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How to Treat a Urinary Tract Infection

February 09, 2021 | Farah Jassawalla

Urine is dispelled from the body as a form of waste. The body absorbs the necessary nutrients when we consume food and water, and the remainder gets discarded in stool or urine. Liquid waste is urine, while solid waste is stool.

The color and amount of urine dispelled from the body usually depend on the amount of water taken in. Therefore, urine and its proper expulsion from the body are critical factors and processes that one must be careful about.

This is a natural process; however, sometimes, as is with most parts of the body, the organs responsible for helping you with the discharge may develop an infection. For example, the body parts of the urinary tract are the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra; a condition in any of these parts would lead to a urinary tract infection.

What is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?

A Urinary Tract Infection is an inflammation in the urinary tract, namely the Kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Most infections occur in the lower lot, the bladder, and the urethra.

UTIs are pretty standard; in the United States, it is the second most common infection within the population. Comparatively, women are more likely to be infected than men. The statistics show that around 8 million people in the United States visit the doctor regarding UTIs.

There is a 10 in 25 chance that a woman could have the infection, while a 3 in 25 chance that a man could. However, due to the nature of the disease, many people are unaware of the signs and symptoms, and even if they are, a smaller amount knows what to do if they get infected.

One should be aware of some signs and symptoms to know that they have a UTI. A UTI that remains limited to the bladder and the urethra can be treated very easily. However, if the infection spreads to the kidneys, it could lead to more issues for the patient.

Some common signs include urinating pain, a strong, persistent urge to urinate, and passing urine in small quantities despite the strong desire for urination. Moreover, there are also some physical signs of a UTI. For example, the urine may seem to be cloudy or differently colored. In addition, the urine could contain blood or even have a strong smell. For females, there could be some pain in the pelvic area as well.

Treatment

Knowing how to treat a UTI is as vital as learning when someone has a UTI. One standard treatment method at home is frequently consuming liquids like water and juices. In addition, experts highly recommend some fluids, such as water and cranberry juices.

It is also recommended to ensure that the urinary  tract is as clean as possible; this includes wiping thoroughly after going to the bathroom and avoiding any irritating products, especially feminine products, near the area.

UTIs are generally developed when harmful bacteria enter the urinary tract, and depending on the severity of the infection, one should get it treated accordingly. Although home remedies may be beneficial in some cases, one may have to refer to a doctor in more severe cases. After conducting a checkup and getting some tests done, the doctor may recommend antibiotics to fight off the infection.

Our clinical experts continually monitor the health and medical content posted on CURA4U, and we update our blogs and articles when new information becomes available. Last reviewed by Dr. Saad Zia on May 8th, 2023.

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