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Uniary Tract Infection Treatment

A urinary tract infection is a common infection that affects the urinary system--the bladder, urethra, kidneys and ureters. Most urinary tract infections, or UTIs, involve the urethra and bladder. The condition is much more common in women than men. It is estimated that more than 7 million doctor and hospital visits in the United States each year are the result of UTIs. In general, the higher up the urinary tract the infection is, the more serious it is. The kidneys are the highest point of the urinary tract, and a kidney infection can sometimes cause serious complications.

  1. Antibiotics

    • Most simple urinary tract infections can be treated with common antibiotics such as Cipro, Levaquin, Amoxil, Trimox, Bactrim, Macrodantin and Furadantin. As with all antibiotics, it is important to take the entire prescribed course of the drug, even though symptoms may clear up within a few days. People who experience chronic UTIs are also generally treated with antibiotics, but a doctor may prescribe a longer course of the drug. Some patients who experience recurrent UTIs may also be prescribed a dose of an antibiotic to take after sexual intercourse if it has proven to lead to infections in the past. In patients with severe urinary tract infections, hospitalization may be required so intravenous antibiotics can be used to treat the infection and the patient can be monitored.

    Hydration

    • When you have a urinary tract infection, it is important to stay properly hydrated to dilute your urine, which will help your body get rid of the bacteria faster. To stay hydrated, drink plenty of water. Also, be sure to avoid coffee, soft drinks and other caffeinated beverages because they can worsen the frequent need to urinate and can also have a dehydrating effect on the body. Spicy foods and citrus juices should also be avoided because they can irritate the bladder and urinary tract.

    Pain Relief

    • A urinary tract infection can be a painful condition, especially if the kidneys and bladder are involved. Most patients will be able to successfully alleviate the pain using over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen. However, aspirin should never be given to children because it can cause Reye's syndrome. Be sure to follow proper dosing instructions when using over-the-counter pain relievers. Some patients may also find relief by using a heating pad or hot-water bottle on the affected area because it can alleviate pain and relieve pressure caused by inflammation.

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