ABCs of UTIs

Although a urinary tract infection (UTI) sounds like a scary diagnosis for people who have never experienced one, many women will have a UTI more than once in their lifetime. This common infection is easily treated as long as you know what you are looking for, says Dr. Jessica Adeleke, a board-certified family medicine with Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group.

The first signs of a UTI are increased frequency of urination — how often you need to go — and urgency of urination — how badly you need to go — along with a burning sensation when you urinate. If you recognize these symptoms early enough, you can prevent a full-blown infection. But when symptoms turn more serious and you see blood in the urine or experience fever, nausea and vomiting, it's time to see a doctor.

“It is important to catch the infection early,” says Dr. Adeleke. “If left untreated, it can turn into a kidney infection or sepsis, which could lead to a much worse outcome.”

Why do people get UTIs?

“A UTI occurs when bacteria travel up the urethra into the bladder,” Dr. Adeleke says. “A kidney infection is when the same bacteria climb higher up to the kidney.”

You are more likely to get a UTI if you:

• Recently had sexual intercourse

• Have diabetes

• Recently used spermicide

• Are an older adult, especially if you live in a nursing home

• Are pregnant

“If you are pregnant, having a UTI is more serious,” Dr. Adeleke says. “If a woman is pregnant and has a kidney infection, she may need to be hospitalized so she can receive intravenous antibiotics.”

Prevent infection

The easiest way to avoid building UTI-causing bacteria in your urinary tract is to drink plenty of fluids — water being the best for a UTI.

“Everyone should drink at least eight glasses of fluids a day, excluding sodas, caffeinated drinks and alcoholic drinks in that total,” says Dr. Adeleke. “With a UTI, it's also best to avoid soda and orange juice.”

By drinking enough fluids, Dr. Adeleke says, you will regularly be flushing any bad bacteria from your system. This leaves less chance for the bacteria to grow.

Practicing good vaginal hygiene is vital. This includes wiping from front to back after urinating or a bowel movement, not using scented soaps directly on your vagina, and frequently changing your underwear.

“It is also important to head to the bathroom after having sex,” says Dr. Adeleke. “If possible, take your time going to the bathroom and drink some water after intercourse to assist in flushing out the bacteria.”

Reduce symptoms

“You can use an over-the-counter medication, such as Azo (phenazopyridine), that numbs the bladder and provides some relief while you wait for your appointment,” says Dr. Adeleke. “Note that this will not treat the infection, and it will turn your urine orange, so do not be alarmed.”

Drink plenty of fluid when you feel these symptoms coming on until you are treated. However, drinking cranberry juice has not been shown to treat or prevent a UTI, says Dr. Adeleke. “Some studies show that cranberry capsules can help prevent a UTI, but more studies are needed before making this kind of recommendation,” she says.

Additionally, reducing or eliminating the use of caffeine and alcohol until you are treated for your UTI can provide some relief.

Talk with your doctor if you feel the symptoms of a UTI, especially the more severe ones. They may prescribe antibiotics. “The antibiotic course ranges from three to seven days, sometimes longer if there is concern for a more serious infection,” Dr. Adeleke says.

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