Treatment for urinary tract infection is usually done with the use of antibiotics prescribed by a doctor, such as Ciprofloxacin or Fosfomycin, to eliminate excess bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, that are causing the infection.
However, there are also some home remedies, such as cranberry juice, that can treat the infection when it is emerging or that can only be used to complete medical treatment.
In addition, it is still important to have some care, such as drinking water and maintaining proper genital hygiene, to speed recovery and prevent infection from recurring.
List of recommended remedies
The two main types of remedies used to treat a urinary tract infection are antibiotics, which eliminate bacteria, and analgesics, which help relieve symptoms during the first few days.
1. Antibiotics
Antibiotics should only be used when recommended by your doctor, however, the most common ones to treat this type of infection include:
- Fosfomycin;
- Ciprofloxacin;
- Levofloxacin;
- Cephalexin;
- Amoxicillin;
- Ceftriaxone;
- Azithromycin;
- Doxycycline.
These antibiotics should be taken until the last day the doctor prescribed, usually 7 to 14 days, even if the symptoms have disappeared, to ensure that the urinary tract infection has been cured.
This is because, if you stop taking the medicine before this date, bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, may not have been completely eliminated and may generate a new urinary tract infection.
For infants older than 2 months, the pediatrician often chooses to use other antibiotics, such as amoxicillin with clavulanate or sulfamethoxazole with trimethoprim, for example.
2. Analgesics
Phenazopyridine is the main analgesic prescribed by the doctor because its action reduces the amount of spasms and anesthesia to the bladder and urethra, relieving symptoms like pain when urinating or burning throughout the day. This medicine can be purchased from conventional pharmacies under the name Pyridium or Uristat, for example.
In addition, the most common analgesics, such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen, may also help relieve some of the symptoms, especially when they are not very intense.
Learn about the top remedies used to fight urinary tract infection.
Natural Treatment Option
A great natural treatment for urinary tract infection is the consumption of a fruit called cranberry, or cramberry, in its natural form, in the form of juice or in capsules. Cranberry has a high content of proanthocyanidins, substances that make it difficult for the Escherichia coli bacterium to adhere to the urinary tract, reducing the chances of the disease.
However, about 70% of urinary tract infections can be prevented only with adequate water intake and therefore it is recommended to eat at least 2 liters of water per day.
Watch this video with other tips to cure urinary tract infection faster:
How to Cure Urinary Tract Infection in Pregnancy
The treatment for urinary tract infection in the pregnant woman is also done with the use of antibiotics, and the safest drugs against urinary infection at this stage are amoxicillin and cephalexin, which can be used in any trimester.
Learn more about treating urinary tract infection during pregnancy.
