A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an
infection in any part of your urinary system — your kidneys, ureters, bladder
and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and
the urethra.
Women are at greater risk of developing a UTI
than men are. Infection limited to your bladder can be painful and annoying.
However, serious consequences can occur if a UTI spreads to your kidneys.
Antibiotics are the typical treatment for a
UTI. But you can take steps to reduce your chance of getting a UTI in the first
place.
Symptoms
Urinary tract infections don't always cause
signs and symptoms, but when they do they may include:
- A strong, persistent urge to urinate
- A burning sensation when urinating
- Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
- Urine that appears cloudy
- Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-colored — a sign of
blood in the urine
- Strong-smelling urine
- Pelvic pain, in women
- Rectal pain, in men
UTIs may be overlooked or mistaken for other
conditions in older adults.
Types of urinary tract infection
Each type of UTI may result in more-specific
signs and symptoms, depending on which part of your urinary tract is infected.
Part of urinary tract affected
|
Signs and symptoms
|
Kidneys (acute pyelonephritis)
|
|
Bladder (cystitis)
|
|
Urethra (urethritis)
|
|
Causes
Urinary tract infections typically occur when
bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply in
the bladder. Although the urinary system is designed to keep out such
microscopic invaders, these defenses sometimes fail. When that happens,
bacteria may take hold and grow into a full-blown infection in the urinary
tract.
The most common UTIs occur mainly in women
and affect the bladder and urethra.
- Infection of the bladder (cystitis). This type of UTI is
usually caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), a type of bacteria commonly
found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Sexual intercourse may lead to
cystitis, but you don't have to be sexually active to develop it. All
women are at risk of cystitis because of their anatomy — specifically, the
short distance from the urethra to the anus and the urethral opening to
the bladder.
- Infection of the urethra (urethritis). This type of UTI can
occur when GI bacteria spread from the anus to the urethra. Also, because
the female urethra is close to the vagina, sexually transmitted
infections, such as herpes, gonorrhea and chlamydia, can cause urethritis.
Home
Remedies for UTI Infections
1. Baking
Soda
Baking soda
is one of the most effective home treatments for UTI. Add 1 teaspoon of baking
soda in a glass of water and wash the opening of urethra with this solution. It
helps to neutralize the acid content present in the urine, thereby, removing
the infection.
2. Drink
Plenty of Water
Drink lots
of water as it will flush out all the harmful toxins and bacteria from the body
resulting in fast removal of the infection.
3. Apply
Heating Pad
This is an
excellent home remedy for UTI pain. You can place a hot water bottle or heating
pad over your abdomen to help soothe the pain caused due to an infection.
4.
Cranberry Juice
This is
another good home treatment to cure UTI. Drink cranberry juice as it works
great and does not allow the bacteria to remain in the urinary tract.
5. Have
Pineapple
The enzyme,
known as Bromelain, is found in pineapple. This enzyme imparts
anti-inflammatory properties to this fruit and is helpful in trimming down the
UTI symptoms. Either eat a cup of fresh pineapple or drink juice of half a
pineapple on the daily basis. Avoid using the canned version.
6.
Blueberry Juice
Drink blueberry
juice (without adding artificial sweetener) or have some blueberries early
in the morning. Blueberry is a good home remedy for UTI in women.
7. Try
Aromatherapy
This is also
one of the best natural remedies for UTI infections. Take some sandalwood oil,
bergamot oil, tea tree oil, juniper oil and frankincense, and mix them well.
Now, apply this mixture on the areas closer to the bladder. This process should
be repeated for about 3-4 days in order to eliminate the symptoms.
8. Try
Fruit Juices
You can also
have lemon juice, carrot juice or coconut water to eliminate the harmful
bacteria from the body. Sugarcane juice also works wonder in order to control
and prevent a urinary tract infection.
9. Radish
Juice
Drink a cup
of radish juice on a regular basis to get relief from the UTI.
10.
Banana Stem
Take out
juice of banana stem and drink it to get rid of the urinary tract infection.
11. Eat
Vitamin C Rich Fruits
Have fruits
with a high content of Vitamin C, such as oranges, guavas, kiwi, melons,
raspberries and tomatoes. Vitamin C helps to kill the bacteria present in the
urinary tract.
12. Tea
Tree Oil
Mix equal
proportion of tea tree oil, sandalwood oil and juniper oil. Now, rub it over
the abdominal area for 3-4 days. This is a proven home remedy to treat the UTI.
Alternatively,
mix 6 drops of tea tree oil and 2 teaspoons of plain yogurt in warm bath water.
Soak in this water for about 8-10 minutes for 10 days.
13. Apple
Cider Vinegar
Apple cider
vinegar also helps to flush out the bacteria accumulated in the urinary tract.
Take a glass of water and add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to
it. You can also add some honey and lemon juice to it. Drink it twice a day.
14. Cod
Liver Oil Supplements
You can take
cod liver oil supplements in order to fight against the UTI. Cod liver oil also
helps to boost up the immune system while making the body strong to fight off
any type of bacteria or viruses.
15. Blue
Brinjal Leaves
Boil some
blue brinjal leaves in water, and consume it at least 2 times a day. This is an
excellent natural treatment for the urinary tract infections.
16. Lotus
Petals & Rose Petals
Boil some
lotus petals and pink rose petals for some time. Strain, and then drink this
concoction at least thrice a day in order to cure a urinary tract infection.
17. Take
Over-the-counter Medication
To get
relief from the abdominal pain caused due to the UTI, take over-the-counter
tablets, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. This will also help relieve the
fever and other symptoms.
18.
Chameli Plant
Boil chameli
plant for some time, and then drink it after straining. Take this once a day to
get relief from the urinary tract infection.
19.
Coriander
Take 3
tablespoons of powdered coriander and mix it with 1 tablespoon of powdered rock
candy in 3 cups of water. Leave it overnight. Drink a cup of this water the
next day, at least thrice a day. This is a good remedy to treat the infection
of the urinary tract.
20.
Barley Water
Add one
teaspoon of roasted barley water and ½ teaspoon of unrefined sugar (or powdered
rock candy) into a cup of water. Drink this mixture twice a day. This
combination is an excellent diuretic and a perfect cure for the UTI.
21.
Indian Gooseberry
Take 1
teaspoon of Indian gooseberry powder with a glass of water every
morning before eating the breakfast. It is a tested remedy for UTI.
Else, mix 1
teaspoon each of turmeric powder and Indian gooseberry powder in a cup of
water. Boil it until the water reduces to half. Drink the residue thrice a day
for 3-5 days.
