Common symptoms are burning with urination, a feeling of not being able to empty your bladder thoroughly and a feeling of having to urinate immediately. Other symptoms may include low back pain, low abdominal pain or cloudy, bloody or foul-smelling urine. Any symptoms of infection should be examined immediately. Left untreated, a UTI could cause permanent kidney damage. Medication for a urinary tract infection is prescribed according to a woman's specific needs, medical history, symptoms and urine test results.
Treatment consists of an antibiotic prescribed for a specific period of time.
It is essential that directions are strictly followed and medication is taken for the entire prescribed time. If medication is stopped too early, the bacteria may remain in the bladder and urethra and the infection may flare up again. This may also allow the bacteria to become stronger and more resistant to treatment during the next infection. Pyridium is now available without a prescription. The medication only helps relieve some of the symptoms, such as burning during urination.