According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the second most common infection in the United States. UTIs involve a high level of pain and discomfort. The symptoms include a burning sensation during urination, frequent need to urinate, blood in the urine, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, fever and lower back or abdominal pain. An individual may have one or all of these symptoms, and because UTIs can progress to harmful situations it's important to seek professional help when dealing with serious infections.
Whether or not your doctor has prescribed antibiotics to treat your infection, there are a number of home remedies that can help you address the pain and fight the infection.
Water
Drinking large quantities of water helps physically flush bacteria from the urinary tract and helps prevent stagnant urine that can breed more bacterial colonies. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), it's important to drink at least six to eight glasses of water per day when treating a UTI. When the need to urinate comes, don't postpone it.
Heat
A heating pad or hot water bottle placed on the lower back or abdomen can help with the intense pain that can accompany a UTI. A warm shower can help distract you and ease the pain as well.
Avoid
Eliminate caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and spicy foods which can irritate the bladder and cause muscle spasms. Additionally, UMMC recommends that individuals being treated for a UTI avoid sexual intercourse until the treatment is completed. Because any further irritation of the urethra and urinary tract is detrimental, do not use feminine hygiene sprays or douches.
Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice helps fight UTIs by making the urine more acidic, thus deterring bacterial growth. The Harvard Medical School states that cranberry juice also contains a chemical compound that can help prevent bacteria from sticking and colonizing on the walls of the urinary tract. Buy prepared cranberry juice or make your own.
Avoid Contamination
A healthy urinary tract is sterile, meaning that it contains no bacteria. Infections occur because bacteria entered through the urethra. To avoid introducing even more bacteria into your urinary tract during a UTI, practice proper hygiene and wipe from front to back after urinating or a bowel movement.
Immune System
Strengthen your immune system to help it fight the UTI for you. Include large amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet to provide you with needed vitamins and minerals. Be sure to get adequate sleep to allow your body to be well rested and equipped to deal with the infection.
