1. Irrigate Your Bladder
The easiest way to remedy a mild bacterial infection in your urinary tract is to let the urine itself do the job. The more you drink, the more you will need to urinate. Additional fluids will also dilute the bacteria and move them along and out of your body. Drinking water is fine, and drinking cranberry or blueberry juice can be even more effective. It was once thought that cranberry juice acidified the urine, making it hostile to bacterial growth, but new research shows that what it actually does is prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder walls and multiplying. Blueberry juice is believed to have the same effect. Whether you choose water, juice or some other fluid, you should try to consume 10 8-ounce glasses of liquid per day. Be sure to avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, however, as these can irritate your bladder.
2. Try an Herbal Remedy
In addition to fluid therapy, certain herbal remedies are known to promote urinary tract health and help fight infections. Birch leaves and dandelion leaves both work as diuretics, helping to flush any harmful toxins out of the body. Uva ursi, a member of the blueberry family, is another diuretic and it contains antiseptic properties that can help cleanse and disinfect the urinary tract. Garlic has antibiotic properties and can stimulate your immune system, as can barberry.
3. Pick Up an OTC
Phenazopyridine hydrochloride, a medication frequently prescribed by doctors to relieve urinary discomfort, was, up until a few years ago, available only by prescription. There are now several remedies available over the counter that contain this ingredient, including AZO Standard and Uristat. Although these medication can be effective in relieving bladder pain, they do not treat the infection itself. It is common for these types of medications to cause your urine to change color, to almost a reddish-orange hue, so don't be alarmed if this occurs. It's a harmless side effect that will go away as soon as the medication has fully left your body.
4. Get a Prescription for Antibiotics
If your urinary tract infection does not clear up after a few days, you should make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible so that you can be prescribed the antibiotics that may be necessary to cure the bacteria. Treatment is usually in the form of an oral antibiotic such as trimethoprim, one of the cephalosporins, nitrofurantoin or a type of fluoroquinolone. You'll usually need to take your medicine for three to five days.
