What is UTI?
A urinary tract infection or UTI happens when any portion of one’s urinary system gets infected for some reason; this could be the bladder, kidneys, urethra, and ureters. So, the patient needs to inform their family physician about the symptoms if they suspect they have a urinary tract infection. The doctor typically recommends a urine test and the patient may need to undergo some additional tests also. There are many types of treatments for UTI and the doctor will decide on the right one for the patient after seeing their test results.

What are the basic treatment methods for UTI?

• It is a well-known fact that bacteria are most often responsible for urinary tract infections, and in this case, one must take antibiotics. When symptoms return, the patient will have to undergo some more tests in order to eliminate other conditions. They might need to take the medicines for long depending on the cause of UTI and the duration for which they have had it. Sometimes medicines have to be taken for a long time when the infection refuses to go away. Treatments for UTI will depend on the type of bacteria that has caused it. When the patient follows the prescription and takes medications on time, they will start to recover.
• When UTI is accompanied by a lot of pain as is common in some cases, medications have to be taken for that. The patient could try using a heating pad for some relief. When symptoms do not disappear, they will need more tests. A bladder anesthetic may be of use when they have bladder pain every time they urinate.
• Besides medications, the patient must drink lots of water in order to flush the infection out of the body. Cranberry juice is often recommended for treating and preventing UTIs. This fruit has a tannin capable of preventing E. coli from attaching itself to the bladder walls.
• Chronic UTIs happen when a person tends to get the infection multiple times. Each infection is induced by a distinct strain of bacteria. However, some bacteria are capable of invading body cells and these may multiple. They produce a colony of bacteria that are antibiotic-resistant and these move out of the patient’s cells to reinvade the urinary system. For people with chronic UTI conditions, there are specific treatments for UTIs that may include a low dosage of antibiotics across a long time-period, antibiotics for a day or two days every time the symptoms surface, nonantibiotic prophylaxis treatment, etc.
• Surgery is a rare occurrence for treating UTIs but it may be needed because of some abnormality in the patient’s anatomy. For instance, if there is some blockage due to an enlarged prostate or kidney stone, one might need surgery.
• When UTI infection is rather severe, the patient must be admitted to a hospital for intravenous treatment.
• Besides these methods, there are some natural remedies for treating UTIs. These home remedies can help prevent and treat urinary infections. The patient can start by avoiding drinks that can irritate the bladder, like alcohol, coffee, and sodas having citrus juices until the UTi is completely cured. Using a heating pad may help to ease the pain but this must not be too hot to cause discomfort.