How do you get rid of a uti at home

How do you get rid of a uti at home

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Did you know urinary tract infections (UTIs) are incredibly common? In fact, they're the second most common type of infection humans experience. Women make up the majority of cases because of their shorter urethra, but men can get UTIs, too.   

This common infection results when unfriendly bacteria enter your urinary tract. This can cause numerous unpleasant symptoms, including:

  • Burning pain while urinating
  • Frequent need to urinate — even though your bladder isn’t full
  • Dark or cloudy urine
  • Urine with a funny smell
  • Feeling like you can’t empty your bladder
  • Pain in your pelvis

At Urgent Care of Ada, our providers diagnose and treat UTIs for patients in the Ada, Oklahoma, area. It’s important to seek medical care for your UTI since, if left untreated, they can lead to serious complications, like kidney damage.  

Though antibiotics remain the best way to treat UTIs, research studies indicate that home remedies can help. Here are the top things to try at home while waiting for your UTI appointment.   

1. Keep drinking fluids

Although drinking fluids may feel like the last thing you want to do when it hurts to pee, regular urination actually helps flush away the bacteria causing the infection. The best liquid to drink is water. If you don’t like to drink plain water, try adding lemon juice or switching to sparkling water for a change.  

2. Eat (or drink) some cranberries

The verdict on whether or not cranberries can prevent UTIs isn’t in yet, and there’s more research to do. However, current studies show that in some cases, unsweetened cranberries can help clear UTIs — and there are no harmful effects. 

Scientists believe the benefits stem from a compound in cranberries that make it more difficult for the bacteria to hold onto the walls of the urethra. It’s important to emphasize that this benefit only occurs with unsweetened cranberry products, so be sure to avoid juices and dried cranberries with added sugar.  

3. Get more vitamin C

Increasing your intake of vitamin C can help speed your recovery from a UTI by making your urine more acidic. This acidity helps kill off the infection-causing bacteria. Try eating more fruits and veggies high in vitamin C, such as oranges, grapefruit, and red peppers. Stay away from juices with added sugar as sugar feeds bacteria.   

4. Stay away from sugar

Avoiding sugar is good for your overall health, but when you have a UTI, it’s an absolute must. Sugar feeds bacteria, so when you have a bacterial infection, stay away from anything with added sugar. Since sugar is added to almost everything these days, read labels carefully, and avoid alcohol since it’s also high in sugar. 

5. Steer clear of foods and drinks that may irritate your bladder

Some foods and beverages are more highly linked to irritated bladders. If you have a UTI, avoiding these trigger foods can help ensure your symptoms don’t worsen. Many common foods and drinks can irritate the bladder, including:

  • Artificial sweeteners
  • All alcoholic beverages
  • Apple juice
  • Cheese and dairy products
  • Chocolate
  • Coffee and tea
  • Foods high in sodium
  • Raw onions
  • Pineapple

If you have a UTI or suspect you might, the experts at Urgent Care of Ada can help. Contact our office to schedule an appointment. You can also walk into our urgent care clinic for same-day care. 

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How do I get rid of a UTI ASAP at home?

Home Remedies for Fast UTI Relief.
Try heat..
Boost your water intake..
Take an OTC medication..
Put on your comfy clothes..
Sip some cranberry juice..
Steer clear of bladder irritants..

How do you get rid of a UTI fast?

Which antibiotic gets rid of a UTI fastest?.
Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim is a first-choice medication and can treat a UTI in as little as 3 days. ... .
Nitrofurantoin is another first-choice option for UTIs, but you typically have to take it for a week to be sure you are all better..

Can a UTI go away on its own?

Yes, a UTI could go away on its own, but some infections are different than others,” he says. “And if left untreated, it may linger longer.” UTIs are classified into two main categories: uncomplicated, also known as cystitis; and complicated, which may be catheter-associated or happen during pregnancy.

How can I get rid of UTI without antibiotic?

Home remedies to get rid of a UTI without antibiotics.
Try cranberries. ... .
Drink plenty of water. ... .
Pee when you need to. ... .
Take probiotics. ... .
Get more vitamin C. ... .
Wear loose clothing. ... .
Consider switching birth control. ... .
Use a heating pad..