Health & Care Information Learn all about UTI treatment without antibiotics. Urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are infections anywhere along the urinary tract including the bladder and kidneys, are the second most common type of infection in the United States. Taking an antibiotic isn’t the only way to get over symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Some people get recurrent UTIs and most of them do not want to take antibiotics frequently. Majority of the classes of antibiotics available today have few, if not several, side effects. Also, when we regularly take such drugs, we unknowingly kill off the healthy bacteria in the gut. This in turn, affects the PH of our urinary system leading to several complications like Candida, yeast and other fungal infections. So, to cure UTI in 24 hours without taking harmful antibiotics, you can follow the home remedies.
Infant boys and girls can suffer from UTIs, but they often experience symptoms different than those in older children and adults. Fever, irritability, poor feeding, and loose stools may occur in babies who have UTIs. Elderly individuals may have UTI symptoms that are more difficult to recognize and which complicate diagnosis.
Those who live in a health care setting and rely on urinary catheters may be more prone to UTIs. Each antibiotic is responsible for its own unique list of side effects, and the list is usually extensive. Be sure to discuss your individual antibiotic side effects with your healthcare provider.
UTIs are painful, but with treatment, you can overcome an infection and prevent recurrent infections. Talk to your doctor if you have symptoms of a UTI. With proper treatment, you should begin to feel better in a few days. Take your antibiotics as instructed even after your symptoms improve to prevent complications or a secondary infection.
Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection can depend on age, gender, the presence of a catheter, and what part of the urinary tract has been infected. Common symptoms of urinary tract infection include:
- A burning feeling when you urinate.
- Frequent or intense urge to urinate.
- Cloudy, dark, bloody, or strange-smelling urine
- Feeling tired or shaky
- Fever or chills (a sign the infection may have reached your kidneys).
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle aches and abdominal pains.
- People with catheters may only experience fever as a symptom, making diagnosis more difficult.
Best Antibiotics for UTI treatment
The following oral antibiotics are commonly used to treat most UTI infections:
- Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim DS, Septra DS, others)
- Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid, Macrodantin)
- Fosfomycin (Monurol)
- Amoxicillin/clavulanate (Augmentin)
- Certain cephalosporins like cefpodoxime, cefdinir, or cefaclor
- Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)
The fluoroquinolones, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and levofloxacin (Levaquin) have also been commonly used for uncomplicated cystitis. An FDA safety review found that both oral and injectable fluoroquinolones (also called “quinolones”) are associated with disabling side effects involving tendons, muscles, joints, nerves and the central nervous system. These adverse effects can occur soon after administration to weeks after exposure, and may potentially be permanent.
AZO UTI relief Med and Test Strips
AZO Test Strips are used to take a UTI test at home safely and simply. These are beneficial as they give the tests for nitrite & white blood cells and give the results in just 2 minutes
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Home Remedies for UTI
Home remedies to get rid of UTI are;
- One of the first things to do when you have a urinary tract infection is drink plenty of water. That’s because drinking water can help flush away the bacterium that’s causing your infection. Most people can be assured they’re getting the water they need by simply drinking water when thirsty, according to the Health and Medicine Division of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. General recommendations have suggested that women get about 91 ounces of water daily and men get about 125 ounces each day, including water from food.
- Getting plenty of foods high in vitamin C is important because large amounts of vitamin C make urine more acidic. This inhibits the growth of bacteria in your urinary tract, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine’s health library. If you have an active UTI, taking vitamin C supplements may help, too.
- Inflammation and irritation from UTIs cause burning, pressure, and pain around your pubic area, Dr. Rivers says. Applying a heating pad can help soothe the area. Keep the heat setting low, don’t apply it directly to the skin, and limit your use to 15 minutes at a time to avoid burns.
- When you have a UTI, caffeine, alcohol, spicy food, nicotine, carbonated drinks, and artificial sweeteners can irritate your bladder further, making it harder for your body to heal. Focus on healthy foods, such as high-fiber carbohydrates (such as oatmeal or lentil soup), that are good for your digestive health, says Holly Lucille, ND, RN, a naturopathic doctor in private practice in West Hollywood, California, and the author of Creating and Maintaining Balance: A Woman’s Guide to Safe, Natural Hormone Health.
- Every time you empty your bladder even if it’s just a small amount you rid it of some of the bacteria causing the infection. Keep making those bathroom runs, advises Rivers.
- You may find some relief from taking the herb uva ursi (bearberry leaf), which is sometimes used as an herbal remedy for lower urinary tract infections. But Rivers cautions that it should be taken only for short periods of time five days or less as it could cause liver damage. In addition, the herb goldenseal may be used as a remedy for UTIs, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
- Lifestyle changes matter because they can help you recover from a UTI and might prevent another infection.
- Wear loose cotton clothing and underwear.
- Wipe yourself clean from front to back.
- Choose only fragrance-free personal hygiene products
Baking Soda for UTI treatment
Baking soda and water may be able to help ease the symptoms of a UTI, including pain and burning during urination. Dr. Laurie Steelsmith, author of “Natural Choices for Women’s Health” indicates that drinking a blend of baking soda and water can help ease burning and reduce the frequent urges to urinate. Your baking soda mixture should contain 1 cup of cold water and 1 tsp. of baking soda. Thoroughly mix the baking soda and water together and drink it empty stomach.
Baking soda is an alkaline compound that can help to decrease the acidity of your urine. Acidic urine is what causes pain and burning during urination with a UTI. Proponents of the baking soda method for treating a UTI claim that baking soda neutralizes the acid in your urine, which allows your body to take care of the bacteria on its own. They also claim that baking soda helps detoxify your kidneys, which stops the infection from spreading there and causing damage.
Apple Cider Vinegar for UTI treatment
An easy way to use apple cider vinegar to combat UTI is to pour it into your bath water and soak in it for one to two hours. Drinking apple cider vinegar daily could aid your urinary tract in preserving a slightly acidic environment. Mix 2 Tbsp. of raw apple cider vinegar in 8oz of water and drink each hour. If symptoms have subsided drink the above mixture three times during the day. If symptoms have not subsided drink the above mixture each hour. If symptoms continue seek medical attention.
Essential Oils for UTI treatment
Best essential oils for UTI treatment and prevention are:
- Wild oil of Oregano
- Juniper berry essential oil
- Clove essential oil
- Myrrh essential oil
- Frankincense essential oil
- Tea tree essential oil
One essential oil that’s helpful for any type of bacterial infection is a blend from Young Living called Citrus fresh. This oil blends many different types of citrus oils, including orange peel, tangerine peel, grapefruit peel, lemon peel, and spearmint leaf extract. The blend of citrus oils is a powerful anti-bacterial agent.
How long does a UTI last
Urinary tract infection is rare in men before the age of 50 years but in case it occurs at age of 50, it may have no symptoms. UTI is less common among men when compared to women since they have the longer bladder that makes it hard to spread out. After treatment of the infection in men, it only takes 24hours for the symptoms to disappear. If it is not treated, the infection can permanently damage the bladder and kidneys, or it may spread to the blood. If the infection spreads to the blood, it can be fatal. Antibiotics are mostly used to treat UTIs effectively within 1 or 2 days.
