Get instant UTI relief by following these five quick tips.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common infections among women, but that does not stop it from being a nuisance, and in some cases, burdensome.
True enough, a UTI may start as a seemingly harmless condition you need not worry about, but it can quickly turn into a nightmare when not managed well. In extremely bad cases of a UTI, you may suffer from persistent abdominal pain, uncontrollable urges to go to the bathroom often, and painful urination.
These severe bouts of UTI are something that many adult women–especially if they are a full-time professional–cannot experience. As adults, most of us need to be fully functional and a hundred percent healthy to carry out our daily tasks. However, if you are prone to contracting UTIs, what are your options?
The real key is to get to know your body well and be aware of the habits that can expose you to UTI-causing bacteria. That way, you can make lifestyle changes to steer clear of UTIs for good. But if you ever find yourself dealing with this stubborn infection over and over, your best bet is to seek and apply quick-relief remedies. Doing so can also keep you from developing antibiotic resistance to UTI, which can be caused by overdependence on antibiotics.
Here are some tips to quickly deal with troublesome UTI symptoms.
1. Give yourself a sitz bath.
A sitz bath is a warm and shallow bath for cleansing the genital area, especially the perineum or the area between the rectum and the vulva or scrotum. You can set up a sitz bath on your bath tub. As an alternative, you may also use a kit that fits over the toilet.
Sitz baths are commonly used to relieve skin irritations, itching, and minor pains. If you are not satisfied with a shallow bath, you may immerse in warm water to help relieve your abdominal pain. This can also allow your muscles to relax, helping stop painful spasms.
2. Use a heating pad.
Abdominal cramps and pressure are probably the worst symptoms of UTI, and extreme pain in the abdomen can really prevent you from doing your normal daily routine. Applying a heating pad over your abdomen can ease muscle pain, cramps, and spasms. If you do not have a heating pad, a bottle of hot water or a warm washcloth can also help.
3. Wear cotton and avoid tight-fitting clothes.
Tight pants and underwear can be uncomfortable when you are dealing with abdominal pain and other UTI symptoms. They may also further irritate the genital area, leading to more discomfort and other minor infections. Make sure to wear cotton garments and opt for slightly loose clothing to keep the genital area dry and cool. This can can prevent or reduce bacterial growth.
4. Do urinate often.
Urinating cleanses your body by getting rid of bacteria and unwanted microorganisms. When you feel the urge to urinate, do take a trip to the bathroom and avoid delaying it until your bladder can barely hold it. Plus, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to hasten the process of flushing out harmful bacteria from your urinary tract. If you are dealing with a relatively mild UTI case, chances are it will be cleared within a day or two of water therapy. In addition, you may also opt for other UTI-relieving drinks such as sugar-free cranberry extract and other vitamin C-rich juices.
Also, avoid alcohol and caffeine as much as possible. These drinks contain substances that can further irritate the urinary tract and make the bladder overactive, which can lead to even more discomfort.
5. Consult your doctor.
To effectively cure your UTI, remember to go to your doctor immediately for a urinalysis. You may also inquire about single-dose antibiotics for UTI, which may be taken once a day or as recommended by your physician. Your medical care provider should be able to prescribe safe medicines based on established national treatment guidelines for an uncomplicated case of UTI.
