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Home Remedies for Urinary Tract Infections
About how long will it take to heal a UTI using supplements? And when should I stop taking them
( 6 Jan 2010)
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UTI is the abbreviation for urinary tract infection. It is a condition in which the urinary system that comprises of the ureters, bladder, urethra and sometimes kidneys gets infected, due to the excessive presence of certain bacteria. A urinary tract infection can affect any of the four organs mentioned above; however, it most commonly affects the lower urinary organs like the bladder and urethra.
Urinary tract infections seldom affects the kidney, accept for in cases of prolonged negligence. If a urinary tract infection does reach the kidneys it can have serious repercussions. The distance between the urethra and the bladder is very short in a female anatomy; therefore, females are at a greater risk as compared to men when it comes to experiencing a urinary tract infection.
As mentioned earlier, a urinary tract infection should not be taken lightly. You should seek immediate medical assistance as soon as you notice any or all of the following symptoms: frequent and persistent urge to urinate, small or noticeable amounts of blood in the urine , a burning sensation in the urethra while urinating, a foul smell emanating from your urine and urine that contains bacteria in it, which can only be found out through lab testing. Further more, each type of urinary tract infection displays its own specific signs and symptoms. For example, acute pyelonephritis which affects the kidneys displays the following symptoms: nausea, fever, backaches and chills, in addition to the symptoms mentioned above.
The doctor will assess your condition accurately and prescribe you with the necessary medication that may include the use of antibiotics as the first line of treatment. You can also use the following suggestions to ensure a faster and smoother recovery.
- Avoid consuming caffeine products, alcohol and citrus fruits until your infection has cleared off completely. These place an added pressure on your bladder causing you to urinate more frequently.
- Drink plenty of water. This will help dilute your urine and flush out the toxins that accumulate in the body. Water also helps flush out the excess bacteria present in the body.
- Use a warm heating pad or a warm compression to relieve the pain in your bladder area by placing the same on your stomach.
- Avoid eating foods that contain artificial sweeteners, or foods that are difficult to digest. This will help your body treat the infection faster.
- Drinking a glass of cranberry juice will also help you recover faster, as it prevents bacteria from sticking onto the urinary tract lining.
- Bacteria flourish in a moist environment; therefore, keep your genital area clean and dry at all times.
Remember treatment and cure for UTI varies on the intensity of the infection, and therefore you must visit your doctor immediately.
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answered by c on 6 Jan 2010, 4:57:27
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