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.