Home Remedies For Uti
A quick internet search yields plenty of articles swearing that certain home remedies like cranberry juice cure a UTI. Most of these treatments are safe to try in moderation, but they shouldnt take the place of seeking a trained professionals advice.
For example, some scientific evidence suggests that an active ingredient in cranberries called proanthocyanidins may stop bacteria like E. coli from adhering to the urinary tract, making it less likely that the bacteria will stick around and cause an infection. Certain probiotics and vitamin C supplements may also help prevent UTIs, and probiotics have the added benefit of reducing diarrhea caused by being on antibiotics. However, more research is necessary to prove these alternative treatments are effective.
If you choose to try any home remedy, remember that untreated UTIs can worsen over time and turn into kidney infection, which can lead to emergency hospitalization in serious cases. A UTI isnt something you want to put off or avoid talking to your doctor about. Call them at the first sign of symptoms.
Drink Plenty Of Liquids
Drinking plenty of liquids, particularly water, will help to wash bacteria from your bladder and urinary tract.
Drinking cranberry juice or taking cranberry extracts may also help prevent urinary tract infections . However, you should avoid cranberry juice or extracts if you’re taking warfarin, a medicine used to prevent blood clots. Cranberry juice can make the effects of warfarin more potent, so there’s a risk of excessive bleeding.
Are There Any Complications From A Kidney Infection
Most people who develop a kidney infection make a full recovery if treatment is given promptly. Possible complications which occur in a small number of cases include:
- Sometimes germs from a kidney infection get into the bloodstream, particularly if treatment is delayed. This may cause blood poisoning . This can be serious or even life-threatening.
- In pregnant women who develop pyelonephritis occasionally, it may result in the baby being born early or with a lower birth weight.
- A kidney abscess can develop. This is a collection of pus that forms within the kidney.
- The infection can sometimes cause some permanent damage to kidney tissues.
These complications are uncommon but may be more likely if:
- You become severely ill with the kidney infection.
- You have kidney stones.
- Your immune system is suppressed – for example, if you have cancer, if you are taking medication such as steroids or chemotherapy, or if you have AIDS.
- You have poorly controlled diabetes.
- You are an older person .
- You are pregnant.
Emphysematous pyelonephritis is also a rare complication. In this condition the kidney tissues are rapidly destroyed by the infection and the bacteria can release toxic gases which can build up in the kidneys. You become very unwell if you develop this complication. This complication seems mostly to affect people who have poorly controlled diabetes.
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Who’s Most Likely To Get A Kidney Infection
Women and children are most at risk of developing a kidney infection, as well as other urinary tract infections such as cystitis.
In women, the urethra is closer to the anus than in men, making it easier for bacteria from the anus to enter the urethra accidentally. The female urethra is also much shorter than the male urethra . This makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder and move into the kidneys.
Other factors can also put you more at risk of developing a kidney infection, including:
What Is The Best Medication For A Kidney Infection
Kidney infections are treated with antibiotics. The âbestâ antibiotic will be the one most suitable for the bacteria causing the condition, its resistance to specific antibiotics, and taking into account any patient allergies.
| Best medications for a kidney infection | |
|---|---|
| Drug Name | |
| Two 325 mg tablets every 6 hours | Nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite |
Many of the standard dosages above are from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health. Dosage is determined by your doctor based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and weight. Other possible side effects exist. This is not a complete list.
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How Will I Know If I Have A Kidney Infection
To find out if you have a kidney infection, doctors may do tests such as:
- Urine tests to look for bacteria or other signs of infection, such as white blood cells, in your urine
- Blood tests
- Imaging tests to look at your kidneys, such as an X-ray, ultrasound or CT scan
- Rectal exam for men, where the doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the anus to see if the prostate gland is enlarged and blocks the flow of urine
What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of Utis
UTIs can cause such signs as:
- pain, burning, or a stinging sensation when peeing
- an increased urge or more frequent need to pee
- fever
- waking up at night a lot to go to the bathroom
- belly pain in the area of the bladder
- foul-smelling pee that may look cloudy or contain blood
If you have any symptoms of a UTI, you’ll need to go to a doctor right away. The sooner you begin treatment, the less uncomfortable you’ll be. Call your doctor’s office or clinic. If you can’t reach your doctor, you can visit an urgent care center or hospital emergency room. The most important thing is to take action as soon as possible.
