Treatment of urinary tract inflammation: drugs, antibiotics and others

Acute urinary tract infections are successfully treated with antibiotics in most cases.

The duration of treatment should last 3-5 days.

In practice, the most commonly used are:

• fluoroquinones
• β-lactam antibiotics
• cotrimoxazole

In addition to antibiotic treatment, drugs with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect (e.g., ibuprofen) are recommended as needed. Symptomatic treatment includes the use of spasmolytics, which relieve spasms of the smooth muscles of the urinary tract.

Adequate drinking, warmth and rest are recommended.

The patient must not feel thirsty. Increased fluid intake will increase urine output. Increased fluid intake will wash away the products of inflammation. It will also reduce the growth of invading bacteria.

Fluids given should be warm or room temperature. Never give cold drinks. Herbal teas are suitable. Carbonated sodas are considered inappropriate.

Immunomodulatory treatment

Immunomodulatory therapy is used in many patients with recurrent lower urinary tract infections. A bacterial lyophilizate with an immunostimulatory fraction extracted from E. coli and other uropathogens is administered.

Probiotics

Probiotics are used to support antibiotic treatment in acute infections or as prevention in recurrent urinary tract infections. Strains used include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus fermentum.

The administration of probiotics modifies the bacterial flora of the gastrointestinal tract and urinary tract, resulting in a reduction of the living space for potential pathogens.

Cranberries

One of the options for prophylaxis and further treatment of recurrent urinary tract infections is the use of extracts of Canada cranberry.

The main contents of cranberries include:

• proanthocyanidins
• organic acids
• fructose
• vitamin C

See also:
Cranberry

The mechanism of action of cranberries lies in the ability of specific proanthocyanidin molecules, which are part of cranberry berries, to compete with pathogens by occupying binding sites in the urinary tract. In this way, they prevent the batteries from settling on the mucosa.