How To Get Rid Of A UTI Quickly?
UTIs rank as the second most common type of infection in the body, resulting in countless visits to the doctor each year. Although more common in women, most people experience a urinary tract infection once in their lifetime, and the symptoms are indeed very unpleasant. The following article explores ways to get rid of a UTI quickly!
What is a UTI?
An infection in a part of your urinary system is termed as a urinary tract infection (UTI). The urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. The urethra and bladder are referred to as the lower tract whereas the ureters and kidneys are referred to as the upper tract. Most infections involve the lower part, but upper tract UTIs can lead to more complications.
Primarily UTIs affect the bladder and urethra.
- Infection of the bladder is also known as cystitis. E. coli usually causes this type of UTI. However, other types of bacteria can also lead to UTIs.
- Infection of the urethra is called urethritis. This type of UTI can occur when bacteria spread from the anus to the urethra. Since the female urethra is in close proximity to the vagina, sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia and mycoplasma, can cause urethritis.
Causes of UTI
Urinary tract infections are caused due to bacteria entering the urinary tract through the urethra and multiplying in the bladder. Bacteria mainly cause UTIs, but in some cases, fungi or viruses may be the culprit. The bacterial pathogens involved in UTIs include Gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, etc. Amongst Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus species or Staphylococcus saprophyticus are most commonly responsible for UTIs.
Symptoms of UTI
Some symptoms of UTI include:
- Burning or pain with urination
- Increased frequency of urination
- Increased urgency of urination
- Cloudy urine
- Blood in the urine (red, bright pink or cola-coloured urine)
- Strong odour
- Pelvic pain (in women)
- Rectal pain(in men)
If the UTI involves the kidneys, the infection can be potentially life-threatening. Additional symptoms that suggest the involvement of the upper tract include:
- High-grade fever
- Pain and tenderness in the upper back or sides(flank pain)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Chills
Risk Factors
Risk factors specific to women for developing UTIs:
- Short urethra
A woman has a shorter urethra compared to a man. Therefore, bacteria reach the bladder quickly.
- Sexual activity.
Sexually active women are predisposed to getting UTIs more frequently than those who are sexually inactive.
- Use of diaphragms and spermicides:
Women using diaphragms as a method of birth control are at higher risk as diaphragms can result in delayed emptying of urine, putting pressure on the bladder, and increasing chances of bacterial growth. In addition, spermicidal agents disrupt vaginal flora making one more prone to getting a UTI.
After menopause, a decrease in estrogen can bring about changes in the urinary tract. This can make a woman more prone to developing a UTI.
Additional risk factors include:
- Urinary tract abnormalities.
Urinary tract abnormalities arise from abnormal development of the structures since birth. This can lead to a collection of urine inside the body, resulting in infections.
Obstructions:
- Kidney stones, enlarged prostate or a tumour, can increase the risk of UTIs.
- A weakened immune system.
Diseases such as diabetes that weaken the immune system increase the risk of UTIs.
- Catheter use
Individuals unable to urinate due to a neurological condition such as stroke or those who are hospitalised have to use catheters. Unfortunately, this increases the chances of developing a UTI as well.
- Previous history of a UTI
Women commonly develop recurrent infections.
Diagnosis of a UTI
Most people are well aware and recognise the symptoms of a urinary tract infection immediately. However, if you are unsure, you should contact a doctor and discuss your symptoms. In order to confirm a diagnosis of a UTI, your doctor may order a urine routine test and a urine culture.
The routine test identifies an infection, while culture can help identify the exact causative organism, thereby helping choose a more specific treatment.
Best Antibiotics For UTIs
UTIs are curable and should be treated at the right time to prevent complications such as kidney infections. If you have developed symptoms of a UTI, the fastest way to get relief is by taking an antibiotic to treat the condition.
Commonly prescribed antibiotics used for treating UTIs include:
- Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim DS): Dosed as one double-strength tablet (160/800 mg) is taken twice daily for 5-7 days. It is often the first choice because it effectively relieves the symptoms rapidly.
However, if a person is allergic to sulfa drugs, other options are considered.
- Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid): Dosed as a 100mg tablet is another first choice for UTIs. It must be taken twice daily for 7-10 days to ensure the infection resolves completely.
- Ciprofloxacin (Cipro): Dosed as 500mg is taken twice daily for 5-7 days. It works quickly. Although, increasing antibiotic resistance is a concern and needs to be considered while prescribing this.
Some common side effects of antibiotics reported by the patients include nausea, stomach upset, and diarrhoea. Taking your medication with food may help reduce some of these side effects.
To determine the best course of antibiotics for you, it is best to consult with a health care provider. You can do so by consulting an online doctor at Your Doctors Online. We have the most straightforward way in place for you to get antibiotics and get instant UTI relief. The doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics delivered to the pharmacy of your choice. There is no need to wait or suffer; get your UTI medication online right away!
Home Remedies For UTIs
Some effective natural remedies for UTI treatment without antibiotics include:
- Drinking lots of water:
Ensuring hydration helps flush bacteria out of your system.
2. Drink cranberry juice:
Cranberry contains a compound that stops the bacteria from adhering to your bladder hence helping your body flush bacteria out.
3. Consuming probiotics
Probiotics can help restore the normal flora of the human body. Thereby, helping one recover from an infection.
4. Consuming Vitamin C:
Vitamin C can aid in killing bacteria because of its acidic properties.
5. Consuming Garlic
Garlic has antibacterial properties and consuming it may help combat urinary tract infections.
6. Avoid caffeine and alcohol
Caffeine and alcohol have the ability to make your urine more concentrated, increasing the chances of worsening the infection. Therefore, it is best to avoid such beverages to prevent a UTI.
7. Maintain good genital hygiene:
Ensure to wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from entering your private area. Also, emptying your bladder after having intercourse may help prevent a UTI.
However, it is always wise to consult a doctor for the appropriate treatment to prevent complications.
Recurrent UTIs
Mostly UTIs resolve after treatment. Although, some people develop chronic UTIs. The infection either doesn’t go away or keeps on recurring. In such cases, your physician may order further tests such as an ultrasound, cystoscopy, CT scan or an intravenous pyelogram (IVP).
Consult with our doctor right away!
If you are currently experiencing pain while urinating or are miserable because of endless trips to the bathroom, connect with us right away! Our online doctors will be able to advise you on how to get rid of a UTI in 24 hours and for urinary tract infection treatment!
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