What is a urinary tract infection?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection of the body’s urine kidneys, bladder, ureters or urethra than can affect men, but is most common in women. This particular infection usually begins at the urethra, where bacteria, like E. coli found in the body, travels up the urethra to other parts of the urinary tract system that can cause severe painful symptoms when urinating. This type of bacterial infection usually has several symptoms, but the most common include a persistent urge to urinate, burning sensation when urinating, cloudy urine, strong smelling urine, red urine, passing small amounts of urine, and pelvic pain in women.
If you experience any UTI symptoms, the most common way to detect this bacterial infection is through a urine test that can detect bacteria and blood present in urine. Since UTI’s are so common in women, many health providers will provide a prescription for an antibiotic treatment just by detailing the common symptoms of this infection.
One can reduce the risk of UTIs by drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration and help clear bacteria present in the urinary tract. It is also good to urinate as soon as you feel the urge to go, rather than holding it in as this might cause an accumulation of bacteria in the body if it is already present. For women, it is advised to wipe front to back when urinating to prevent bacteria from entering the urinary system that causes UTIs.
Ways to Treat UTI’s
UTIs can occur very frequently in women, and the most commonly known remedy to treat this bacterial infection is to drink cranberry juice to alleviate some of the painful symptoms. However, this treatment may not eliminate the bacteria present in the body safely, so it is advised that you see a doctor to avoid any possible complications related to this bacterial infection. If you seek medical help for your UTI, the most common medication that doctors will prescribe is an oral antibiotic that will reduce bacteria present in any part of the urinary tract.
Antibiotics
One of the treatments available for patients with a UTI is ciprofloxacin, which is a prescription oral antibiotic that reduces the amount of bacteria like E. coli in the body. The average price for ciprofloxacin 500mg is around $30 for a bottle containing 20 tablets, and may vary depending on pharmacy location. The most common side effects patients experience while taking ciprofloxacin include nausea, headache, vomiting, stomach pain, heartburn, diarrhea, urgent need to urinate, and vaginal itching or discharge. While taking ciprofloxacin, it is advised that you drink plenty of water and avoid eating or drinking products containing caffeine like coffee, tea, energy drinks, or chocolate.
Over the Counter Medications
Another common treatment for UTIs is over the counter (OTC) medication AZO, which works to alleviate symptoms associated with the bacterial infection. The active ingredient in AZO, phenazopyridine hydrochloride works as painkiller to soothe the lining of the urinary tract that causes discomfort. Available in tablet form, the average cost of AZO is around $8 and may vary depending on location. While AZO alleviates the symptoms associated with UTIs, it is important to note that the medication does not reduce the bacteria causing the infection and should only be used as a temporary pain management solution. Some of the most common side effects patients experience while taking AZO include headache, dizziness and upset stomach.
