UTIs are no rarity, especially for women and older people. The kidneys filter out waste products; in this organ, a tube attaches the kidney to the bladder (ureter). The bladder sends the brain the signal for urination; urine passes through the urethra when it is time to leave.
One of the urinary system’s goals is to prevent kidney infection. It does so by stopping urine from entering the kidneys through the bladder. Sadly, many urinary infections are attached to the bladder. Although they are infections and cause symptoms, they are not as severe.
Detecting a UTI
Before a UTI can be treated, it needs to be detected. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be detected with the help of a Urinalysis. This test screens a urine sample from a patient for various diseases and helps diagnose a UTI for a person who may not experience other symptoms. Hazy and cloudy urine test results also denote that the patient may be suffering from a UTI.
Other symptoms of a UTI are:
- Chills
- Fever
- Pelvic pain
- Vomiting
You can call your doctor for assistance if you have these symptoms.
Ways To Treat A UTI
When a condition or disease is detected early, it allows immediate treatment.
For UTIs, the following are treatments for the condition:
- Antibiotics
Antibiotics are prescribed; they help treat UTIs by directly eliminating or preventing the bacteria from continuously growing.
The type of antibiotic that your doctor will prescribe can also depend on the following:
- Type and severity of infection
- Potential for complications
- The current state of your health
Some examples of probiotics used for UTI treatment are Nitrofurantoin, Bactrim, Fosfomycin, and Ceftriaxone.
- Drinking Cranberry Juice
Cranberries have proanthocyanidins, which prevent E. coli from attaching to bladder cells. Although the current research body of evidence is still inconsistent, there is still research proof that cranberry products can help lower the risk of UTI with cranberry products. It is safe, although its notable side effects include upset stomach or diarrhea.
- Drinking Water Regularly
Urination can be challenging and painful when one has a UTI, but drinking plenty of water is essential. Adults need 6-8 glasses of water every day. The more water you drink, the more you urinate; the act helps filter out harmful bacteria from the urinary tract.
- Regular Peeing
When in doubt, and as soon as you feel like peeing, go for the bathroom! Bacteria accumulate and multiply in the urinary tract when one holds in their pee.
When you urinate, it is important to empty your bladder entirely. It is also important to urinate before and after sex.
- Probiotics
Probiotics encourage immunity and healthy digestion. When used with standard antibiotic therapy, they make treatment and prevention of UTIs more effective.
UTI Prevention Tips
- Regular Screening
Regular screening is crucial in monitoring one’s health. Check-ups, like the executive check-up, are instrumental in detecting diseases early, getting immediate treatment, helping people monitor their health, and encouraging patients to make more proactive health choices to avoid diseases.
- Wash Your Genitals Properly
Ensure proper hygiene in your genital area. Refrain from using scented products, as they can irritate your genitals. We recommend using a gentle cleanser or a specialized solution, such as a feminine wash.
- Drink Water
Drinking your water works both ways as treatment and prevention for a UTI. Water helps filter out nasty infection-causing bacteria from your body and helps your body stay functional.
- Showers Instead of Baths
Trade in your baths for showers! Soap used in baths can irritate the Urinary tract, and bacteria accumulate faster, especially in warm and hot bathwater.
- Wrapping Up
Although challenging to navigate, UTI is still a treatable condition that can also be prevented. If you have a UTI, we highly recommend consulting your doctor, especially if you may have a bladder or kidney infection. Through screening and early detection, you can prevent infection from worsening and spreading—and save lives, too!