Urinary Tract Infection Treatment

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a very common condition, affecting the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and causing infection and inflammation. So, how is urinary tract infection treated? And can it be prevented? Read on to find out the answers.

How is urinary tract infection treated?

Antibiotics are typically the first line of treatment for urinary tract infections, but the specific drug prescribed and the duration of treatment depend on the type of bacteria present in the urine and the patient's health. Here are some details on the methods of treating urinary tract infections:

• Treatment for Simple Cases

For treating simple urinary tract infections, the doctor may prescribe one of the following antibiotics:

1. Cephalexin.
2. Ceftriaxone.
3. Nitrofurantoin.
4. Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole.
5. Fosfomycin.
6. Amoxicillin.
7. Doxycycline.

Pain relievers may also be prescribed to alleviate burning sensation during urination, and typically, the treatment course is short for simple cases, with the doctor recommending medication for one to three days. It should be noted that factors determining the duration of treatment include medical history and the symptoms experienced by the patient.

• Treatment for Complicated Cases

Doctors may recommend prolonged use of the previously mentioned antibiotics for treating complicated cases of urinary tract infections, typically for a week or longer (usually a complete treatment course lasts from 5 to 10 days).

Alternatively, antibiotics may be administered intravenously in a hospital setting, especially for pregnant women with kidney infections or in cases of high fever, severe pain, or inability to retain food and fluids. Afterward, continuing oral antibiotic tablets at home may be advised.

In some complicated cases or kidney infections, doctors may prescribe fluoroquinolones such as Ciprofloxacin and Levofloxacin if other options are not viable, as their benefits in treating infection outweigh their risks.

• Treatment for Recurrent Infections

For treating recurrent urinary tract infections, the doctor may prescribe:

1. Low-dose antibiotics over a long period, typically six months or more.
2. Single-dose antibiotics after sexual activity, if the infection is related to sexual activity.
3. Patients should self-diagnose and initiate treatment upon the onset of symptoms, while maintaining communication with their doctor.
4. Vaginal estrogen therapy for women post-menopause.

It's worth noting that Blazma's Urinary Culture and Sensitivity Test can detect the type of bacteria present in the urine, thereby helping to determine the most appropriate medications for treatment.

Tips for Treating Urinary Tract Infections

Because urinary tract infections cause pain and discomfort, we recommend following these steps to alleviate discomfort:

• Drink plenty of water to flush out bacteria from the body.
• Avoid beverages that irritate the bladder, such as coffee, alcohol, carbonated drinks, and citrus fruits.
• Apply a warm pad to the lower abdomen area to alleviate pain.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to treat fever and pain.
• Take non-prescription medications to alleviate burning urination, such as Phenazopyridine. It is essential to take it for no more than two days.
• Compliance with all prescribed medications is necessary even after feeling improvement. While most symptoms disappear within a few days of starting treatment, it is essential to continue taking the medications as prescribed by the doctor.

How to Prevent Urinary Tract Infections?

If suffering from recurrent urinary tract infections, we recommend following these steps to prevent their recurrence:

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Urinate as soon as you feel the need to.
• Urinate immediately after intercourse.
• Gently wipe from front to back after urinating to reduce the risk of bacteria transferring to the vagina.
• Wear cotton, loose-fitting underwear.
• Avoid using scented soap or powder around the genital area.
• Drink cranberry juice.