Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Treatment
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Guide for
UTI treatment
By Medical Editor:
Dr. Francesco-Maria Serino, MD, PhD
May, 2024
Summary
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are infections that affect either the bladder or the kidneys and are very common while traveling. Bacteria enter the tube that carries urine out of the body (urethra) and move up to the bladder or to the kidneys. Kidney infections, or pyelonephritis, are more serious. Symptoms of a bladder infection include pain during urination, frequent urination, and urgency, sometimes with blood in the urine. Kidney infections may cause similar symptoms, along with fever, back pain, nausea, and vomiting.
What is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria enter and infect the bladder, causing symptoms like frequent and painful urination, cloudy or bloody urine, and discomfort in the lower abdomen. If the infection spreads to the kidneys, it becomes more serious and is called a kidney infection. This can cause back pain, fever, and nausea, in addition to the usual UTI symptoms. UTIs are common, particularly in women, and are usually treatable with antibiotics. It’s important to see a healthcare provider for proper treatment, especially if a kidney infection is suspected, as it can lead to more severe health issues if not addressed promptly.
How do I know I have a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?
If you think you might have a urinary tract infection (UTI), you’re likely experiencing a few specific symptoms that can give you a clue.
- Burning when you pee: You might feel a sharp or burning pain when you urinate, which shows that something is irritating your urinary system.
- Needing to go often: You might find yourself needing to use the bathroom more frequently than usual, even when you haven’t drunk a lot of fluids.
- Urgent need to urinate: Sometimes, you may feel a very strong and sudden need to go to the bathroom immediately.
- Lower belly pain: There could be a dull or sharp pain just above your pubic area, which might feel like pressure or discomfort.
- Cloudy urine: Your urine might look cloudy or murky, which can mean there are bacteria or other signs of infection.
- Blood in your urine: If your urine has red or pink colors, it’s a sign that there could be blood, which is definitely not normal and should be checked.
- Strong-smelling urine: If your urine smells bad or stronger than usual, it could be a sign of infection.
What causes UTIs?
Urinary tract infections (UTIs), particularly in females, generally start when bacteria from the rectal area move up through the urethra into the bladder. This bacterial movement can happen due to close proximity of the rectal area to the urinary tract. Simple activities like wiping incorrectly (from back to front instead of front to back after using the toilet), sexual intercourse, or even structural differences can facilitate this transfer of bacteria, leading to an infection in the bladder.
Common UTI medications
Nitrofurantoin
capsules
Fosfomycin
oral suspension
What are the signs that a UTI is getting worse?
If you’re worried that a urinary tract infection (UTI) might be getting more serious, watch out for these signs:
1. High Fever: If your temperature is higher than usual, it could mean the infection is more serious.
2. Side or Back Pain: Pain in your lower back or on the sides of your body might suggest the infection has spread to your kidneys.
3. Severe Chills: Feeling intense chills or shaking could be a sign of a severe infection.
4. Extreme Tiredness or Feeling Very Unwell: If you’re much more tired than usual or just feeling really sick, it could be a sign that the infection is getting worse.
These symptoms suggest that the UTI might be more than just a bladder infection and could be affecting your kidneys or other parts of your body. It’s important to see a doctor quickly if you notice any of these signs.
How can a consultation at Doctorsa Urgent Care help with a UTI?
No matter where you are in Europe, our platform connects you instantly with multiple doctors, offering you choices and immediate video consultations, day and night. The doctor can assess your symptoms and discuss treatment options to relieve your urinary tract or bladder infection. You can receive prescriptions directly to your email and follow-up care, all without leaving your location. It’s the ideal solution for travelers seeking fast, reliable medical assistance.
How to get rid of a UTI in 24 hours?
Getting rid of a urinary tract infection (UTI) within 24 hours is not always, but starting treatment promptly can help alleviate symptoms quickly. Here’s a reassuring approach to manage it:
Seek Medical Advice: Promptly consult a healthcare provider. They can confirm the UTI through symptoms and possibly a urine test, and will likely prescribe an antibiotic.
