A UTI, or urinary tract infection, is any infection that affects the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. These types of infections usually affect the lower urinary tract and most infections affect women. The infection is characterized by pain or burning sensation when urinating. Often times and infected person will only be able to pass a small amount of urine or there may be blood present in it. Treating a UTI is easy to do, but it must be done quickly as your body can become damaged if the infection spreads to the kidneys.
Step 1
Drink plenty of water and other fluids. Often, a doctor will prescribe cranberry juice in addition to water. The prevailing theory behind the use of cranberry juice is that keeps bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urethra. While this is true, it has more to do with the fact that it is an anti-oxidant than any special property. Any anti-oxidant will have the same effect.
Step 2
Use a heating pad. Warm up a heating pad to a comfortable temperature and place it on your abdomen. The heat will sooth the pain you are feeling and will help the infection heal.
Step 3
Take prescription medication. Generally, a doctor will prescribe mild medication to take care of the infection. Typical prescriptions include amoxicillin, nitrofurantoin, ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin. With drugs, the symptoms will usually clear up in a few days.
Step 4
Hospitalization may be necessary for severe infections, infections that have spread to the kidneys, or recurrent infections. A stay in the hospital will usually be accompanied with a large dose of intravenous antibiotics.
Tips and Warnings
- If you are prone to UTI's, make sure you know the causes and risk factors associated with them. Possible causes of UTIs are sexual intercourse, using certain types of birth control, kidney stones and aging
- Don't try to treat a UTI by yourself. More often than not you will need some sort of medication to treat the infection and only a doctor can prescribe the best medication for you.
Things You'll Need
- Cranberry juice
- Water
- Heating pad
- Antibiotics
