The urethra, bladder, ureters and kidneys make up the urinary tract. When bacteria, commonly E. coli, enter the urethra, a urinary tract infection often occurs. The most common type is a bladder infection, also known as cystitis. The infection most often occurs in women. The Cleveland Clinic reports that one in five women will get a UTI infection at least once in their lives. UTIs, when treated, rarely have complications. But if they reach the kidneys they are considered more severe and must be monitored to avoid systemic infection.
Step 1
Confirm you have a urinary tract infection. Visit a doctor to have your urine checked for bacteria. Also have your red and white blood-cell levels checked, as they can indicate the presence of an infection. The urine will be cultured to determine the type of bacteria present so the appropriate medication can be prescribed.
Step 2
Take the full course of your medication--which will probably be amoxicillin, doxycycline or nitrofurantoin--as prescribed. Never stop taking the antibiotic, even if symptoms lessen, as the bacteria may still be present. Also take an over-the-counter pain medication if you need to. Look for key ingredient phenazopyridine.
Step 3
Flush out the urinary tract by drinking plenty of water, sugar-free cranberry juice or sports beverages. Avoid caffeinated drinks such as tea, coffee or colas, which irritate the urinary tract and dehydrate the body.
Step 4
Contact a doctor if symptoms persist after 48 hours of initial treatment. Consult a doctor if there is any chance you are pregnant or if this is your fourth UTI in a year. Fever, chills and vomiting may indicate that the infection has traveled to the kidneys, and additional measures must be taken.
Things You'll Need
- Urine sample
- Antibiotic medications
- Pain medications
- Water
- Sugar-free cranberry juice
- Sports beverages
