Causes & Treatments for Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections are caused by a bacteria that can migrate from the urinary duct and urethra into the bladder. Often, pregnancy, increased sexual activity, and diabetes can spawn an infection. Others develop with no obvious “trigger” and can occur in anyone, and at any time.
Typical symptoms of a urinary tract infection include:
– Frequent Urination
– Little Urine Production
– Pain During Urination
– Itching Sensations During & After Urination
– “Leaking” while sleeping or while active
– Foul Odors During Urination
– Blood in the Urine
Symptoms can vary from patient to patient, and range from moderate to severe. Some people experience no symptoms at all until the final stages of the infection, while others notice symptoms right away. Urinary tract infections can be difficult to pinpoint because they are shared with other diseases and disorders.
Urinary tract infections will usually disapear on their own within two or three weeks, but it always best to see a doctor to make sure that nothing else is wrong. Your physician can also prescribe medicine for your urinary tract infection, which will not only help with the painful or uncomfortable symptoms, but will also clear the infection much faster.
Treatment for urinary tract infections can include:
Antibiotics – since a urinary tract infection is caused by a bacteria, it can be cured by antibiotics prescribed by your physician. It is important to take the entire prescription because even if the symptoms disapear, stopping early can cause a second infection.
Rest – as with any infection, it is important to get plenty of sleep while you have a urinary tract infection. If you have a fever, you can take aspirin to cool it, and you should stay in bed.
Drink Water – infections involving the urinary tract, bladder, kidneys or urethra can be helped substantially by drinking lots of water. This helps to flush out the kidneys and bladder, thus cleaning the infected areas. Six 8-oz. glasses of water per day is recommended while you are infected.
Urinate Often – go to the bathroom every time you get the urge, and try to empty the bladder as often as possible. Urine produces toxins in the body on which bacteria thrives.
Avoid Caffeine – sodas, coffee and other caffeinated beverages will irritate the bladder and make getting rid of the urinary tract infection more difficult
Take Showers – baths are not recommended for patients with urinary tract infections, and it is important to wash with a non-irritating soap, especially around the genital area.
Avoid Sex – sexual intercourse will aggravate the urinary tract infection and might cause a secondary infection to form.
