Treatment of urinary tract infection usually depends upon its root cause. Doctors initially examine which organism is responsible for the infection through specific tests, and based upon the results, different UTI treatments are given. Insignificant cases, the root cause is bacteria, and for treatment purposes, doctors use antibiotics. Whereas in the case of viruses, antiviral is used as medication such as antiviral cidofovir. It is considered one of the best treatments for UTIs. Doctors prefer antifungals for fungal UTIs.
Antibiotics generally are the only line treatment for UTIs. Which drugs the doctor prescribes and for what period depends upon the patient’s overall health condition. Let us look forward to primary UTI symptoms found in men and women for better understanding.
Basic UTI Symptoms In Men:
UTI is divided into two types one is upper UTI, and another is lower UTI. In general, the symptoms vary based upon the UTI type. In upper tract UI symptoms, men and women are common, including back pain, chills, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms of a lower UTI in men include rectal pain and other common symptoms such as burning sensation while passing urine, increased urine frequency bloody or cloudy urine, urine with a strong odor.
Basic UTI Symptoms In Women:
Women with a lower UTI might go through pelvic pain along with other mentioned common UTI symptoms. However, symptoms of upper UTI are the same amongst men and women.
Types of Medications to Treat UTI based upon the Types:
As per the type of infection, the opted medication might vary. Below depicted are types of infection along with the given medications.
Simple Infection:
The doctor usually prescribes the below-mentioned medications when you are suffering from a minute or simple UTI:
· Trimethoprim or sulfamethoxazole
· Fosfomycin also called Monurol
· Nitrofurantoin named as Macrodantin or Macrobid
· Cephalexin or Keflex
· Ceftriaxone
The category of antibiotic medicines, also named fluoroquinolones including ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and levofloxacin, is not generally commonly used for this UTI category. The reason behind this is these work better in treating complicated UTIs. Doctors recommend fluoroquinolone in case of kidney infection, especially when there is no alternate option.
Typically within a week of UTI treatments, the symptoms start clearing up. But you might consider having antibiotics for a specific time as it is necessary to finish the antibiotic course for better results.
For an uncomplicated urinary tract infection, shorter courses are successful. Thus, doctors recommend the intake of antibiotics for three to four days. In addition, the shorter course will be practical or not depends upon the symptoms and specific medical history.
Frequent Infections:
If you suffer from UTI on a frequent basis, then the doctor is supposed to consider distinct medications, including:
· Low-dose of antibiotics for at least six months
· Self-diagnosis in addition to UTI treatments, when you stay in regular touch with a doctor
· A single antibiotic dose specifically after sexual intercourse. This is applicable when the infections are related to such activities
· Vaginal estrogen therapy in case you are postmenopausal
Severe Infection:
If you are suffering from a severe UTI, you need proper treatment along with intravenous antibiotics. And lifestyle plays a significant role in curing severe infections.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies:
UTIs can be highly painful. Thus you should individually take particular for easing up your discomfort. Here are some tips that you can consider:
· Drink plenty amount of water as it will help in diluting the urine and will effectively flush out the unnecessary bacteria.
· Avoid certain things that can cause bladder irritation, such as coffee, alcohol, or drinks comprising of citrus juices.
· Consider using a heating pad over the abdomen area to minimize bladder pressure.