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Urinary Infection Cure

Urinary infections, often called urinary tract infections or UTIs for short, typically occur when bacteria gains entry to the urinary tract. Infection can affect the urethra, bladder, and in more severe cases it can spread to the kidneys. There are several ways to effectively limit UTI symptoms and cure the infection.

  1. Home Remedies

    • UTIs may not be effectively cured with home remedies alone, but certain measures you can take at home can limit, prevent and in some cases get rid of infection. Drinking ample amounts of water will help flush your system of infection. Cranberry juice tends to be especially helpful for combating urinary infections. Stay away from drinks that can aggregate your urinary system, such as coffee and alcohol. To prevent infections, urinate whenever you feel the need, and immediately after sexual activity. It can also help to take showers instead of baths. If you suspect you have a UTI, you should still consult a doctor; don't rely on home remedies as your sole way of combating infection, as it may allow the infection to spread.

    Antibiotics

    • Antibiotics are the normal cure for urinary infections and are very effective in that regard. Often urinary symptoms associated with an infection such as frequent urination and discomfort during urination will disappear within a couple days of starting on an antibiotic course. According to the Mayo Clinic, some common antibiotics for treating UTIs are Amoxicillin, Ciprofloxacin and Levofloxacin. After symptoms dissipate, the antibiotics must usually be taken for another week or two to ensure that the infection is eradicated. In mild cases a doctor will prescribe a shorter course of drugs, and in more severe cases pain medication can help alleviate discomfort while urinating.

    Severe Infections

    • If a urinary infection progresses to the point where the bladder and kidneys are infected, more drastic measures may have to be taken to cure the problem. Hospitalization and intravenous administration of antibiotics may be required if the infection is at an advanced stage. If kidney function is significantly impaired by the infection, you may have to undergo dialysis--a process where machines assist the body with processing waste in place of the kidneys. An untreated UTI may lead to permanent kidney damage, but UTIs can almost always be prevented from reaching this stage by recognizing the symptoms and getting proper medication. UTIs are more prevalent in women, so it is important for women to know the symptoms of a UTI so that they can begin taking steps to cure the infection as soon as possible.

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