giving a prescription to some women immediately. Men, pregnant women and under-16s should have a urine sample sent to the lab for culture and should be offered antibiotics to take straightaway.
Your pharmacist can advise on interim options to control UTI symptoms while you wait for them to resolve. For instance, they can provide sachets which alkalinise the urine, relieving burning and the desire to pass water.
Will a UTI go away on its own?
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Does Yogurt Prevent Or Treat Yeast Infections
Maybe. Studies suggest that eating eight ounces of yogurt with live cultures daily or taking Lactobacillus acidophilus capsules can help prevent infection.4,5
But, more research still needs to be done to say for sure if yogurt with Lactobacillus or other probiotics can prevent or treat vaginal yeast infections. If you think you have a yeast infection, see your doctor or nurse to make sure before taking any over-the-counter medicine.
Over The Counter Medications For Urinary Tract Infections
- Brand names listed as examples do not imply better quality over other brands. Generic equivalents may also exist.
- Use only as directed on the package, unless your healthcare provider instructs you to do otherwise.
- OTCs may interact with other medications or be potentially harmful if you have certain medical conditions. Talk to your pharmacist about options that are right for you.
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How Can You Support Antibiotics For Uti Treatment
To help the antibiotic work as effectively as possible:
- Drink six to eight, 8-oz. glasses of water per day.
- Dont ignore the urge to urinate. Use the bathroom as soon as possible.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing and cotton underwear.
- Strive to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.
- Manage your stress levels.
- Take the drug as directed without skipping doses.
What Are Potential Side Effects Of Antibiotics For Uti
In addition to the notable side effects weve already covered, there are a few more potential antibiotic side effects youll want to know about.
Most antibiotics can cause some degree of stomach upset like nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. If you have severe diarrhea or diarrhea that lasts for 2 or more days, let your healthcare provider know. Diarrhea is a common side effect while taking antibiotics and just after finishing them. But in some cases, diarrhea from antibiotics can be a sign of a more serious infection caused by Clostridium difficile bacteria.
Some people are also sensitive to antibiotics, which could result in a minor reaction like a rash or a more serious reaction like anaphylaxis. If you notice difficulty breathing or major skin changes after taking an antibiotic, get medical help right away.
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How Long Does Complicated Uti Last
Complex UTIs might linger for several weeks. A lot of factors can influence how long a severe urinary tract infection lasts, including:
whether youre a pregnant woman or postmenopausal
if the infection is caused by germs that are drug-resistant
if you have a catheter, stent, nephrostomy tubes, or other medical devices
if you have kidney stones or something abnormal in your urinary tract
If you have a chronic illness, such as diabetes or a weakened immune system 1
A Brief Intro To Utis
A UTI is an infection in the bladder or other areas of the urinary tract, like the urethra or kidneys, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. The infection is caused by bacteria.
Bacteria can enter the body, but the body usually has its own natural prevention. Urine flows through and flushes out bacteria, but sometimes the bacteria hasnt been fully flushed.
While UTIs can be uncomfortable and painful, they are easily treated with antibiotics. It is important to see your doctor if you have any of the following UTI symptoms.
- Pain or discomfort during urination
- A persistent need to urinate after having just gone
Guess what, UTI is not the only diagnosis responsible for UTI-like symptoms.
Unfortunately, this scenario happens way too often: you have had many well-diagnosed UTIs in the past, so when you complained of UTI-like symptoms, your doctor prescribed you antibiotics right away.
Sometimes, after you take antibiotics you could even feel better but then you notice that some symptoms still remained. This could be confusing, especially if antibiotics did bring you a slight relief.
Per Dr. Hawes, if you never had blood in your urine, cloudy urine, or funny smelling urine in the first place, if your only symptoms were bladder pain and slight burning with urination, then chances are high that it was not a UTI.
Medications and supplements that help to coat the lining of the bladder could greatly reduce these symptoms.
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Avoid Alcohol And Caffeine
Alcohol and caffeine are two things you should really not consume until your UTI is gone. Thats because they do the exact opposite of water: they make your urine very concentrated, which can irritate the bladder. You are more likely to experience more pain or discomfort while urinating if you continue to consume these beverages while you have a UTI.
But what if you just cant skip your morning cup of coffee? If you need caffeine in the morning to avoid getting a headache, try to drink just enough to prevent it or switch to a beverage with less caffeine content, like tea, until your UTI is better. Also, be sure to drink an extra cup or two of water to account for the caffeine you did have.
Causes Of Urinary Tract Infections
UTIs are usually caused by bacteria from poo entering the urinary tract.
The bacteria enter through the tube that carries pee out of the body .
Women have a shorter urethra than men. This means bacteria are more likely to reach the bladder or kidneys and cause an infection.
Things that increase the risk of bacteria getting into the bladder include:
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Urinate When The Need Arises
Bacteria in the urinary tract is always under pressure during frequent urination. This can help to clear them out.
It also brings down the amount of time that bacteria in the urine are exposed to cells in the urinary tract. Urinating at the right time usually reduces the risk associated with attaching and forming an infection.
It is advisable to always urinate as soon as possible when the urge comes in order to help prevent and treat UTIs.
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How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Uti In The Elderly
Treatment typically lasts no more than 7 days, and your infection should clear up in a few days. Its important to drink plenty of water during treatment to help flush out the remaining bacteria. People who have two or more UTIs in 6 months or three or more UTIs in 12 months can use prophylactic antibiotics.
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Urgent Advice: Ask For An Urgent Gp Appointment Or Get Help From Nhs 111 If:
You think you, your child or someone you care for may have a urinary tract infection and:
- a very high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery
- a very low temperature below 36C
- are confused, drowsy or have difficulty speaking
- have not been for a pee all day
- have pain in the lower tummy or in the back, just under the ribs
- can see blood in their pee
These symptoms could mean you have a kidney infection, which can be serious if it’s not treated as it could cause .
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.