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How Long Does Uti Symptoms Last
A UTI is defined as an infection in the urinary tract of a person. This is a part of the body that stores and removes urine from the body. Some of the common organs that make up the urinary tract include
- Kidney
- Bladder
- Urethra
The recent research shows that the infection is caused by a certain type of bacteria. The infection happens in the following ways:
- When an individual wipes from the back to the front after bowel movement. This enhances entry of bacteria into the urethra.
- Having unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person. The bacteria get pushed into the urethra.
- Overstaying of urine in the bladder that creates a conducive atmosphere for the multiplication of the bacteria resulting in UTI.
- Using certain methods of birth control such as diaphragm or spermicides with a diaphragm or on a condom.
- Some medical conditions such as diabetes and patients with kidney stones
- Hormonal imbalances such as reduced the levels of estrogen and change in the vagina during menopause.
- Having had a catheter in place.
It is recommended to consult a medical professional after detecting the following symptoms which last for a short period after medication depending on the health condition of a person.
Some of the common symptoms include:
- Frequent urge to pass urine
- Pain accompanied when urinating
- Pressure on the lower belly
- Urine that smells bad or looks milky, cloudy, or reddish in color.
- Having fever.
Why Is It Important To Take A Full Course Of Antibiotics In Case Of Uti
Antibiotics work very well to overcome the symptoms of a UTI. You may feel better after taking antibiotics for a few days. In such a situation, many people stop taking medicines in the middle of their course, because they feel that they have been cured. But you should never stop taking antibiotics medicines in between the course. If you stop taking antibiotics midway, it will not kill all the bacteria present in the urinary tract.
These microbes present in the urinary tract can become resistant to antibiotics. This means that you are at increased risk of getting urinary tract infections again in the future. Therefore, it is necessary to take the full dose of medicines, so that the infection present in every corner of the urinary tract can be eliminated.
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Complications Of Kidney Infections
Most kidney infections are treated successfully without complications, although some people may develop further problems.
Complications of a kidney infection are rare, but you’re more likely to develop them if you:
- are a child
- rapid heartbeat
- breathlessness
Blood poisoning is a medical emergency that usually requires admission to a hospital intensive care unit while antibiotics are used to fight the infection.
If you’re taking certain medications for diabetes, such as metformin or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, they may be temporarily withdrawn until you recover. This is because they can cause kidney damage during an episode of blood poisoning.
How Long Does A Uti Last We Asked Urologists
It could take a weeklonger if you have a severe case or certain underlying conditions.
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection can feel like they go on forever. After all, time doesn’t exactly move at a fast clip when you’re constantly running to the bathroom and it feels like you’re peeing red-hot razor blades. But how long does a typical UTI last?
The answer: It depends. If you’ve got a UTI in your bladder , you’re looking at anywhere from one to seven days, says Jennifer A. Linehan, MD, a urologist and associate professor of urologic oncology at the Saint John’s Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California.
“But if you have a kidney infection, it will take 14 days to treat,” she adds.
Let’s take a closer look at how long it takes for a UTI to clear up, along with some tips on finding relief ASAP.
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How Long Does It Take For Urine Infection To Heal
Antibiotics are given to prevent mild lower urinary tract infections from spreading to the kidneys. This antibiotic is usually given to women for 3 days and men for 7-14 days or more.
However, in some cases, a single dose of antibiotic may be sufficient. If the patient is pregnant or has diabetes or a mild kidney infection has spread, then women may also be given antibiotics for 7 to 14 days. Symptoms of a lower urinary tract infection are usually likely to clear up within 24 hours of starting antibiotics.
It is clear from all these things that it depends on the type of infection to know how long it will take for it to clear up. Individuals with mild symptoms may recover within 2 to 3 days, but some people may take 7 to 10 days to recover. If the case is more severe, it may take 14 days or more for the patient to recover.
If you have a urinary tract infection and your course of antibiotics is longer, do not panic and get your complete treatment done on time. Never stop taking medicines in between as it can make your condition more serious. Taking antibiotics for a long time may cause some side effects do not panic about it and consult your doctor to find a solution.
How To Get Rid Of A Kidney Infection: Can Natural Remedies Help
This article was co-authored by Zora Degrandpre, ND. Dr. Degrandpre is a Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is also a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007. This article has been viewed 44,356 times.
