What If I Dont Go To The Doctor
What happens when UTIs are left untreated? Contrary to popular belief, your immune system is often able to clear a UTI on its own. Studies have found that 25-42% of women are able to recover from an uncomplicated UTI without antibiotics.
But that means a majority of UTIs do not go away on their own. If left untreated, they can lead to continued discomfort and other more serious health issues, such as kidney damage or a severe infection. Therefore, treatment is recommended.
Physicians tailor care plans to each patient, and there is no sole treatment for everyone, says Stanford physician Kim Chiang, MD. During your visit, feel free to ask in-depth questions, particularly if a non-recommended antibiotic is prescribed.
This is the fifth post in the seriesUnderstanding UTIs. The goal of this seven-part series is to provide easy-to-understand, scientifically grounded information about UTIs. Patients referenced are composites, compiled from actual patient experiences.Data on medications used for UTIs were extracted from the National Disease and Therapeutic Index, a nationally representative physician survey produced by IQVIA.
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What Is The Best Tooth Abscess Home Remedy
When a tooth or surrounding tissues gets infected and swollen, the only sure way to fix the problem is to visit a dentist. Some home remedies can temporarily relieve the symptoms, but they cant make the problem go away. Here are a few of the most successful ways to live with a tooth abscess until a dentists appointment.
Will Common Foods Alcohol Or Medications Affect My Test Results
Most substances will not interfere with the test. However, some medications, like Soothe, can affect the color of your urine, making it difficult to properly match the colors. For example, if you take more than 500 mg of Vitamin C in 24 hours, you may obtain a false negative nitrite result. The drug tetracycline may also cause a false negative leukocyte result. If you are having difficulty reading the test strip or getting a negative result while experiencing UTI symptoms, contact your healthcare professional immediately.
We do not recommend using Clarify while taking Soothe or Uqora Target. Soothe contains phenazopyridine hydrochloride, an orange organic dye. This dye enters the urine to take effect and relieve UTI pain. However, it also turns the urine bright orange! Since Clarifys test strips use color to indicate if you might have a UTI, the orange urine will make them more difficult to interpret. If youve purchased both together, we suggest using Clarify before taking Soothe.
Uqora Target contains Vitamin C. High intake of Vitamin C may impact the results of Clarifys UTI test strips by impacting the perceived color. This could lead to a false negative nitrite result. For these reasons, while safe, we do not recommend taking Soothe or Uqora Target before using Clarify.
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How To Get Rid Of A Uti In 24 Hours
Are you experiencing painful urination and a constant need to run to the bathroom? If so, then youre already wondering how to get rid of a UTI in 24 hours. The seven home remedies in this article can help.
If youre still experiencing symptoms after 24 hours, then you need antibiotics. To get your hands on them, youll need to visit the doctor.
The doctors at Oxford Urgent Care will provide you with prompt treatment and relief. Check out our contact information and visit our office as soon as possible to remedy your UTI.
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Do You Take My Insurance Card
Rite Aid accepts most insurance plans, including Express Scripts, Caremark, OptumRx, Medimpact, Cigna, Humana, Medicaid, Medicare Parts B and D, and many more.
Unfortunately, we do not have access to specific insurance plan information. Please contact your insurance company directly for assistance or check with your local Rite Aid pharmacy. The insurance company should be able to provide you with a list of participating pharmacies in your area, or your local Rite Aid pharmacist will likely be familiar with the plan.
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Are There Natural At
Yes. While taking antibiotics is still considered the gold standard of UTI treatments, there are some things you can do at home that help relieve symptoms, as well. These include:
- Drink plenty of water. Consuming at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily can help flush away UTI-causing bacteria, setting you up for a quicker recovery. Plus, the more you drink, the more youll have to urinate.
- Urinate often. Each time you empty your bladder, youre helping to flush bacteria out of your system.
- Try heat. Applying a heating pad to your pubic area for 15 minutes at a time can help soothe the pressure and pain caused by UTI-related inflammation and irritation.
- Tweak your wardrobe. Wearing loose cotton clothing and underwear can help you recover from a UTI.
- Go fragrance-free. Make sure your personal hygiene products are fragrance-free to sidestep further irritation, notes the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
- Cut out certain irritants. Caffeine, alcohol, spicy food, raw onions, citrus fruits, carbonated drinks, artificial sweeteners, and nicotine can further irritate your bladder, making it more difficult for your body to heal, per the Cleveland Clinic.
