Urinary Tract Infections
URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
Have you or anyone you know ever experienced a urinary tract infection? The urinary system consists of your kidneys, ureter, bladder, and urethra. A UTI is caused by bacteria entering the urethra (the tube that transports urine from the bladder to the outside of the body) and infecting the bladder. Due to having shorter utethras, women are more than 3 times likelier than men to be diagnosed with a UTI. In fact, 40% of women will likely experience at least 1 bladder infection sometime in their life, and the likelihood greatly increases for those who are sexually active.
The more common symptoms of a UTI include: frequent urination, persistent urge to urinate, pain or discomfort while urinating, bladder and lower abdomen pain, and a general sense of fatigue and malaise. If you suspect you may have a UTI, see your doctor or purchase over the counter medication that can be found at almost any grocery or drug store. Make sure you take any medication as directed and drink lots of water and cranberry juice. If your UTI persists past the amount of time the medication recommend to be taken (typically 2-3 days), schedule an appointment with your doctor, as you may need antibiotics.
If a bladder infection goes untreated, the infection could travel further up the urinary tract and infect the kidneys. This is much more serious than a simple UTI and should be treated immediately to prevent potential kidney damage or blood poisoning known sepsis. If your UTI starts causing flank (side) pain, or pain in the lower back or underneath the base of the ribs, accompanied by a fever and/or chills, and nausea, get to an emergency room as your kidney(s) may already be infected. Once you’re diagnosed with a kidney infection, you’ll most likely be given a prescription for antibiotics and be sent on your way. It’s even more important to take this medication exactly as directed and to finish the entire prescription even if you start to feel better, or else you run the risk of the infection not entirely clearing up and coming back. The best way to avoid these types of infections all together is to avoid “holding it” and going to the bathroom when you need it, always use the bathroom after intercourse, and always drink lots of water to keep your body and kidneys hydrated!
I’m currently getting over a kidney infection, so I’ve been living off water the majority of the week! Have you ever experienced any of these infections or something similar? If so, what did you do to get better? Do you have any favorite home remedies you like to include in addition to your medication?
pic credits: https://www.fastmed.com/health-resources/urinary-tract-infection-uti/ , http://www.top10homeremedies.com/home-remedies/home-remedies-for-urinary-tract-infection.html , http://www.top10homeremedies.com/home-remedies/home-remedies-kidney-infection-pyelonephritis.html
Great post, Martha. I have had these types of problems myself and know if they are not taking care of they can get a lot worse.
I never know what topic Alex will write about until the night before but she has great info. She actually had a severe kidney infection a few years back that was almost sepsis. Some things you can’t take the “wait and see” approach when it comes to your health. Thanks for stopping by Brenda.
Thanks, Martha! very informative and great visuals to show. I love visual much easier to understand!
Have a wonderful day,
Gaétane
I like visuals also Gaetane, with it be like these that Alex used or photographs. I’m more of a picture person to go along with the text. Thanks for visiting.
Wonderful post as so many of us have faced this problem at one time or another. As for what I did along with water I drank plenty of 100% pure Cranberry Juice with nothing in it. Because I usually purchase Cranberry Grape but was afraid it wouldn’t work as well.
I thought Alex had excellent information to share. So many times people are embarrassed t go to the doctor when this happens but if you don’t get treatment, the kidney infection is 100 times worse. Just ask Alex! I’m glad the cranberry juice worked Glenda!
I have had problems with UTI’s especially after menopause. I took a more traditional medicine approach. I take low doses of an estrogen cream applied topically and it has really helped me. You have to get medical treatment, I also believe, if a UTI progresses into a kidney infection rather than try home remedies. My personal opinion, as I am not a medical professional.
Glad you got relief from the cream Alana. When my granddaughter called and told me she thought it might be another kidney infection,she was smart and didn’t wait like last time when she was really bad off. Thanks for stopping by.
Great advice for an, unfortunately for some, a somewhat recurring problem.
Some people don’t realize the severity of a kidney infection if left untreated. Thanks for stopping by Roy.
This is really great information about how to recognize and take care of a urinary tract infection. The illustrations are very helpful and make the information easier to understand.
I like using photos as I’m a more visual person. My granddaughter takes after me Alice!
That’s indeed very herbal approach towards the treatment of UTI
Vitamins c intake definitely works I’ve tried that plus I’ll try your home remedies with Indian gooseberry
Let me know if the gooseberries work Bushra. Yes, vitamin C is great for so many ailments.