Frequent Urinary Tract Infections? Advanced Treatment in India

Urinary Tract Infections treatment

UTIs are widespread infections of the urinary system, such as of the bladder, urethra, ureters, or even kidneys. The severity, frequency and underlying cause determine the treatment. Here’s a detailed overview:

Standard Medical Treatment

Antibiotics (First-line treatment)

Administered depending on the location of the infection, the level of infection and bacterial resistance. Common choices:

• UTIs of simple nature (in the majority of cases bladder infections): Nitrofurantoin, Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, Fosfomycin.
• Complicated UTIs or kidney infection (pyelonephritis): Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Ceftriaxone, or Piperacillin-tazobactam (hospital cases).
• Period: 3-7 days in case of mild infection and more in cases of complications.

Pain relief

• Phenazopyridine (to burn and to hurt).
• NSAIDS such as ibuprofen may be used to treat a fever or pain.

Supportive Measures

• Consume lots of fluids (particularly, water) to clear out bacteria.
• And void often; do not retent urine.
• Use a heating pad on the lower abdomen or back that is warm so as to relieve pain.

Preventive Measures

• Good hydration (2–3 liters/day).
• Hygiene of the toilet (wipe front to back).
• Postcoital empty bladder.
• No irritants such as perfumed soaps, douches, and rough feminine hygiene products.
• Close garments and underwear made of cotton to eliminate bacterial growth.

UTIs recurrent (Chronic or Frequent Infections)

• Prophylaxis (Low dose); prophylaxis antibiotics (daily or post intercourse, under medical supervision).
• Estrogen (in case of postmenopausal women) to replace protective vaginal flora.
• In some instances, cranberry supplements /D-mannose can help decrease recurrence.

UTI causes and symptoms

The following is a straightforward list of the causes and symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI):

Causes of UTI

• UTIs occur when bacteria (occasionally fungi or viruses) gain access to the urinary tract and replicate.
• Escherichia coli (E. coli) that normally resides in the intestine are the most frequent offender.

Pivotal causes and the risk factors are:

• Unhygienic procedures - wiping backwards may be used to transmit bacteria.
• Sexual activity- has the potential of introducing bacteria to the urethra.
• Withholding urine- allows the growth of bacteria.
• Restricted fluid intake - decreases flushing of the urine.
• Blockages of urinary tract kidney stones, enlargement of prostate, strictures.
• Catheter utilisation - bacteria may enter through catheter.
• Crippled immune system - diabetes, chronic diseases, immunosuppressants.
• Postmenopausal alterations - low estrogen may change the vaginal flora and predispose.
• Pregnancy -The hormonal and anatomical changes slacken urination.

Symptoms of UTI

The symptoms depend on the location in the urinary tract that is affected:

Bladder infection (Cystitis)

• Frequent urge to urinate.
• Urinary pain or burning.
• Frequent urination of little.
• Murky, heavy smelling or bloody urine.
• Abdominal lower pain or pelvic pain.

Urethra infection (Urethritis)

• Pain during urinating.
• Discharge (occasionally, particularly with men).

Infection in the kidney (Pyelonephritis)

• High fever, chills.
• Flank or back pain.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Weakness or dizziness (particularly in the elderly).

Best treatment for urinary tract infections

The Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) can be treated in different ways depending on the infection type (bladder, kidney, or recurrent), the health status of the patient and the presence of complications. Here’s a complete overview:

First-Line Medical Treatment (Most Effective)

• Antibiotics - primary form of therapy, selected on the basis of severity, urine culture and resistance.

Uncomplicated bladder infection (cystitis):

• Nitrofurantoin (5–7 days)
• Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (3 days) - in case of a low local resistance.
• Fosfomycin (single dose)

Difficult or serious infection / kidney infection (pyelonephritis):

• Ciprofloxacin or Levofloxacin (5 -14 days)
• Ceftriaxone or other IV antibiotics (in the case of hospitalized patients)

Pain Relief

• Phenazopyridine - to burn pain (use only on a temporary basis).
• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), - to reduce fever or pain, or inflammation.

Supportive Home Care

• Consume lots of fluids (2-3 liters/day) in order to clear the bacteria.
• Frequent urine- urinating.
• Put heating pad on lower abdomen because it is painful.
• Avoid irritants - caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods till infection gone.

Preventing Recurrence

• Stay hydrated daily.
• Urinate after sex.
• Wipe front to back (for women).
• Wear cotton underwear and tight clothes should be avoided.
• Recurrence may be reduced with Cranberry supplements or D-mannose.
• In postmenopausal women → vaginal estrogen cream can restore the natural protection.
• In regular instances of UTIs (preventive) low-dose antibiotics (prescribed by a doctor).

Special Situations

• Pregnancy: Treated with safe antibiotics such as amoxicillin, cephalexin or fosfomycin (UTIs not treated can result in complications).
• Men: Are usually presumed to be complex to treat, this is because they take longer periods on the antibiotic treatment and also, to be assessed on whether they have prostate involvement.
• Children: Children should always be examined in the course of their medical life in relation to the possibility of urinary tract abnormalities.

UTI specialist doctors in India

• Dr. Rajiv Yadav
• Dr. Sanjay Gogoi
• Dr. Anil Mandhani
• Dr. Anupam Bhargava

Factors Affecting Urinary tract infection treatment cost in India

The following is an in-depth description of what factors affect the cost of treatment of urinary tract infection (UTI) in India:

Type & Severity of Infection

• Basic outpatient (consultation + antibiotics) is comparatively cheap.
• Complex or inpatient cases- IV antibiotics, tests and hospitalization- can tremendously raise the cost. 

Diagnostic Workup

• Urinalysis: Less expensive
• Urine culture and sensitivity: Expensive

Medication Expenses

• Antibiotics: More expensive on a course-by-course basis, based on the antibiotic, brand and length of treatment. 
• More medications (analgesics, alkalinizers): Less expensive.
• Inpatient drug charges may be high-in one study, antibiotics comprised 22.8-63% of direct costs in hospitalized versus outpatient cases of UTI. 

Consultation Fees

• Clinic visit: The price varies by the city and health care setting and price depends on general practitioners or urologists. 

Type of Hospitalization & Facilities

• Admission fees, room, nursing, and IV therapy on a daily basis may be higher in such cities as Bengaluru. 
• Costs are directly influenced by infrastructure and reputation of hospital (e.g. premium versus govt-run). 

Geographic Location

• Big metros are more likely to have expensive healthcare as compared to smaller towns or rural areas. 

Hospital/ Clinic Reputation

• Multi-specialty hospitals that are premium generally cost more in consultations, diagnostics and facilities.

Urinary Tract Infections in India with GetWellGo

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