Before you try to get UTI relief, you should be sure that what you are suffering from is actually a urinary tract infection. A urinary tract infection, also known as a UTI, is an infection that starts in your kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra, which are the components of the urinary system. It can begin anywhere in the urinary system, but most commonly begins in the urethra or bladder. An infection of the lower urinary system (urethra and bladder) can be painful and uncomfortable, but an infection of the upper urinary system can be very dangerous.
UTI Symptoms
It is possible to have a urinary tract infection and not have any symptoms. However, most commonly, UTIs are accompanied by a frequent need to urinate, and a painful, burning sensation when urinating.
Another sign of a potential urinary tract infection is abnormal urine. It may be cloudy, have a strong odor, or be an unusual color such as bright pink or coffee colored.
Women may experience pelvic pain, and men may experience rectal pain.
The symptoms experienced with a urinary tract infection differ depending on the location of the infection.
Infections of the urethra are commonly identified by a burning sensation when urinating.
Infections of the bladder are commonly identified by blood in the urine, frequent urination, painful urination, discomfort in the lower abdomen, and pressure in the pelvic area.
Infections of the kidneys are commonly identified by pain in the upper back and side, nausea, vomiting, high fever, shaking, and chills. If you experience these symptoms, you should seek medical help immediately.
[uti relief]
UTI Risk Factors
Urinary tract infections are most frequently caused by bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract, although they can also be caused by sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or herpes. Urinary tract infections are more common among women, although it is possible for men to get them. You can increase your risk of a urinary tract infection by:
Being female
Being post-menopausal
Being sexually active
Using a diaphragm
Using spermicides
Having a blocked urinary tract
Having an abnormal urinary tract
Using a catheter
Having an impaired immune system
UTI Prevention
The majority of risk factors for urinary tract infections are out of your control, but if you want to know how to prevent UTI there are still things you can do.
Drink lots of water and urinate frequently
After using the toilet, wipe from front to back
After sexual intercourse, drink a full glass of water and empty your bladder
Avoid using feminine hygiene products such as deodorant sprays, douches, or powders
UTI Treatments/ UTI Relief
Chinese medicine utilizes herbs, change of diet, and acupuncture treatments to help the body fight off the infection naturally, so that you can achieve UTI relief. Seek your acupuncturists advice for their opinion and a treatment plan. other alternative UTI treatments include:
Alternative Treatments
Supplements to improve your immune system
Urinary tract analgesic to numb your bladder and urethra to the burning sensation common to UTIs (note that this will turn your urine red or orange)
Applying a warm heating pad to your abdomen
Drinking cranberry juice daily (note that you should not drink cranberry juice if you are taking the blood-thinner Warfarin, as it can cause internal bleeding). Do not buy sugary cranberry juice, and watch out for “juices” containing HFCS (high fructose corn syrup)
Drinking plenty of water
Avoiding caffeinated beverages
Avoiding citrus juices
A specialty herbal product designed specifically for urinary tract health, such as Urinary Tract Take Care
The common treatment for urinary tract infections is a course of antibiotics. A doctor may recommend a 3-day, 7-day, or 10-day course of antibiotics, depending on your medical history. It is important to finish the entire course of antibiotics even if you have already achieved UTI relief. If you are prone to recurrent UTIs your doctor may recommend a single dose of antibiotics after sexual activity as a preventative. Antibiotics used to treat UTI include:
Amoxicillin
Ampicillin
Ciprofloxacin
Levofloxacin
Nitrofurantoin
Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim
If you do choose to take antibiotics we strongly recommend that you take a course of probiotics when you are done. The antibiotic acts like a grenade in your system killing both good and bad bacteria, that is why the probiotics are a must.
Many people will get a urinary tract infection at some point during their lives. If they are otherwise in good health, their natural immune system will most likely clear out the infection within a few days. Drinking Echinacea tea, colloidal silver, or other liquids that increase your immune function can help you get rid of the infection quickly. If the discomfort is severe, you have recurrent UTI, or your symptoms suggest that you may have a kidney infection instead of a simple bladder or urethra infection, you should seek medical attention rather than attempting to treat the infection at home.