Start Antibiotics: If prescribed, start taking the antibiotic immediately. Common choices include nitrofurantoin, fosfomycin or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. It’s important to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if you start feeling better.
Increase Fluid Intake: Drink plenty of water to help flush out the bacteria from your urinary system.
Pain Relief: Consider over-the-counter pain relievers to manage any pain or fever.
Although symptoms can improve quickly with treatment, completely getting rid of the infection typically takes at least a few days. If your symptoms worsen or don’t improve within a couple of days, be sure to follow up with your doctor.
References
- Yetsko A, Draper HM, Eid K, et al. Two Times Versus Four Times Daily Cephalexin Dosing for the Treatment of Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections in Females. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad430.
- Patjas, Anu, and Anu Kantele. “International travel and travelers’ diarrhea–Increased risk of urinary tract infection.” Travel medicine and infectious disease 48 (2022): 102331.
- Gupta K, Hooton TM, Naber KG, et al. International clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of acute uncomplicated cystitis and pyelonephritis in women: A 2010 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the European Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Clin Infect Dis 2011; 52:e103.
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Open the intake form and choose one of the following options:
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We recommend using WhatsApp as it is faster and more reliable. You will quickly receive various visit options. Choose the one that suits you best and proceed to online payment.
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After the consultation, expect to receive an invoice and an e-prescription via email. You can show or print the e-prescription to purchase medication at the pharmacy of your choice.
How do I get a prescription from an online doctor?
The doctor will email the e-prescription to you or send it through Whatsapp after the consultation. You can print it or show it to the pharmacist to buy the medication.
Please be aware that doctors have a professional responsibility to make their own assessment and cannot simply prescribe medication based on the patient’s request or a foreign doctor’s recommendation without first confirming that it is appropriate for the patient’s condition.
How much does Doctorsa virtual care cost?
The overall pricing will vary depending on the providers. Each of them competes on every request, bidding a fair price for your specific need. The average cost is 25 Euros for an online doctor visit. In-person appointments, specialists, and lab-work depend on the city. Send a request to find out, there’s no obligation to book and you get to choose your provider.
The visit does not include the cost of medications, but common antibiotics are very affordable in Europe. The cost of an antibiotic treatment ranges from 5 to 15 euros approximately.
Are doctors available at night?
Yes, whenever you submit your request it is instantly received by the doctors active at that time. Whether it’s late at night, on a Sunday morning, or on New Year’s Eve, there’s always someone on the other side who’s ready to see you. When you receive an option for an appointment, there’s a person behind it (a doctor) who’s read your request and is willing to assist you.
Can I get antibiotics without seeing a doctor in-person?
Yes, antibiotics can be prescribed during a video consultation with a doctor. Antibiotics in Europe are not available over the counter and pharmacies do not have doctors on site. To buy antibiotics, you’ll need to carry a doctor’s prescription to a pharmacy. For example, the cost of antibiotics typically ranges from 5 to 15 euros.
Can I contact the doctor for follow-up questions after the consultation?
You can message your physician with follow-up questions at no additional cost for up to 7 days after the video visit.
How Doctorsa protects my health information?
Doctorsa complies with GDPR regulations. When you submit a request on Doctorsa, the content of the request is shared with all available doctors while keeping your data anonymized until you select a provider. Once you’ve chosen a doctor and booked with them, your provided information and contact details will only be shared with them. Doctorsa will never sell your personal information.
Can I use my insurance to pay for the visit?
Yes, it is possible to pay with insurance. During the checkout process, you’ll be prompted to provide your insurance carrier information. Alongside this, you’ll also need to enter your payment details. The consultation cost will be temporarily withheld until our team verifies your coverage with your insurance provider. Once confirmed, the reserved amount will be released. However, if we’re unable to confirm your coverage or if your insurance doesn’t cover the payment, the reserved amount will be charged. In such cases, you’ll promptly receive an invoice, enabling you to claim a refund directly.
