Urinary Tract Infections Treatment

Self-Care at Home

Because the symptoms of a urinary tract infection mimic those of other conditions, you should see your health-care provider if you think you have a urinary tract infection. A urine test is needed to confirm that you have an infection. Self-care is not recommended.

You can help reduce the discomfort by taking the following steps:

• Follow your health-care provider's treatment recommendations.



• Finish all antibiotic medication even if you are feeling better before the medication is gone.



• Take a pain-relieving medication.



• Use a hot-water bottle to ease pain.



• Drink plenty of water.



• Avoid coffee, alcohol, and spicy foods, all of which irritate the bladder.



• Quit smoking. Smoking irritates the bladder and is known to cause bladder cancer.

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Urinary Tract Infections - Effective Treatments

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