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UTI Treatments

The treatment options for a UTI vary, depending on what type of bacteria is causing the infection. Consulting with your doctor is a must because they are the ones that can approve diagnostic tests to help determine the UTI treatment plan and may intervene with additional diagnostic tests and treatment in a timely fashion when necessary to reduce the risk of a more serious condition.  After identifying if your condition relates to a kidney infection or bladder infection and what type of bacteria it is, your physician will develop a treatment plan.

Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to people with UTI to ward off the bacteria causing the infection. The type and dosage of the antibiotic given, depends on what type of bacteria is causing the condition. It does not matter if the bacteria count is low or high. People are commonly advised to take antibiotics to prevent the progress and cure the urinary tract infection. 

  • For mild or simple infections in both the bladder and the kidneys, oral antibiotics are usually provided to treat the infection and reduce the risk that the infection will spread to the kidneys. Some of the common antibiotics prescribed by doctors include: trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, amoxicillin, augmentin, doxycycline, and fluoroquinolones.
  • In some cases, the doctor also prescribes drugs to relieve the burning feeling or pain, and/or to lessen the number of times the individual urinates. A common drug is the Phenazopyridine hydrochloride. Please be advised that this drug is an additional treatment; not a replacement for antibiotics.
  • Drinking a lot of water and fruit juices supports treatment for a urinary tract infection. 

For simple, mild bladder infections, the symptoms may disappear in a span of 1 to 2 days. For mild kidney infections, the symptoms may require a week or two to subside.

If symptoms do not begin to subside comfortably within 24 hours or less and if your intuition suggests so, it is wise to contact your physician and request to learn more about what advanced tests can rule in and rule out, if those tests were not performed to establish diagnosis.       

Hospital Admission for UTI, Bladder Infection and Kidney Infection

If a severe or advanced bladder or kidney infection is present, admission to a hospital is usually advised. Fluid intake and medication management may be closely monitored in a hospital. Close monitoring helps ensure a smooth recovery process, may prevent further advancement of the condition and may offer more timely attention should the following occur.

  • If the condition becomes more serious following initial treatment of follow up complaints by the individual.
  • May lend itself to the option for advanced tests to make a more accurate comprehensive diagnosis.
  • May allow for timely treatment for another identified serious condition.

A doctor may also recommend admittance to a hospital if the individual is old, has kidney stones, or if he or she has undergone a urinary tract surgery recently.

Chronic UTI

For people who are diagnosed with chronic UTI, doctors might recommend stronger antibiotics that might be taken for several weeks or months, depending upon the nature and severity of the case. Chronic urinary tract infection is an infection that recurs even after treatment. If this continues further, a urinary surgery may be highly recommended for those who qualify. 

UTI Outcomes

Generally, treatments for urinary tract infections are very successful. It is important to note select infections are serious and may signify another condition. For example, serious kidney infections may be associated with other conditions and may become life threatening. 

It is important to recognize that initial diagnostic tests may not offer fully conclusive results about an individual’s overall condition. In addition, all medications and medical procedures are associated with benefits and risks that should be discussed with your physician. It is important to recognize that all information contained on this website cannot be considered to be specific medical diagnosis, medical treatment, or medical advice. As always, you should consult with a physician regarding any medical condition.