A kidney infection is a type of urinary tract infection that settles in one or both kidneys. It usually starts in the urethra or bladder and works its way up into the kidneys. This sounds scary, but fortunately, these infections are easy to treat with antibiotics and should clear up without any lasting problems. However, they definitely require medical treatment. Some natural remedies can prevent the infection from getting worse and complement the treatment youre receiving, but they wont cure the infection on their own. Together, medication and lifestyle treatments can heal your infection in no time.
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What Is The Outlook For Kidney Infections
With treatment, the outlook for kidney infections is very positive. It is vital that you take all of any prescribed medications for the infection. You may begin feeling better shortly after beginning a treatment, but still need to take the entire prescribed treatment.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 05/22/2019.
References
- National Kidney Foundation. Urinary Tract Infections Accessed 5/23/19.
- National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases . Pyelonephritis: Kidney Infection Accessed 5/23/19.
Can Kidney Infection Be Prevented
Most kidney infections are caused by germs travelling up from a bladder infection. So the same things that can help to reduce your chances of bladder infection should reduce your chances of kidney infection. Traditionally, people who got recurring urine infections were advised about measures such as drinking plenty of fluid and taking cranberry juice, and on the way that they wiped themselves after going to the toilet. However, there is little evidence for any of these measures and they are now not usually advised. Anything which increases your risk of urine infections which can be treated, should be treated. For example, any constipation should be treated promptly, as constipation can increase your chances of a bladder or kidney infection. See the separate leaflet called Constipation for more details. Doctors will try to treat anything else which might be contributing, such as kidney stones or an abnormality in the structure of the urinary system.
Pregnant women are regularly tested for urine infections and for germs in their urine. Even if they don’t have symptoms, if urine tests positive for germs, pregnant women are usually treated with antibiotics to prevent any complications.
In some cases people who have recurring urine infections are treated with a low dose of antibiotic continually. This may help to prevent recurrences and to prevent spread to the kidney.
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How Long Does A Uti Last
While most UTIs last no longer than a week, there are a variety of factors that can influence when you’ll finally feel better and when your body will completely clear out the bacteria.
When thinking about how long a UTI’s going to last, the first thing to consider is whether it’s considered uncomplicated or complicated. As the American Urological Association explains, uncomplicated UTIs are far more common than complicated UTIs . They tend to be located in the lower urinary tract and don’t have other factors that could make them more difficult to treat.
How long an uncomplicated UTI lasts can vary based on what you do to treat it. Sometimes your body’s immune system can clear out the invading bacteria without any help from medications, says Courtenay Moore, MD, urologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center,.
“If untreated, a UTI would typically take about three to seven days to fight off on your own,” Dr. Moore tells Health.
With that said, antibiotics are considered the “gold standard” for UTI treatment and it’s always a good idea to get symptoms of a UTI checked out by a doctor.
Doctors often give people who show up with UTI symptoms a prescription for antibiotics that they think will kill the pathogen. They’ll also take a urine sample to see what’s going on. Once the lab results come back , the doctor may switch you to another antibiotic that’s better at killing the particular bacteria responsible for your infection.
How Do Doctors Treat A Kidney Infection
Doctors treat most kidney infections with antibiotics . Doctors will often first prescribe an antibiotic that fights the most common types of kidney infection because it is very important to treat a kidney infection right away. Then, they may change the type of antibiotic after they get the results of your blood or urine tests.
Doctors will prescribe an antibiotic medicine based on:
- What type of bacteria is causing the infection
- How severe the infection is
- If you are you are pregnant
- If you are older than 65
- If you had problems from certain antibiotics in the past, such as allergic reactions
If you have a very serious infection, you may need to stay in the hospital to get antibiotics through an IV . You may also get medicine for pain.
If your kidney infection was caused by a problem with the shape of your urinary tract, you may need to have surgery to correct the problem and prevent future kidney infections.
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Follow Up With Your Doctor As Directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
When To See Your Gp
See your GP if you have a fever and persistent tummy, lower back or genital pain, or if you notice a change to your usual pattern of urination.
Most kidney infections need prompt treatment with antibiotics to stop the infection from damaging the kidneys or spreading to the bloodstream. You may also need painkillers.
If you’re especially vulnerable to the effects of an infection for example, if you have a pre-existing health condition or are pregnant, you may be admitted to hospital and treated with antibiotics through an intravenous drip.
After taking antibiotics, you should feel completely better after about two weeks.
In rare cases, a kidney infection can cause further problems. These include blood poisoning and a build-up of pus in the kidney called an abscess.
Read more about treating a kidney infection and the complications of a kidney infection
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