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10 Home Remedies For Urinary Tract Infection

One of the most common bacterial infections that women suffer from is urinary tract infection (UTI). When the bacteria found in the gut find their way into the urinary tract, it leads to this infection. The symptoms include frequent and painful urination, cloudy urine, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Sometimes, you may not even experience any outright signs, but when they do pop up, they include the following: While prescription drugs may resolve the issue, even home remedies work very well in this regard. The minor infections heal on their own in a few days, while the more serious ones might take a bit longer.

Here are some home remedies for urinary tract infections.

1. Have Plenty of Water

Doctors recommend that this is one of the most effective home remedies for treating infections of the urinary tract. Depending on how much one can accommodate, to heal the infection, drinking two to four litres of water helps. As the body produces more urine, the bacteria get flushed out.

2. Urinate Frequently

Don’t hold in your urine as that leads to more bacterial multiplication in the bladder. Empty out the bladder often and as soon as the urge arises.

3. Cranberry Juice – Nips it in the Bud

Drinking cranberry juice is very beneficial in treating UTIs. Cranberry and its juice prevent the growth of E.Coli, the most common culprit that causes these infections.

4. Shun Bladder Irritants

Limit your intake of alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and colas when you have a bladder infection. The high amount of sugar in these drinks provide a perfect breeding ground for bacterial colonization.

5. Probiotics Are Your Friend

The good bacteria found in yoghurt and fermented foods provide a line of defence against the infection-causing bacteria. Eating probiotic-rich foods help to increase the body’s natural bacteria and wards off infections.

6. Wear Loose Clothes

Stay clean and dry by wearing loose-fitting, comfortable clothes. Wear clothes that let your skin breathe and avoid tight clothes. Avoid wearing nylon.

7. Sip on Green Tea

Green tea has an important compound, catechin that has antimicrobial properties. It also works as a diuretic so helps the body flush out the harmful bacteria.

8. Apple Cider Vinegar on an Empty Stomach

Add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and have on an empty stomach to ward off bladder infections. It is antibacterial and alkalizes the inner environment of the body.

9. Garlic Power

Allicin, one of the compounds found in raw garlic that stops the growth of harmful bacteria. You could have raw, crushed garlic or have garlic-infused water to stave off urinary infections. Also, read the  health benefits of garlic.

10. Gorge on Citrus fruits

Vitamin C increases the acidity in the urine, thus limiting the growth of bladder infections causing bacteria. Also, it boosts immunity.By following most of these remedies you will be able to treat your bladder infection at home without depending on antibiotics or other prescription drugs.Also Read: Augmentin 625 Tablet

Tips to avoid UTI

Even if the home remedies for urinary tract infection make it go away, it is always advised to inculcate the following good habits so that this is not repeated in the future: Also Read: UTI Causes, Symptoms & Treatment  
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

Bladder Dysfunction! Know How You Can Deal With Aging Urinary Tract?

Within the elderly population, malfunction and age-related changes of the lower urinary tract (LUT) are very common and accompanied by a decrease in bladder capacity, as well as an increasing detrusor (a muscle that forms a layer of the wall of the bladder) over-activity. Hence, treating bladder dysfunction in time is essential. 

The WHO has also said that incontinence is a largely preventable and treatable condition and that it’s “certainly not an inevitable consequence of ageing,” adding that “the most typical reaction exhibited by patients when they are diagnosed with poor bladder control was not fear nor disbelief, but relief.

Older people are more susceptible to incontinence and this can have a huge impact on daily activities. This happens because the bladder and the urethra undergo some changes as you grow old. The volume of urine that the bladder can hold starts to decrease. If left untreated, it will not go away. So, here are few effective ways for treating bladder dysfunction :

For discreet daytime protection against unexpected urinary leaks, incontinence pads can give elders with light bladder leakage peace of mind. Lightweight bladder control pads are designed for maximum absorption with minimum visibility. These discreet bladder pads are perfect if you’re looking for protection that can be worn with your own underwear.

Also Read: What Does Cloudy Urine Mean? Decoding the Mystery with Medical Science

For treating bladder dysfunction, Kegels increase support to the urethral sphincter and detrusor (bladder) muscle, thereby preventing stress, urge and mixed urinary Incontinence, and are most appropriate in people who:

  1. Do not have cognitive impairments
  2. Are motivated to comply with the program and
  3. Have a pelvic floor that is neurologically intact because of old age

Intermittent Self-Catheterization (ISC) is a safe and effective alternative method to empty the bladder. ISC involves inserting a catheter (a flexible hollow tube) into the urethra (the urine channel that drains urine from the bladder) several times a day. ISC is used to help protect the kidneys, prevent incontinence (urine leakage) and lessen the number of infections by promoting good drainage of the bladder while lowering pressure inside the bladder.

Also Read: Home Remedies for UTI

It has been used successfully for individuals with injury to the nerves of the bladder, spinal cord and brain as well as in persons with diabetes, multiple sclerosis, enlarged prostate and continent urinary diversion.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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All You Need To Know About Urinary Tract Infections!

The urinary tract is made up of the kidneys, the ureters, the bladder and the urethra. Each plays an important role in helping your body to eliminate waste products in the form of urine. Urinary tract infections are inflammations usually caused by bacteria (or germs) attacking the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra. Under normal circumstances, the urinary tract is sterile and free of bacteria.

What Causes Urinary Tract Infection?  

Bacteria cause urinary tract infections. They enter the urinary system through the urethra and can move upward to the bladder and kidneys. The most common organism that causes a UTI is  Escherichia coli  bacteria (E.Coli). It is usually found in the lower colon but sometimes can find its way into the urinary tract.

Risk factors for UTIs include previous UTI, sexual activity (particularly with new sexual partners), use of spermicides, menopause, pregnancy, reduced mobility (i.e., after surgery or bed rest), urinary incontinence, kidney stones and prostate enlargement.

Other risk factors include age (older adults are at higher risk) and gender. Female patients are at higher risk compared to males because of shorter urethra length and proximity of the urethra to the anus, increasing the likelihood that bacteria will enter the urinary tract.

Also, a new class of drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes has been associated with increased cases of UTIs in patients. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors or ”flozins” are oral hypoglycemics that work by increasing the amount of glucose spilled into the urine.  

What Are the Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) generally cause symptoms related to bladder irritation:

Older adults, particularly those with dementia, can also develop delirium — a further aggravation of the mental state – as a result of a urinary tract infection. Sometimes new or worsened confusion can be the  only  outward sign of a UTI or other infection. It’s a good idea to suppose UTI whenever an older person is having uncomfortable urination or new incontinence. In these cases, make sure the person is seen within 24 hours by his or her doctor or by an urgent care facility.

Also Read: Non-Sexual Causes of UTIs: Understanding the Risk Factors

Treatment for Urinary Tract Infection

Doctors first decide if the infection is just in the bladder or has spread to the kidneys and how severe it is. For a simple bladder infection, patients take antibiotics for 3 days (women) or 7 – 14 days (men). For a bladder infection with complications – such as pregnancy or diabetes or a mild kidney infection–patients will usually take antibiotics for 7 – 14 days.

Some people have urinary tract infections that do not go away with treatment or keep coming back. These are called chronic UTIs. If you have a chronic UTI, you may need stronger antibiotics or take medicine for a longer time. Surgery is needed if the infection is caused by a problem with the structure of the urinary tract. Read more  about  home remedies for UTI.  

Also Read: 16 Symptoms of Poor Kidney Function

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.