What is a urinary tract infection?
As its name implies, it is the 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.
UTI symptoms can be painful and bothersome, often leading the sufferer to seek help with UTI remedies.
How do you get a urinary tract infection?
Generally, these types of infections are caused by bacteria from outside the body that gain a foothold in the urinary tract. Poor hygiene and sexual intercourse are among the main ways these bacteria enter.
Irritants like catheters can increase your chances of getting a UTI by wearing down the protective layers of tissue in the urinary tract itself.
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 smell. Under normal conditions, 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 pinkish hue in the urine, caused by blood.
When should I seek medical help?
Although most urinary tract infections will clear up over time, it’s never a bad idea to seek medical attention when an infection is suspected.
However, if the above symptoms are accompanied by 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 remedies 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 of remedies for urinary tract infections. The 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 soon after sex.
Are there any remedies for urinary tract infection available without a prescription?
Over-the-counter or home remedies for urinary tract infection 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 lodging on the walls of the urinary tract.
- Orange juice and other acidic fruit juices help by increasing the acid content of the urine, which will further inhibit bacterial growth.