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Otc Uti Treatment Options
UTIs are typically treated with a course of antibiotics that may run for a single day or a course of 7 days but usually lasts at an average of 1-3 days for uncomplicated urinary tract infections. However, some infections might not even need a course of antibiotics and may cease to exist. But, while treatment of UTIs without antibiotics may be a possible prospect in the future, for now, only a few equally effective OTC UTI treatments are available that can help a patient manage their symptoms. These include:
Hydration: Although not exactly an OTC UTI treatment method, hydration is still the key to treating a UTI quickly. If youve contracted a UTI, it is important to have fluids as frequently as possible so that you urinate more frequently and the harmful bacteria are flushed out of your urinary tract through natural means. This option means curing your symptoms without the use of medication.
- Probiotics: Probiotics serve as an excellent OTC UTI treatment option that helps promote digestion and immunity in your body. Probiotics restore the good bacteria present in your gut and reduce the chances of reinfection.
- Ascorbic Acid: Increasing your Vitamin C intake not only strengthens your immune system but is also a greater OTC UTI treatment option since it helps acidify the urine which may reduce the chance of reinfection.
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Treatment Strategies For Recurrent Utis
Recurrent urinary tract infections, defined as three or more UTIs within 12 months, or two or more occurrences within six months, is very common among women these but arent treated exactly the same as standalone UTIs. One of the reasons: Continued intermittent courses of antibiotics are associated with allergic reactions, organ toxicities, future infection with resistant organisms, and more.
Because of this, its strongly recommended that you receive both a urinalysis and urine culture from your healthcare provider prior to initiating treatment. Once the results are in, the American Urological Association suggests that healthcare professionals do the following:
- Use first-line treatments. Nitrofurantoin, TMP-SMX, and fosfomycin are the initial go-tos. However, specific drug recommendations should be dependent on the local antibiogram. An antibiogram is a periodic summary of antimicrobial susceptibilities that helps track drug resistance trends.
- Repeat testing. If UTI symptoms persist after antimicrobial therapy, clinicians should repeat the urinalysis, urine culture, and antibiotic susceptibility testing to help guide further management.
- Try vaginal estrogen. For peri- and post-menopausal women with recurrent UTIs, vaginal estrogen therapy is recommended to reduce risk of future UTIs.
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Can I Treat A Uti Without Antibiotics
UTI treatment without antibiotics is NOT usually recommended. An early UTI, such as a bladder infection , can worsen over time, leading to a more severe kidney infection . However, a small study has suggested early, mild UTIs might clear up on their own. Its always best to check with your doctor if you are having UTI symptoms.
Pregnant women should always see a doctor as soon as possible if they suspect they might have a UTI, as this can lead to a greater risk of delivering a low birth weight or premature infant.
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When To Talk To A Doctor
If you notice persistent ear infection symptoms that dont resolve on their own, call a healthcare professional.
This is particularly important for adults, as a middle ear infection can be a sign of a more serious problem in this age group compared to children.
And if you experience chronic ear infections, talk to your primary care provider, an otolaryngologist , or an otologist to discuss treatment options.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.
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Are Some Drugs Kept Behind The Pharmacy Counter
A more restricted class of OTC drugs also exists. These products, while considered OTC, are kept behind the pharmacy counter and are dispensed by a pharmacist. Some products, such as pseudoephedrine , which is subject to abuse, may require proper identification and a signature. Naloxone is a life-saving drug that can reverse sedation and depressed breathing in an opioid-overdose. In all states, pharmacists are now allowed to dispense naloxone to the public based on a standing prescription order or other rules specific to their state.
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See A Healthcare Provider
While UTIs arent usually a cause for major concern, if you dont get them treated, they can lead to more serious problems like a kidney infection. If you have a UTI, make an appointment with a healthcare provider as soon as possible. The fastest way to feel better is by taking an antibiotic to kill the bacteria causing your infection.
If going to see a provider in-person is not an option , there are plenty of telehealth services available that will allow you to set up a virtual appointment. Check out GoodRx Care for treatment of UTIs as well as many other medical conditions.
During your appointment, your provider will ask you questions about what symptoms you are experiencing and if you are prone to UTIs. You might be asked to provide a urine sample either in the office you are seen in or at a lab close to you. Lastly, your provider will prescribe you a course of antibiotics to get started on right away.
Some common antibiotics used for treating UTIs include nitrofurantoin , sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim , and ciprofloxacin . Typically, you only need to take them for 3 to 5 days, and most people start to feel relief within the first 2 to 3 days. Antibiotics can cause nausea, stomach upset, and diarrhea for many people. But, taking your dose with food can help lessen nausea and stomach upset, and taking a probiotic supplement like L. acidophilus can help with the diarrhea.
There Are A Lot Of Variables To Consider When Diagnosing A Uti
Women who have had UTIs before most likely recognize their symptoms. However, something that causes you to urinate more frequently and causes discomfort isnt necessarily a UTI.
