A simple guide to taking care of UTIs

By Juveriya Momin, Registered Pharmacist

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are quite frequent, especially in women. UTIs are typically an infection of the lower urinary tract, which includes the bladder and urethra. A urinary tract infection, or UTI, occurs when germs enter your urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, bladder, and urethra. Every year, more than 8.1 million people seek medical attention for UTIs. Approximately 60% of women and 12% of men will develop at least one UTI over their lives. Fever and upper back pain are common symptoms of kidney infections, which usually occur on one side. Nausea and vomiting are also common side effects of kidney infections.

These infections must be treated immediately since a kidney infection can spread to the bloodstream and pose a life-threatening health risk. Treatment options include IV antibiotics for UTI, combination treatment and liquid medicines for urine infection for better results.

Here’s a quick guide to dealing with urinary tract infections (UTIs):

HYDRATION: Drink a lot of water. You must aim for at least 8 glasses of water each day. This will help to expel bacteria from your urinary tract. Urinate frequently; don’t hold it in. Urinate as needed to clean out microorganisms in your urinary tract.

PERSONAL HYGIENE: Keep your genitals clean and dry.

CRANBERRY JUICE: According to some research, cranberry juice or cranberry supplements have been proven to help prevent UTIs by preventing germs from adhering to the urinary tract walls. You can combine this juice along with the best medicines for UTI either in liquid medicines or IV antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.

AVOID IRRITANTS: Do not use any potentially irritating feminine items, such as deodorant sprays, since they can upset the normal balance of germs in the genital area.

ANTIBIOTICS: If you are diagnosed with a UTI, your doctor will most likely prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. This will be either liquid medicine for urine infection or IV antibiotics for better results.

Even if you begin to feel better, it is important to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed.

FOLLOW-UP: After finishing your antibiotics, contact your doctor if your symptoms persist or worsen, as further testing may be required.

COMFORT MEASURES: Applying a heating pad to your abdomen or back will help relieve some of the pain and suffering caused by a UTI. Medical Attention: If you suspect you have a UTI or are suffering symptoms such as a frequent urge to urinate, a burning feeling while urinating, weird or strong-smelling urine, or pelvic pain, consult a healthcare practitioner right away.

PREVENT RECURRENCE: To avoid future UTIs, you have to keep drinking plenty of water, urinate after sexual intercourse, and practice properly. If you do not see any changes with current meds you can consult your doctor for the best medicines for UTI with strong actions.

AVOID CERTAIN BEVERAGES: Caffeine, alcohol, and citrus drinks can irritate your bladder and worsen the UTI symptoms. This may interfere with antibiotics.

EMPTY BLADDER COMPLETELY: When you urinate, make sure to empty your bladder. This improves the efficiency with which microorganisms are removed.

PROPER APPAREL: Use loose-fitting, breathable pants and loose clothes to keep the genital area dry and decrease dampness, which can harbour bacteria.

URINATE BEFORE AND AFTER SEX: Urinating before and after sexual intercourse is important; this aids in the removal of microorganisms that might have entered the urinary tract during sexual activity.

PROBIOTICS: According to some research, probiotics, particularly those containing Lactobacillus species, may help maintain a healthy bacterial balance in the urinary tract. Discuss with your doctor whether probiotics are right for you.

MANAGE PAIN: Over-the-counter pain medicines like paracetamol or acetaminophen can help decrease the discomfort caused by UTI symptoms such as pelvic pain or fever. Always adhere to the dosing directions on the label.

Although UTIs are more common in women, they can also affect males and children.