Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are infections that affect the bladder (cystitis) or the kidneys (pyelonephritis) in the urinary tract.
The best treatment of a urinary tract infection is antibiotics, including:
- Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim)
- Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid)
- Fosfomycin (Monurol)
Medications such as phenazopyridine (Pyridium, available by prescription, or Uristat, available over-the-counter [OTC]) may be used to numb the bladder and urethra and reduce the burning pain of some UTIs.
Medications used to treat kidney infections include:
- Antibiotics
- Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim)
- Levofloxacin (Levaquin)
- Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
- Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox)
- Cephalexin (Keflex)
- Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid)
- Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for fever and pain
In severe cases when patients have high fever, severe pain, or cannot keep down food or fluids, intravenous (IV) antibiotics and fluids may be administered in a hospital
There are no studies that have shown cranberry juice to be effective in treating UTIs, however, cranberry juice is unlikely to be harmful.
What Are Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection?
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection may include:
- Bladder infection
- Pain or a burning on urination
- Lower abdominal pain or discomfort
- Urinary frequency
- Urinary urgency
- Blood in the urine
- Kidney infection
See a doctor right away if you have kidney infection symptoms because delaying treatment can result in serious complications.
What Causes a Urinary Tract Infection?
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by bacteria entering the urethra and going up into the urinary tract.
Risk factors for developing urinary tract infections include:
- Frequent sexual intercourse
- Bladder or kidney infection that occurred in the past 12 months
- A genetic predisposition to UTIs
- Conditions such as kidney stones or ureteral reflux that block or change the flow of urine in the kidneys
- Use of spermicides for birth control
- Diabetes
- For men, not being circumcised or having insertive anal sex
How Is a Urinary Tract Infection Diagnosed?
In addition to a patient history and physical examination, the main way urinary tract infections (UTIs) are diagnosed is a urine test.
- Urinalysis
- Urine culture
Additional testing may be needed for recurrent bladder infections to check for abnormalities in the kidneys, bladder, ureter, or urethra, or for kidney stones.
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https://www.uptodate.com/contents/urinary-tract-infections-in-adults-the-basics?search=UTI&source=search_result&selectedTitle=2~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=2
https://www.houstonmethodist.org/blog/articles/2021/nov/uti-home-remedies-does-cranberry-juice-really-help/