×

Home remedies for urine infection

October 19, 2022

Home remedies for urine infection
Share the article

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a general word that refers to both infections of the lower urinary tract, which may also include the bladder, as well as infections of the upper urinary tract, which may include the kidneys (pyelonephritis) (cystitis). The term “UTI” is most frequently used to refer to infections of the lower urinary tract that typically manifest as mild to moderately painful or uncomfortable. Even though UTIs can be swiftly treated with drugs, many people also find relief from their UTI symptoms with natural home remedies. Let’s look at some of the most common natural treatments for UTIs.

When bacteria enter and grow in the urinary tract, a urinary tract infection develops.

The following parts of the urinary tract may be impacted by this infection:

What causes urine infection?

UTIs are brought on by perineal bacteria that ascend the urethra. The bacteria Escherichia coli is the most frequent source of UTIs.

When E. coli enters the bladder, it invades the bladder mucosal membrane, triggering an inflammatory response in the body called cystitis.

Females are more susceptible to this infection than males since they have shorter urethras. Additional risk elements consist of:

  • Use of a catheter
  • Manipulation of the urethra
  • Sexual intercourse
  • The use of spermicides and diaphragms
  • Kidney transplants
  • Diabetes

Home remedies for urine infection

1. Wipe the right way!

Staying as clean and dry as you can is one of the finest things you can do to avoid UTIs at home. After peeing or having a bowel movement, wiping from front to back is advised as excellent hygiene because it prevents bacteria from entering the urethra and moving up the urinary tract.

2. Put on cotton briefs

Wear natural fibre underwear to keep the urethra as clean and dry as possible to stave off bacterial entry. Too-tight clothing can prevent airflow from reaching the urethra. Without ventilation, germs can enter the body and breed in a setting that promotes the growth of a UTI. Wearing clothing composed of synthetic fibers, such as nylon, can trap moisture and promote the growth of bacteria.

3. Sip on some cranberry juice

A urinary tract infection can develop when bacteria in the urinary tract bind to cell walls. The active component in cranberry juice, proanthocyanidins, can aid in preventing bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract, hence reducing the risk of UTIs. According to a National Center for Biotechnology Information study, drinking cranberry juice lowers the potential number of UTIs that a person can get over the course of a year. In addition to cranberry juice, a number of over-the-counter cranberry pills are also offered for the same purpose.

The use of unsweetened cranberry juice as a UTI remedy is hotly contested in the medical world. While consuming the juice might be beneficial to some, it might not be for everyone.

4. Often urinate

When dealing with a UTI, frequent urination will aid in clearing the urethra of bacteria. Keeping urine-borne bacteria in the bladder might worsen UTIs by preventing the urge to urinate. Reduce the amount of bacteria that enters the urethra by urinating before and after sexual activity.

5. Consume more garlic

Consuming garlic, which is widely known for its antibacterial and antifungal qualities, is a terrific method to strengthen your immune system. Allicin, one of the components in garlic, has been shown to have antibacterial characteristics that are effective at eliminating E. coli.

6. Change soaps

Your body wash, bubble bath, and other cleaning supplies can be to blame for your UTIs. Use fragrance- and dye-free sensitive formulations.

7.  Regularly replace menstrual cups, tampons, and pads

Synthetic, low-absorbency pads raise your risk of infection by exposing your vulva to microorganisms. Tampon usage might enable bacteria to reproduce more quickly, thus it’s crucial to change them frequently. If used improperly, tampons and menstrual cups might raise your risk of developing or aggravating a UTI. Bacteria may move to the bladder if it presses on your urethra and becomes trapped by your pee. A menstrual cup’s size or shape can be altered to help avoid reoccurring UTIs.


Also read:  What is stress urinary incontinence?


8. Use heat

The pubic region may feel uncomfortable or painful if you have a UTI. Hot water bottles or heating pads are simple to use and can ease localized pain. It can help a lot to apply heat to the pelvic region for about 15 minutes. Avoiding overheating and making sure the heat source doesn’t come into contact with the skin directly will stop any stinging or burning. While taking a warm bath may seem like a sensible way to ease UTI pain, most medical experts advise against taking bubble baths. If you do decide to take a bath, skip the soap and suds and don’t soak for too long.

9. Take cautious when using essential oils

Strong antimicrobial effects are well known for oregano essential oil. Oregano oil has been demonstrated to be quite successful at killing E. coli in research, although it should be emphasized that these studies are typically conducted in vitro, which means in a lab using scientific methods rather than on infected patients. Due to their antibacterial qualities, lemongrass oil and clove oil may also be used as a home cure for UTIs, but neither have been tested against dangerous bacteria in studies comparable to those done with oregano oil.

Prior to using essential oils as a treatment, caution is advised. According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, it is not advisable to consume these oils. Instead, they can be administered topically with a carrier oil or breathed without risk.

10. Skip the bath

Frequently used bath soaps might irritate the urinary system and allow bacteria from the large intestine to enter the body. Taking a bath with soap or even just sitting in hot water might aggravate a UTI if someone already has one.

When to see a urologist

While painful, they usually go away after a short course of antibiotics. In rare cases, however, UTIs can become very serious when the infection enters the bloodstream and affects the entire body. This is known as Sepsis, and it can be fatal. In these cases, an Urologist is required.

People also ask

1. How can I treat urine infection at home?

  • Consider cranberries
  • Take in lots of water
  • Pee only when necessary
  • ingest probiotics
  • Purchase additional vitamin C
  • Don loose-fitting clothing
  • Think about switching birth control
  • Invest in a heated pad

2. What happens if you leave a urine infection?

The infection caused by a UTI can spread throughout the body if untreated, becoming extremely dangerous and even fatal. A bladder infection that is left untreated could develop into a kidney infection, which could then spread to the bloodstream and become more dangerous.

3. Why do older females get urinary tract infections?

Due to the feminine anatomy and reduced oestrogen, elderly women experience UTIs more frequently than older males. After menopause, women produce less oestrogen. Infection may result from an imbalance of the good and bad bacteria in the vagina caused by this.

4. How can you test for a UTI at home?

UTI dipstick tests are available over-the-counter at your neighbourhood pharmacy or online. They function similarly to a pregnancy test, and each kit includes a testing strip (usually three to a kit). A test strip is moistened by briefly holding it in your urine stream.

Disclaimer: While the home remedies mentioned in the above blog may seem effective and practical, it is important to note that no scientific evidence supports their efficacy. Therefore, consulting with an expert in the field is highly recommended.


GET A FULL BODY CHECKUP NOW



Department

Department of Nephrology

Department of Nephrology

Chat with us! We'll be delighted to assist you and address all your queries.
Chat with us