|  | Conditions Treatments | Urinary Disorders

About Effective Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections

A urinary tract infection is a type of bacterial infection. It can involve any part of the urinary system, including the urethra--the tube that transports urine from the bladder to the outside of the body, bladder, kidneys and ureters.

  1. Treatment

    • Urinary tract infections are typically treated with antibiotics. Amoxicillin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim are among those that may be prescribed.

    Time Frame

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, urinary tract infection symptoms are often relieved after just a few days of effective antibiotic treatment. However, a person may need to take antibiotics for a week or longer to ensure that all of the bacteria is eliminated.

    Pain

    • Because antibiotic treatment may not bring about fast pain relief, a doctor may prescribe a pain medication for use while treating a urinary tract infection with antibiotics.

    Self-Care

    • There are some things a person can do to help ensure the successful treatment of her urinary tract infection, such as drinking a lot of water and placing a heating pad on the lower abdominal area. The water can help flush bacteria out of the bladder, and the heating pad can help make her more comfortable by relieving some of her bladder pressure.

    Complications

    • An untreated urinary tract infection can develop into a more serious kidney infection, which may require hospitalization. Seek a doctor's evaluation at the first sign of a urinary tract infection, such as pain during urination and an abnormally frequent urge to urinate.

Urinary Disorders - Related Articles