My first goal when speaking with a patient is to get as much information as I can, so I can determine the best diagnosis and treatment plan, says Dr. Talbott. Urinary tract infections can be confused with sexually transmitted diseases, or they can be more complicated if you have diabetes or other diseases that contribute to a suppressed immune system. It is also challenging when addressing a pediatric patient, or in the elderly with multiple complex health issues.
If youre experiencing fever, nausea, or pain, you most likely have a kidney infection. However, if you have thick white discharge, you might have a yeast infection. Blood in the urine may also suggest a bladder infection, while a discharge with a fishy odor may indicate bacterial vaginosis.
Giving your doctor as much information as you can helps him or her determine the most likely way to get you feeling better fast, says Dr. Talbott.
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Can I Use Clarify While Taking Uqoras Other Products
We do not recommend using Clarify while taking Soothe or Uqora Target. Soothe contains phenazopyridine hydrochloride, an orange organic dye. This dye enters the urine to take effect and relieve UTI pain. However, it also turns the urine bright orange! Since Clarifys test strips use color to indicate if you might have a UTI, the orange urine will make them more difficult to interpret. If youve purchased both together, we suggest using Clarify before taking Soothe.
Uqora Target contains Vitamin C. High intake of Vitamin C may impact the results of Clarifys UTI test strips by impacting the perceived color. This could lead to a false negative nitrite result. For these reasons, while safe, we do not recommend taking Soothe or Uqora Target before using Clarify.
What Are The Best Tips For Ear Infection Pain Relief
Ear infections can cause overwhelming distress. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, are often the most effective way to reduce any fever and relieve acute pain. Sometimes, antibiotics are prescribed to cure the infection and reduce irritation. Placing medicated drops into the affected ear, or applying a warm compress, are also frequently recommended and helpful in achieving ear infection pain relief. In many cases, using a hairdryer near the ear can offer immediate, albeit temporary, alleviation of discomfort.
When an infection is present, doctors sometimes prescribe oral antibiotics to get rid of it and to aid in ear infection pain relief. If the symptoms are severe, or if it is believed that the medicine will be helpful, they may suggest or prescribe it. Not all cases require this type of treatment, however.
As an alternative to an oral antibiotic, or sometimes in addition to it, pain-relieving eardrops are recommended. Usually, these drops are warmed, and with the patient lying on his or her side with the affected ear facing up, they can be administered to ease discomfort. This form of pain relief is generally most effective when used in conjunction with over-the-counter pain medications.
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How Is An Ear Infection Diagnosed
Once youre at the doctors office, a medical professional will look inside your ear with an otoscope to determine whether you have an infection.
Typical signs include fluid buildup in the ear canal and middle ear, along with a red and inflamed eardrum.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may recommend waiting a few days to see if your ear infection improves.
Some infections resolve on their own. But if the infection is severe, or if symptoms dont improve after this time, then antibiotics may be warranted.
Chronic fluid buildup without an infection warrants additional testing from an ear, nose, and throat specialist.
Its especially important to diagnose young children so that they dont encounter speech and language delays from loss of hearing.
If your doctor recommends antibiotics to treat a severe ear infection, they will likely recommend an oral treatment, such as amoxicillin .
Can A Uti Go Away On Its Own
While most patients with a UTI will be prescribed antibiotics, the truth is, uncomplicated urinary tract infections are often self-limiting, meaning they can potentially run their course sans antibiotic treatment, noted a 2018 report in PLoS Medicine.
In fact, that same report found that more than one-half of the women studied experienced a UTI resolution without the use antibiotics. However, since kidney infections occurred in 7 out of 181 women using ibuprofen, the researchers concluded that, at this time, they cannot recommend ibuprofen alone as initial treatment to women with uncomplicated UTIs.
A better idea, for now: Simply wait until a positive urine culture comes back before treating with antibiotics.
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The Insurance Company Rejected The Prescription
Have you ever been told that your insurance rejected your prescription? This happens relatively frequently. A common rejection may include medications that need prior authorizations . And since medications can be expensive, people may not be willing to pay out of pocket. As a result, pharmacists cant fill the medication.
What can you do?
Consider making it a practice to leave your contact information and asking the pharmacy to call you about any insurance issues. Some insurance issues can be resolved over a phone call with you or your healthcare provider. When a PA does get approved, it usually only lasts for a certain amount of time. So, its best to ask your healthcare provider early on to work on the PA paperwork for when you need a refill later on.
For example, with a PA rejection, your insurance likely prefers a different medication to treat the same medical condition. In this case, the pharmacy will need to get a new prescription from your healthcare provider to replace the one thats being denied.
