How My Autoimmune Conditions Taught Me to Take Infection Risks Seriously
UTI May Go Away On Its Own But What Are The Risks Of Leaving It Untreated?
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections in women. About 50–70% of women will have a UTI sometimes during their lifetime, of which 20–30% will have a recurrent UTI, as per research published in the American Society for Microbiology.
While women are at a greater risk of contracting a UTI, men can develop it too, with more painful symptoms. The most common mistake people usually make is leaving the infection untreated, thinking that it will go away on its own. But should that be the right course of action? We spoke to Dr Tejal Deshmukh, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Manipal Hospital, Baner, Pune, who sheds light on the dangers of doing so.
Also Read: How To Recognise And Treat A Urinary Tract Infection
Can UTI Go Away On Its Own?
In about 15-20% of cases, UTI may resolve on its own, says Dr Deshmukh. But this is only if the infection is mild or if a person does not have any past history of UTI. The UTI symptoms usually need proper treatment to avoid further complications and recurrence, the doctor adds.
Tracking your symptoms can give you an idea of the severity of your infection. Some of the common symptoms include:
Most UTIs occur in the lower urinary tracts, such as the urethra and bladder. With prompt treatment, they usually do not cause any further complications. However, if left untreated, it can result in serious health issues.
Dr Deshmukh says, "Untreated UTI acutely irritates the lower urinary tract and causes symptoms like increased urinary frequency, urgency of urine, dysuria, suprapubic discomfort, and increased incontinence. In cases of severe infection, it may ascend to the kidneys and give rise to acute pyelonephritis (kidney infection), which may cause high-grade fever, nausea, vomiting, and flank pain."
According to the Urology Care Foundation, about 1 in every 30 cases of a UTI leads to a kidney infection.
It is also important to note that if left untreated, a UTI can also progress to sepsis, a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's immune system has an intense reaction to an infection. As per StatPearls Publishing, UTIs are among the most common presenting causes of sepsis in hospitals.
Also Read: Try These 4 Natural Ways To Treat Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
The Risk Of Recurrence
Recurrent UTIs can be defined as two or more acute UTIs within six months or three in a year.
According to StatPearls Publishing, more than half of all women will experience a urinary tract infection (UTI) at some point in their lives. The issue doesn't always stop there; for roughly a quarter of women, the UTI will come back within six months of getting treated for the first one.
Not getting proper treatment and waiting for it to clear away on its own is a common risk factor for recurrent UTIs.
How To Approach It EffectivelyThe best thing to do for a UTI is to see a healthcare provider immediately, says Dr Deshmukh. Here's what you can expect thereon:
Here are some of the ways to prevent UTIs:
UTIs should not be left untreated, regardless of whether they're mild or severe. It is important to consult a doctor to determine the course of treatment. Failing to do so can lead to severe complications and may compromise overall health. In fact, untreated UTIs may cause more serious conditions, such as kidney infections or sepsis. Ensure that you recognise symptoms early and seek prompt medical attention to receive appropriate treatment, typically antibiotics. Again, consulting a doctor is extremely crucial.
DisclaimerAll possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; however Onlymyhealth.Com does not take any liability for the same. Using any information provided by the website is solely at the viewers' discretion. In case of any medical exigencies/ persistent health issues, we advise you to seek a qualified medical practitioner before putting to use any advice/tips given by our team or any third party in form of answers/comments on the above mentioned website.
Now You Can Get UTI Antibiotics From Pharmacies Without Prescription. Here's What To Know
Urinary tract infections can be a minor medical annoyance or lead to a hospital stay – especially for older people.
If you think you might have a urinary tract infection (UTI) you need prompt advice and often antibiotics. But it can be difficult to get an appointment with your doctor at short notice, especially in rural areas.
Now trained pharmacists in most Australian states are able to review your symptoms and supply antibiotics if appropriate.
But there are still times when you should see a doctor.
What is a UTI? And when is it serious?The urinary tract consists of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder and urethra. It's the body system responsible for producing, storing and removing urine from the body.
When bacteria invade the urinary system – mostly from the bowel or the skin – they can multiply and cause infection.
Roughly half of all women and one in 20 men will have a UTI at least once in their lifetime. The risk increases with age. One in ten postmenopausal women report having a UTI in the last year.
