Treatment of urinary tract infection is by antibacterial medicines. The choice of medication and the length of treatment will depend on:
Hospitalization may be required if the patient is severely ill with a kidney infection, is unable to care for themselves or is unable to take fluids. Pain relief may be required. A heating pad may also provide some relief.
Self Help
Drinking plenty of water will help to wash out the infection from the urinary tract. Avoid spicy foods, coffee and alcohol. Some doctors suggest cranberry juice but the research on this is not conclusive.
Prognosis
Where the urinary tract infection is treated promptly long term problems are unlikely.In rare cases a urinary infection may result in kidney failure. When the cause of the UTI is a prostate infection treatment with antibiotics can be difficult as the drug is unable to penetrate prostate tissue effectively. UTI’s in older men are frequently associated with acute bacterial prostatitis and require immediate treatment.
01/09/2006
