Have you struggled with urinary tract issues ever in your life? How hard it were to feel severe abdominal pain and a burning sensation while urinating? Urinary tract infections, although considered common can be problematic and destroy the rhythm of an individuals day to day life.
This condition may also lead to serious health concerns including kidney failure if untreated. So, isn’t it essential to have a deeper understanding of all the aspects of this condition? Worry not, this article is for you.
This article will elaborate on urinary tract infections, their symptoms, and their different variants. You will also be enlightened about home remedies and medications that will help get rid of this situation. So, what’s stopping you? Continue reading about the common yet distressing conditions; UTIs, and how to cope with them.
What Is A UTI?
Urinary tract infection, popularly known as UTI is a common health concern seen in people regardless of age and gender. The human urinary tract is a complex system consisting of kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra.
An infection or bacterial action in any one or more organs in this system can lead to a urinary tract infection. So, urinary tract infections are bacterial actions caused in the human urinary system. Although this problem is common, women are more prone to UTIs due to anatomical variations.
According to basic human anatomy, urine is the byproduct formed after the blood filtration process. This urine passes through every organ in the urinary system. However, in certain cases, some harmful bacteria will be mixed with this urine causing infections in some parts of the system.
According to studies, UTIs are categorized into three depending on the affected organ. Although most symptoms of these three variants are similar, some are specific to each variant. The details are as follows:
- Kidneys
This variant of UTI affects the kidneys. One or both kidneys can be affected under such conditions. Studies suggest that this variant of UTI is more dangerous than the others because, if untreated it will lead to kidney failures and other dangerous health concerns.
- Bladder
This is the common common type of urinary tract infection. In such instances, the bacteria will attack the bladder and multiply there, causing an increased chance of the infection spreading to other parts.
- Urethra
This type of UTI occurs when the urine tube or urethra gets affected by a bacterial infection. If left untreated, this situation can also lead to kidney problems.
Symptoms And Causes Of UTI
Like any other disease or health concern, UTIs also show specific symptoms. As mentioned, each type of urinary tract infection has specific symptoms. This section will list all the symptoms of UTIs. The common symptoms include:
- Urinary incontinence
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Pain in the pelvic area and back
- Pressure in the lower part of the pelvis
The specific symptoms of each variant include:
- Kidney
- High fever
- Chills
- Back or side pain
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Bladder
- Lower belly pain
- Pelvic pressure
- Urge to urinate frequently
- Pain during urination
- Blood mixed urine
- Urethra
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Frequent urge to urinate
Ways To Get Rid Of A UTI In 24 Hours
UTIs can be treated with home remedies and medications. According to professionals, this issue can be reduced or sometimes eliminated with the help of certain home remedies in the initial stages. Some of them that help get rid of UTIs in as fast as 24 hours are:
- Keep yourself hydrated
Drinking 6-8 glasses of water and staying hydrated is one of the best and most efficient way to get rid of UTIs. Drinking more water will help flush out the bacteria in the urinary system with the urine, reducing the infection.
- Include more vitamin C in your diet
According to studies, vitamin C helps increase the acidity of urine, killing harmful bacteria. So, consuming fruits and vegetables such as kiwi, oranges, and grapefruit, and taking vitamin C gummies will help reduce UTIs at home.
- Consume cranberry juice
Studies reveal that certain substances in cranberry juice will prevent the bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls. So, as these bacteria move from the urinary tract, cranberry helps to reduce the risks of UTIs.
While these are some of the home remedies, medications to get rid of UTI in 24 hours include antibiotics such as:
- Trimethoprim
- Nitrofurantoin
- Fosfomycin
- Cefdinir
- Levofloxacin
When To Seek Medical Help?
No symptoms of UTIs should be ignored without proper medical care. Although many home remedies help reduce or even cure UTIs, expert medical care is important. So, if you experience persistent pain and other symptoms of UTIs for over a day or if you feel that the home remedies are not working for you, it is essential to consult your doctor.
Additionally, treating yourself with antibiotics is a big no. It should be taken only under the supervision of a medical professional. So, if you notice any symptoms of Utis consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Urinary tract infection or UTI is a common yet disturbing problem that affects the majority population. Although seen in men, women, and children, UTIs are the most common among women due to their anatomy. It is a condition when one or more organs in the urinary system get affected by bacterial infection. Depending on the affected organ, UTIs can be differentiated into three. The symptoms of UTIs include a burning sensation while using the restroom, blood-mixed urine, fever, chills, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, pelvic pain, and frequent urge to urinate.
Although common, UTIs can be treated and cured with home remedies and medications. The most common home remedies include staying hydrated, consuming cranberry juice, and including vitamin C-rich foods. However, professionals suggest taking expert medical care. Although home remedies are effective residing only on them may be harmful.
FAQs
The fastest way to treat UTI completely is by using antibiotics. However, a professional healthcare provider should prescribe and examine these antibiotics. Self-treatment with antibiotics will cause adverse side effects.
There are some home remedies including the use of cranberry juice to reduce UTI problems. However, consulting a doctor is important in treating UTIs.
People with UTIs are advised to drink 6-8 glasses or 1.5 to 2 liters of water daily to flush out infection.
Yes. UTIs can be treated without antibiotics or medications in the initial stages. However, it is always advised to consult a healthcare professional.
Normal drinking water is the best drink for UTI. additionally, low-sugar electrolyte drinks and unsweetened cranberry juice are also beneficial for UTIs.
Multiple things make UTIS worse. Some of them include alcohol, caffeine, acidic fruits, and spicy foods. Taking baths in hot tubs and swimming in pools may also worsen the situation.