One of the most common ailment that people come to Downers Grove Immediate Care for is an Urinary Tract Infection or UTI. Every week, about 4-5 patients come in with excruciating pain. Below are some tidbits about UTIs and what you should do if you have one.
What is a UTI?
A UTI, or urinary tract infection, is an infection that occurs in the urinary system. The urinary system consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, and a UTI can affect any of these parts of the body. UTIs are most commonly caused by bacteria, and they can be painful and uncomfortable.
What are the Symptoms of a UTI?
Symptoms of a UTI can include a frequent and strong urge to urinate, pain or burning during urination, cloudy or bloody urine, and feeling tired or shaky.
What Should I do If I Think I Have a UTI?
If you think you may have a UTI, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. A doctor can diagnose a UTI and prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help manage the symptoms and prevent the infection from spreading. These include drinking plenty of water to help flush bacteria out of your urinary system, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and emptying your bladder frequently. It is also important to practice good hygiene, such as wiping from front to back and avoiding perfumed products that can irritate the urinary tract.