What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

The kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra are together known as the urinary tract. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that affects any part of your urinary system. Most infections involve the bladder and the urethra, which together comprise the lower urinary tract.
How do you know if you have a UTI?
Look for the following signs and symptoms to know if you have UTI
- Frequent trips to the bathroom (as frequently as three times in 10 minutes)
- An uncontrollable urge to urinate
- A burning sensation while peeing
- Passing small amounts (dribbling) of urine
- Cloudy urine
- Strong-smelling urine
- Pelvic pain (in women)
A severe infection can cause blood in the urine that makes the urine appear pink or with a reddish tinge.
Are there any home remedies for UTI?
A few home remedies have been shown to be helpful in reducing the symptoms of a UTI and to prevent recurrent UTI. These include
- Adequate hydration: Drinking plenty of water or liquids helps to flush out bacteria through the urine. It is recommended to drink six to eight glasses (eight ounces each) of water daily.
- Use of heating pad: A heating pad can be used to relieve the abdominal pain that results from a UTI. Cover the abdominal skin with a cotton cloth and then apply the heating pad on the covered skin for 15 minutes.
- Probiotics: Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms that are beneficial to health. They can be taken in the form of probiotic drinks available over-the-counter or as yogurt or kefir. They help increase the growth of gut bacteria that help fight off the infection and replenish the gut bacteria that are destroyed with antibiotic treatment.
- Vitamin: Consuming fruits (oranges, lemon juice and Indian gooseberry) and vegetables (cabbage) rich in vitamin C daily can help prevent UTI by inhibiting the growth of UTI-causing bacteria in your bladder. However, avoid vitamin C when you have an active UTI because it may increase the burning sensation while urinating.
- Cranberry juice: Cranberries, in the form of cranberry juice, have been used to prevent UTIs. They contain a substance that can prevent bacteria from attaching to the walls of the bladder. Some studies have found it to be effective while some deem it of very little or no use. However, you may consider it if it works for you.
Good personal hygiene habits like wiping from front to back after having a bowel movement, emptying the bladder immediately after intercourse and not using douche also helps prevent UTIs.
Some home remedies are known to interact with medications and cause unexpected side effects. Before trying any of them, it is wise to ask your doctor if it is okay. Also, if home remedies do not help relieve your problems within 24 hours, it is better to consult with your doctor right away. Problems can worsen if not treated in a timely manner.
Get into the habit of going to the bathroom to empty your bladder as soon as you feel the urge to urinate. Retaining urine for too long can encourage the growth of UTI-causing bacteria.
Substances such as nicotine, caffeine and spicy foods can irritate the bladder and increase your risk of a UTI. Hence, it is recommended to avoid these substances if you face the problem of having frequent UTIs.
When should I seek medical help for a UTI?
Do not try any home remedies and get medical help if you
- Develop a fever
- Notice red-colored urine
- Experience burning while urinating or abdominal pain does not subside or that becomes worse

QUESTION
How much urine does the average adult pass each day? See AnswerHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
Indian Journal of Urology
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Mayo Clinic
Top 5 Home Remedies for UTI Related Articles
Can You Flush Out a UTI With Water?
Patients with urinary tract infection (UTI) are usually advised to drink six to eight glasses (1.5 to 2 liters) of water every day to flush the infection out of the urinary system.Can You Get Rid of a UTI By Drinking Water?
UTI stands for urinary tract infection and it describes when your urinary system gets infected. While the effects of drinking water to flush out or get rid of UTIs is not proven, there has been a link between drinking over 2.2 liters of water daily and a decreased risk for UTIs.How Do You Treat Mucus in Urine?
Learn what medical treatments can help with mucus in your urine and speed up your recovery.How Fast Does Amoxicillin Work for a UTI?
Learn how amoxicillin can help ease your urinary tract infection symptoms and help you manage this condition. Learn the symptoms of UTIs and kidney infections to better treat these conditions.How Long Does It Take a UTI to Turn Into a Kidney Infection?
Failing to treat a urinary tract infection can lead to serious health problems, including kidney infections. If you have lingering symptoms, or recurrent UTIs, it is important to see your medical provider.How Do You Know if a UTI Has Spread to Your Kidneys?
A UTI is an infection anywhere in the urinary tract. Signs that a UTI has spread to the kidneys include chills, high fever, nausea, and vomiting, and other signs.Is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Contagious?
Bacteria such as E. coli or Pseudomonas can cause a urinary tract infection (UTI). The incubation period for a UTI ranges from three to eight days.How Can I Treat a UTI While Pregnant Without Antibiotics?
What is a UTI? Learn what other treatments aside from antibiotics can help to relieve your UTI symptoms while pregnant.Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the bladder, kidneys, ureters, or urethra. E. coli, a type of bacteria that lives in the bowel and near the anus, causes most UTIs. UTI symptoms include pain, abdominal pain, mild fever, urinary urgency, and frequency. Treatment involves a course of antibiotics.Bladder Infections: UTI Causes, Symptoms, Treatments
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI's) can happen to anyone. Learn about symptoms, causes and home remedy treatments for bladder and kidney infections in women, infants, and men.UTI Symptoms Slideshow
Bladder infections can be painful and often require medical treatment. Get the latest information on urinary tract infections (UTI) . Learn how UTI's are diagnosed in infants, adults, and the elderly.Urinary Tract Infection Quiz
How would you know if you had urinary tract infection (UTI)? Take the Urinary Tract Infection in Adult Quiz to learn the causes, symptoms, and treatments for infection that can affect your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.What Does the Beginning of a Kidney Infection Feel Like?
Kidney infections are always caused by a pathogen in your organs. The beginning of a kidney infection may produce back pain, fever, chills, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.