A UTI is a urinary tract infection, and it can be in any part of your urinary system, such as your bladder, urethra, kidneys, and ureters. People with UTIs often ask what can I do to relieve UTI pain as it can be pretty painful at times. There are many remedies and treatments available to manage UTI pain and symptoms, but first, you have to identify and test whether you have this infection or not.
Some of the common symptoms of UTI include:
- Pelvic discomfort
- Persistent urge to urinate
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Frequent urination but in small amounts
Symptoms of UTI
UTI occurs when foreign bacteria enter the urinary tract, and it can irritate the urethra, following in painful urination, lower abdominal pain, or even cramping. You should know the symptoms of contracting this bacteria so you can treat it better. Not everyone exhibits the same symptoms, but some of the most common UTI symptoms are:
- Blood in the urine
- Foul-smell in the urine
- Pain during intercourse
- Passing frequent but small quantity of urine
- Kidney or bladder stones
- Low fever or chills
- Pressure or cramping in the lower abdomen
- Pelvic pain
- Burning feeling when urinating
- Strong and persistent need to urinate
- Cloudy urine
A bladder infection can be disturbing and painful and result in a severe health problem if the bacterial infection spreads in your bloodstream. Therefore, knowing your body is necessary, and exploring treatment early on for bladder infections benefits you to control the symptoms.
Treating the UTI Symptoms
The following steps can help you treat your UTI symptoms:
1- Stopping the Infection
Everyone who asks what can I do to relieve the UTI pain must know that you have to take measures to stop the infection.
Your doctor might recommend antibiotic medication for a simple UTI as per your current health and the type of bacteria in your urine. These include the following:
- Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)
- Cephalexin (Keflex)
- Fosfomycin (Monurol)
- Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin)
- Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra)
On the other hand, if you have a complicated UTI or kidney infection, your doctor will prescribe a stronger type of antibiotic called fluoroquinolones. Moreover, doctors recommend the shortest treatment course possible to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance. Note that an effective treatment usually takes less than 7 days. Some other treatments are also available, but they do not require antibiotics.
2- Relieving the Pain
Pain or discomfort from a UTI is usually relieved within a couple of days of starting the antibiotic. Your doctor may also suggest a pain-relieving medicine or an analgesic if you are experiencing severe pain.
UTI discomfort can also be relieved with many other remedies, and you do not have to avail antibiotics every time. There are other prescription medications available that work just as well as any antibiotic. Many UTI analgesics can help relieve the pain, itching, burning, and urinary urgency. It is available in both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) forms.
Foods that can Trigger UTI
Diet can play a significant role in triggering UTI. Many common foods and drinks, artificial sweeteners, spicy foods, acidic fruits, citrus, caffeinated beverages, alcohol, and coffee can aggravate your bladder and cause discomfort when urinating. They may worsen UTI symptoms, so you should avoid taking them if you have signs of a bladder infection. Thus, it is better if you avoid the foods mentioned below:
- Caffeine
- Citric and Caffeinated sodas
- Acidic Fruits
- Spicy Foods
- Artificial Sweeteners
Steps to Avoid a UTI
To manage UTI, you need to make certain lifestyle changes that are minimal but can help you with UTI a lot. The following steps can help you in managing your UTI better:
- You should drink plenty of fluids, particularly water.
- You should drink cranberry juice. According to some research studies, cranberry juice can aid in preventing UTIs. Even if it does not subside the infection completely, it can help relieve the symptoms.
- You should wipe from front to back thoroughly after urinating and bowel movements.
- You should empty your bladder before and after sexual intercourse.
- You should take showers instead of baths.
- You should avoid possibly irritating feminine care products, such as deodorant sprays, douches, and powders, in the genital area. Note that you should not be using any fragrant products near or on your genitals, as they can do more harm than good.
- You should change menstrual pads and tampons timely.
- You should switch your birth control method, as condoms and diaphragms can add to bacterial growth.
- You should wear cotton underwear and clothing that is loose in fitting, particularly in the pelvic region.
If you want to know more information about urinary tract infections, then visit a doctor and book your appointment with the best Urologists in Karachi today through Marham.