Typical signs of infection include a painful or burning sensation when urinating, feeling like you need to urinate urgently and often and cloudy or foul-smelling urine. In more severe cases symptoms can include fever, lethargy and pain in the lower back.
In older adults, UTIs can cause confusion, agitation and falls.
For some people, UTIs can have serious complications, such as kidney damage, kidney failure or infection in the blood (sepsis), particularly if treatment is delayed.
Read more: Why do I keep getting urinary tract infections? And why are chronic UTIs so hard to treat?
A common reason for hospital admissionUTIs are the second most common cause of preventable hospital visits in Australia. Across the country they are reported to result in 100,000 emergency department visits and 75,000 hospital stays each year.
The rate of hospitalisation for UTIs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is around double the rate for other Australians. People aged over 65 years are five times more likely to be hospitalised with a UTI than younger Australians.
Older people are much more likely to be hospitalised with a UTI. Shutterstock A quicker optionThe newly rolled out pharmacist consultations do not replace the option of visiting your GP. But they do provide an additional choice.
In Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia the legislation has been changed to allow pharmacists to supply antibiotics to treat women (or people with female anatomy) aged 18 to 65 years with uncomplicated UTIs.
In New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria and Tasmania trials allowing pharmacists to treat UTIs in the same patient group are underway or have been announced.
This approach to provide accessible and timely treatment options for UTIs through pharmacies aligns with that in New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Canada.
Read more: Cranberry juice can prevent recurrent UTIs, but only for some people
Not for everyoneState guidelines direct pharmacists to only provide antibiotics to women (or people with female anatomy) aged 18 to 65 years with uncomplicated UTIs. If the pharmacist finds warning signs for a serious infection, or a complicated UTI, you will be referred for further consultation with a doctor.
Under this program, UTIs that occur in people who have an anatomically male urinary tract, are under 18 years or over 65, or are pregnant would be considered to have complicated UTIs, and such patients would be referred to their doctor.
Some other situations where UTIs are considered complicated and should be assessed by a doctor include when they occur in people with kidney disease, urinary catheters, a condition that weakens the immune system (such as diabetes, cancer or HIV) or reoccurring symptoms.
To supply antibiotics for UTI treatment pharmacists are required to undertake additional training. Pharmacists can only prescribe antibiotics according to an agreed evidence-based treatment guideline, such as South Australia's.
Pharmacists will assess if you are eligible for the pharmacy UTI service and ask specific questions to check your symptoms match those of an uncomplicated UTI or for warning signs you need to see a doctor. If treatment is appropriate, they will ask questions about your medical and medication history to determine which type of antibiotic is most suitable for you.
Pharmacists will not test urine for bacteria, as Australian guidelines state antibiotic treatment can be started for women with uncomplicated UTIs straight away. If your symptoms or history suggest urine testing might be required the pharmacist will refer you to a doctor.
Pharmacists won't test urine samples. ShutterstockYou can get a record of the consultation that you can share with your doctor. The requirements for documentation differ in different states but pharmacists can upload information to My Health Record (if you haven't opted out and are happy for them to do so).
This new service is not without controversy. GPs have expressed concerns about misdiagnosis and antimicrobial resistance where the bacteria could evolve and become much harder to treat. Detailed procedures have been developed for pharmacists to minimise these risks.
Read more: Do you really need antibiotics? Curbing our use helps fight drug-resistant bacteria
What else can you do?While taking antibiotics to treat a UTI you should also drink lots of water and ensure you empty your bladder completely every time you go to the toilet.
Pain relievers can help ease discomfort from a UTI. But it's important to speak with your pharmacist or doctor to find the best pain management option for you.
Remedies For Cat Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, can develop in any pet. Some cats are naturally more likely to develop UTIs, like male cats, overweight cats, or cats with diabetes. However, the infections can affect any cat throughout its lifetime.
A UTI affects the cat's urinary (peeing) system. This includes the bladder (organ that holds pee) and urethra (tube that pee comes out of). This bacterial infection can lead to symptoms like:
A UTI develops when bacteria enter the urinary tract, pass through the urethra, and reach the bladder. It can be caused by age, lack of proper hygiene around the genitalia, or abnormal pH levels (acidity or alkalinity in liquid) in the cat's diet. However, it may also be caused by more serious conditions like bladder stones (hard deposits in the bladder), injuries, tumors, or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).
