The fastest way to get rid of a water infection, also known as a bladder infection or urinary tract infection (UTI), is to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, usually antibiotics. Antibiotics target and eliminate the bacteria responsible for the infection, leading to symptom improvement typically within 1-3 days. Besides antibiotics, some helpful home care steps include staying hydrated to flush out bacteria, taking pain relievers for discomfort, applying warmth to the lower abdomen, wearing loose clothing, and urinating frequently to empty the bladder regularly. Avoiding irritants such as caffeine and alcohol while infected also aids recovery. Here are key treatment and relief steps:
- Seek medical advice for diagnosis and antibiotic prescription.
- Drink plenty of water to help flush bacteria.
- Use over-the-counter painkillers to ease pain.
- Apply a heating pad for abdominal discomfort.
- Avoid bladder irritants like coffee and alcohol.
- Wear loose clothing and practice good hygiene.
- Urinate often to prevent bacterial growth.
If symptoms worsen or include fever, chills, blood in urine, or inability to urinate, urgent medical attention is needed as the infection could spread to the kidneys. For recurrent infections or special cases like menopause, longer- term preventive treatments may be advised by a doctor.