Urinary tract infections are very common bacterial infections, which are found mostly in women. If you have faced the pain of UTIs, you likely want to know how to get rid of a uti in 24 hours. This article provides complete information on how to manage a UTI effectively.
What is a UTI?
UTIs, or urinary tract infections, occur when bacteria infect the urinary system. When microorganisms invade the urinary system via the flow of urine. Some body parts that reason of UTIs include:
- Kidneys: Filter blood and produce urine.
- Ureters: This tube transfers urine from the kidney to the bladder.
- Bladder: Stores urine.
- Urethra: This is used to expel urine from the body.
Women are more vulnerable to urinary tract infections because they have short urethra and sit very close to the anus, allowing bacteria to easily transfer and shift from the intestine to the urethra.
Causes and risk factors
Many factors can increase the risk of UTI infections:
- Female anatomy: Females have a short urethra, which means bacteria reach the bladder quickly and cause urinary tract infections.
- Sexual activity: Increases the chances of bacteria entering in urethra.
- Certain birth control methods: Spermicides and diaphragms can contribute to the risk of UTIs.
- Menopause: The urinary tract can be affected by hormonal changes.
- Poor hygiene: Incorrectly wiping or using hard products can cause bacteria.
Common symptoms
Symptoms of UTI vary according to the site affected:
- Bladder infection (cystitis): Painful urination, frequent need to urinate, lower abdominal pain, and cloudy or smelly urine.
- Kidney infection (pyelonephritis): Fever, chills, back pain, nausea, and vomiting are symptoms of a kidney infection caused by UTIs.
If left untreated, a UTI can spread to the kidneys, leading to more serious complications.
How to get rid of a UTI in 24 hours
While it’s challenging to completely eliminate a UTI within 24 hours, prompt action can alleviate symptoms and expedite recovery. Here are steps to consider:
- Consult a Healthcare Professional: Seek medical advice promptly. A healthcare provider can diagnose the UTI and prescribe appropriate antibiotics, which are essential for treating bacterial infections effectively.
- Hydration: Increase your water intake to help flush bacteria from the urinary tract. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily, unless otherwise advised by your healthcare provider.
- Urinate Frequently: Do not hold in urine; empty your bladder regularly to help eliminate bacteria.
- Avoid Irritants: Refrain from consuming irritants such as caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and nicotine, as they can exacerbate bladder irritation.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Consider using over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to alleviate discomfort. Consult your healthcare provider before taking any medication.
- Cranberry Products: Some studies suggest that cranberry juice or supplements may help prevent UTIs, though evidence is mixed. They should not replace antibiotics but can be used as a supplementary measure.
- Maintain Proper Hygiene: Practice good personal hygiene to prevent further irritation or infection. This includes wiping from front to back after using the restroom and wearing breathable, cotton underwear.
Important Note: Self-treatment is not recommended. For a precise diagnosis and effective treatment, always seek advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Delaying proper treatment can lead to complications, including kidney infections.
Medical treatments
Removing the UTI infection requires antibiotics. Recommended antibiotics include:
- Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim)
- Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid)
- Amoxicillin/clavulanate (Augmentin)
Your doctor may recommend a 3 to 10-day course of antibiotics medicine depending on your severity. To stop recurrence, the most important is to complete the course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve.
Ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) medicine can help to reduce the pain Until the antibiotics take effect.
Home remedies for symptom relief
While antibiotics are the best way of treatment, many natural remedies can reduce the pain of infection:
1. Stay hydrated
Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water to help flush bacteria out of your system. You should Drink approximately 1.5 to 2 litres of water daily.
2. Use a heating pad
Apply a heating pad to your lower abdomen or back to soothe pain.
3. Consume cranberry juice or supplements
Cranberries have natural compounds that help to stop bacteria from the bladder and help to protect from urinary tract infections. Although the evidence is mixed, drinking unsweetened cranberry juice or taking supplements won’t hurt you.
4. Take vitamin C
Vitamin C can make the urine more acidic, possibly stopping the increase in bacteria in the body. You should include citrus fruits in your food or take some supplements.
5. Probiotics
The good bacteria found in foods such as yogurt and kimchi can support urinary health by maintaining a good balance of the microbiome.
Preventing UTIs
Prevention is better than treatment. To reduce the risk of UTIs, follow these habits:
- Wipe Correctly: One should always wipe from front to back after urination.
- Stay hydrated: Regularly drink water from 1.5 to 2 litres to hydrate your body.
- Pee after sex: This method is good for removing bacteria in urinary tract infections from the urethra.
- Wear loose clothing: Always select cotton underwear to dry and be comfortable.
- Avoid irritants: Avoid strongly fragranced products.
When to see a doctor
While home remedies can relieve symptoms, some cases need medical attention. Contact a doctor if:
- Symptoms last more than two days.
- You are experiencing a high temperature, shivering, or intense pain in your lower back.
- Blood is present in your urine.
- There are significant changes in the colour or smell of your urine.
These signs would indicate a kidney infection or another serious issue requiring immediate treatment.
Final thoughts
UTIs are common but with the help of the right treatment and good care, we can stop it. If you have a suspicion of UTI, act quickly with these instructions and prevent this infection by staying hydrated, following a good way of health, and consulting a good doctor for proper care. Combining medical treatment with natural remedies can effectively manage UTIs.
