A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is a common ailment that can be excruciatingly painful. A bacteria, such as E. coli, invading the kidneys, bladder, urethra or ureters, usually cause the UTI. According to the Merck Manuals, the symptoms of a UTI can produce an urgent need to urinate, painful urination and, at times, blood in the urine. It can be accompanied by nausea, fever and vomiting. In mild cases, a UTI may be treated at home, but it will require a consultation with a medical professional and antibiotics if it does not respond to home treatment within 24 hours.
Step 1
Avoid certain foods. Some food items can make a UTI feel worse. Alcohol, caffeine, carbonated soda, spicy foods and artificial sweeteners can all irritate the urinary tract.
Step 2
Drink lots of water. Water acts to cleanse the urinary tract and wash away the toxins produced from the bacteria. According to the Mayo Clinic, it dilutes the urine, flushing away the bacteria and their debris. Drinking the recommended eight to ten 8-oz. glasses of water a day can help.
Step 3
Drink cranberry juice or take cranberry tablets. Although it has not been definitively proven, the Mayo Clinic states it appears that cranberry juice and tablets containing proanthocyanidin may have some properties that help fight the infection. It has been determined that taking either of them does help reduce the recurrence of some UTIs.
Step 4
Alkalinize the urine. According to UrologyChannel, although it has not been proven, it is thought that an alkaline urine can help clear a UTI. Drinking potassium citrate and sodium citrate can help alkalinize the urine.
Step 5
Use heat therapy. Placing a heating pad over the abdomen can help relieve the pain and pressure of a UTI, according to the Mayo Clinic. Set the heating pad to medium heat and do not place it directly on the skin.
Step 6
Take pain medication. To relieve pain, take acetaminophen. To reduce inflammation, take ibuprofen. When taking over-the-counter medication, follow all the label directions.
Step 7
Take a sitz bath. Immersing yourself in a bathtub full of warm water may help to relieve some of the discomfort of a UTI. The bath should last 15 to 20 minutes, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Things You'll Need
- Water
- Cranberry juice or cranberry supplements
- Potassium citrate
- Sodium citrate
- Heating pad
- Acetaminophen
- Ibuprofen
- Bathtub
- Warm water
