What is a urinary tract infection?
As the name implies, it is an inflammation of the urinary tract caused by a bacterial infection. E. Coli is the most common bacteria involved with UTIs, but other bacterial agents are known to cause a urinary tract infection.
The symptoms of urinary tract infection can be painful and annoying, often leading the patient to seek help from urinary tract infection remedies.
How do you get a urinary tract infection?
Generally, these types of infections are caused by bacteria outside the body that take hold in the urinary tract. Poor hygiene and sexual intercourse are among the main ways these bacteria enter.
Irritants such as catheters can increase the chances of getting a urinary tract infection by wearing down the protective layers of tissue in the urinary tract.
Does the infection ever come from the urine itself?
Rarely. Urine is a solution designed to remove chemicals and impurities from our body. To protect the body, it contains a series of powerful antibiotic substances, including ammonia, which gives it its characteristic odor. Under normal conditions, the urine is almost sterile.
What are the symptoms of a urinary tract infection?
- Pain or discomfort when urinating.
- Frequent urination or difficulty urinating.
- Cloudy urine, caused by pus.
- Slight pink color in the urine, caused by blood.
When should I seek medical help?
Although most urinary tract infections will clear up over time, it is never a bad idea to seek medical attention when you suspect an infection.
However, if the above symptoms are accompanied by a high fever, nausea, dizziness, abdominal or back pain, seek medical help immediately. The infection may have migrated to the kidneys and, at this point, could be life-threatening.
Can I use regular antibiotics as a remedy for urinary tract infections?
It is never recommended to use prescription drugs for any treatment other than what they were prescribed for. This is even more true in the case of remedies for urinary tract infections. Extreme and unusual chemical conditions in the urinary tract actually neutralize the active ingredients in many standard antibiotics, rendering them ineffective and even useless as remedies for urinary tract infections.
What can I do to prevent a urinary tract infection?
Proper hygiene is at the top of the list, especially for women, who are more prone to urinary tract infections than men.
Keep the affected area clean. It is also recommended to urinate shortly after having sex.
Are there any remedies for urinary tract infections available without a prescription?
Over-the-counter or home remedies for urinary tract infections include:
- Drink a lot of water. This will help cleanse the system and reduce the level of bacteria to the point where your immune system can handle it.
- Avoid sugar, which will help feed bacteria.
- Unsweetened cranberry juice is a proven remedy for urinary tract infections. The chemicals in the juice help prevent bacteria from finding a grip on the walls of the urinary tract.
- Orange juice and other acidic fruit juices help increase the acidic content of your urine, which will further inhibit bacterial growth.