Remedies and Treatments for Cat Urinary Tract InfectionUrinary tract diseases are common in cats and can cause discomfort and distress. If left untreated, a UTI can lead to partial or complete blockage of the urethra. This can lead to kidney failure or rupture of the bladder, which could be deadly.
Depending on the severity of the infection, a cat UTI can be treated using at-home remedies and treatments.
Cranberries
While cranberries are known as a UTI treatment in humans, they can also be used to treat a cat UTI. The acidity of cranberries can lower the pH of your cat's urine, which can help treat a UTI and stop it from coming back.
Many cranberry juices are high in sugar. Instead, you can find cranberry capsules (pills), supplements, or powder to add to your cat's diet.
Before giving your cat cranberry, you should first test the pH levels in your cat's urine. While the acidity of cranberries may help with some UTIs, in other cases, it could make the condition worse. Only provide cranberry supplements if your cat's urine is too alkaline.
ContinuedApple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can also lower the pH in your cat's urine, eliminating and preventing any harmful bacteria. Add half a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to your cat's food each day. To reduce the bitter taste, you can mix it in with chicken or beef broth. Just make sure the broth doesn't contain onions, as this is toxic to cats.
Like cranberries, apple cider vinegar is only effective if your cat's urine is too alkaline. You can test your cat's pH using at-home kits or diagnostic cat litter, as well as through a reliable test given by your veterinarian.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
While these two supplements are often used for arthritis joint pain management, glucosamine and chondroitin can also reduce the symptoms of a feline UTI. Glucosamine can help replace a compound in the lining of the cat's bladder wall. Chondroitin helps prevent this compound from breaking down.
Combining these two supplements can rebuild the bladder wall and prevent further damage from bacteria. This reduces inflammation and other UTI symptoms. For every 10 pounds of your cat's weight, you can give the cat 100 milligrams of glucosamine and 50 milligrams of chondroitin.
Marshmallow Root
Marshmallow root can kill bacteria, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the lining of the bladder to help fight off a UTI. It also acts as a diuretic — a drug that helps the kidneys flush out urine or other fluids — which increases the flow of urine and flushes out the bladder.
According to a study, marshmallow root contains mucilage (a sticky substance made by plants), which can soothe membranes and provide a barrier to support the lining of the bladder.
Bone Broth
In addition to treating the pH level and strengthening the bladder wall, an important part of treating a cat UTI is to make sure that your cat stays well hydrated. This will help flush out the bladder and avoid the buildup of harmful bacteria.
To make sure your cat is staying hydrated, you can introduce tasty fluids like bone broth. Not only will this provide necessary hydration, but bone broth also contains nutrients and minerals that can help fight the infection. The amino acids (organic compounds that form protein in the body) found in bone broth, including glycine, and arginine, have been shown to reduce inflammation.
Continued When to See a VetThese at-home treatments and remedies may be effective for clearing up minor infections, but more serious infections need to be treated by a professional animal doctor.
If your cat is experiencing mild or moderate symptoms, you can try these remedies to relieve their symptoms. If their symptoms show no sign of improvement in a few days, talk to a veterinarian. If your cat seems to be in pain or is unable to pass urine, see a vet immediately. This could be a sign of urethral obstruction, which can be fatal if not treated within 24 to 48 hours.
A vet may be able to prescribe antibiotics to target the harmful bacteria. Be sure to give your cat the full dose of prescribed antibiotics to prevent the UTI from returning or becoming resistant to treatment.
Even if you're pursuing professional treatment, these remedies can be effectively used alongside antibiotics to strengthen the bladder and balance your cat's pH levels. Some can also be used as a daily supplement to prevent the UTI from coming back. Remember to check the urine pH prior to starting some of the remedies to make sure you don't make the problem worse.
WebMD Medical Reference
SourcesSOURCES:
American Veterinary Medical Association: "Feline lower urinary tract disease."
Cornell Feline Health Center: "Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease."
Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care: "L-Glycine: a novel antiinflammatory, immunomodulatory, and cytoprotective agent."
Journal of Ethnopharmacology: "Aqueous extracts and polysaccharides from marshmallow roots (Althea officinalis L.): cellular internalisation and stimulation of cell physiology of human epithelial cells in vitro."
University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine: "STRESS, MALENESS LINKED TO URINARY TRACT DISORDERS IN CATS."
VCA Animal Hospital: "Glucosamine Chondroitin Combination."
© 2022 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
Comments
Post a Comment