Urinary tract infections can develop in the lower and upper urinary tract, and while they're more common in females, this condition can also affect males. The symptoms of a urinary tract infection can persist for several days. And in some instances, infections become chronic or recurrent. Doctors generally prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection, and the infection generally clears within 7 to 10 days. However, there are self-treatment options for urinary tract infections.
Identification
Urinary tract infections are easy to identify. Symptoms can develop rapidly, and the first sign of an infection is typically painful or burning urination. The urine may appear cloudy, and in some cases, the urine may have an unusual odor. Other telltale signs include blood in the urine, an urgent need to urinate and pelvic discomfort.
Drink Water
Urinary tract infections are caused by the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract. Bacteria enters the urethra, multiplies and spreads. To treat a urinary tract infection without antibiotics, drink between 8 and 10 glasses of water a day to flush toxins and bacteria from the urinary tract. Avoid alcohol and sodas.
Take Pain Relievers
Urinary tract infections often cause abdominal discomfort, pelvic pain or back pain. Take an over-the-counter pain medication to stop inflammation and ease the pain. Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory and an effective treatment for pain associated with urinary tract infections.
Use Heat Therapy
If you want to treat the condition without medication, use a heating pad to ease pain caused by a urinary tract infection. Take a hot bath or apply a heating pad to your pelvis, abdomen or back for 10 minutes, and then remove for 10 minutes. A heating pad can also ease pelvic pressure and alleviate discomfort.
Eat Cranberries
Cranberries promote urinary health because they contain a bacterial anti-adhesion property, which stops bacteria from growing and multiplying in the urinary tract. Drink several glasses of cranberry juice to flush bacteria from the urinary tract, or take cranberry supplements available at a local health food store.
Tags: tract infections, urinary tract, bacteria from, tract infection, urinary tract infection, bacteria from urinary, ease pain