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Treatment

The doctor must first decide if you have a simple bladder or kidney infection or if your infection is more severe.

MINOR INFECTIONS OF KIDNEY AND BLADDER

Usually recommended antibiotics taken by mouth because there is a risk that the infection spreads to the kidneys.

* For a simple bladder infection, you will take antibiotics for three days (women) or 7-14 days (males). For a bladder infection with complications such as pregnancy or diabetes or mild kidney infection, usually take antibiotics for 7-14 days.
* It is important that you finish all the antibiotics, even if you feel better. People who do not complete your antibiotics may have some infection that is more difficult to treat.

Commonly used antibiotics include trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, amoxicillin, Augmentin, doxycycline and fluoroquinolones. The doctor will also need to know if you might be pregnant.

Also may recommend medications to relieve pain, burning the urgent need to urinate. Phenazopyridine hydrochloride (Pyridium) is the most common of these drugs. You still need to take antibiotics.

Any person with a bladder or kidney infection should drink plenty of water.

Some women are repetitive or recurring bladder infections and the doctor may suggest several different ways to treat them.

* Take a single dose of an antibiotic after sexual contact can prevent these infections, which occur after sexual activity.
* Take a course of antibiotics for 3 days at home used for infections diagnosed based on symptoms may work for some women.
* Some women may also try taking a daily dose of an antibiotic to prevent infection.

See also: Urinary tract infection associated with the use of tubes (catheters)

MORE SEVERE KIDNEY INFECTION

If you are very sick and can not take oral medications or drinking enough fluids, you may be hospitalized. They can also intern at the hospital if:

* It’s an older person
* You have kidney stones or changes in the anatomy of the urinary tract
* You have recently had urinary tract surgery
* You have cancer, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury or other medical problems
* You are pregnant and have a fever or is sick beyond that

At the hospital, given fluids and antibiotics through a vein.

Some people have urinary tract infections that keep coming back or do not go away with treatment. Such infections are called chronic urinary infections. If you have one of these infections may need antibiotics for a long time, perhaps up to six months to two years, or may prescribe stronger antibiotics.

If a structural problem (anatomical) is causing the infection, surgery may be recommended.