When bacteria enter and grow in the urinary tract, a urinary tract infection develops. The urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys are just a few of the parts of the urinary tract that may be impacted by this infection. Keep reading to find out how to treat a UTI at home in Exeter.
Symptoms of a UTI
UTIs can cause symptoms such as:
– Painful, burning sensation while urinating
– Frequent urge to urinate, often producing little urine
– Lower abdominal pain
– Urine leakage
– Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
– Bloody urine
– Lower back pain
If a UTI spreads to the kidneys, which is a severe infection, you may have symptoms like:
– Fever
– Nausea and vomiting
– Upper back pain
What are the causes of a UTI?
Most urinary tract infections (UTIs) are brought on by bacteria that enter the urinary tract from faeces.
The tube that removes urine from the body (urethra), allows the bacteria to enter. The urethra is shorter in women than in men. As a result, bacteria are more likely to enter and infect the kidneys or the bladder.
The likelihood of germs entering the bladder is increased by the following factors:
– Pregnancy
– Having sex
– Medical conditions that block the urinary tract – for example, kidney stones
– Conditions that make it difficult to completely empty the bladder – such as constipation in children and an enlarged prostate in men
– Having a weakened immune system – for example, people with diabetes or people having chemotherapy
– Urinary catheters (a tube in your bladder used to drain urine)
– Not keeping the genital area clean and dry
– Not drinking enough fluids
How to treat a UTI at home in Exeter
Most of the time, UTIs resolve rather fast with the use of antibiotics.
Here are some methods that could help a UTI clear up more quickly (or at least make you feel better):
– Stay hydrated and urinate often. Drinking lots of water may speed up the removal of the UTI because every time you urinate, bacteria are flushed out of your system. Additionally, maintaining proper hydration can aid in the prevention of future infections.
– Try over-the-counter pain relievers. Aspirin or ibuprofen can assist with some pain while you wait for the antibiotics to take effect.
– Avoid having sex
Generally speaking, the horrible discomfort of a UTI dissolves within a day or two of starting treatment, so rest assured: Relief is on the way. Just remember to take the full course of antibiotics to avoid a secondary infection that’s even harder to treat than the first one.
A pharmacist can help with UTIs
You can ask a pharmacist about UTI treatments.
A pharmacist can:
– Offer advice on things that can assist with your recovery
– Tell you if you’ll need to see a GP about your symptoms
– Advise you on the best painkiller to take & offer antibiotics
Do you need to see a doctor to get antibiotics for a UTI?
To receive an antibiotic prescription for a UTI, you must talk to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider. Usually, you can do this in person or over the phone.
How long does it take to treat a UTI at home?
While most UTIs only last a week or less, there are a number of variables that might affect when you start feeling better and when your body entirely gets rid of the bacteria.
Book your appointment with Luxtons Pharmacy to learn how to treat a UTI at home in Exeter.
This blog post was written on behalf of Luxtons Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.