Urinary tract infection is one such bladder disease that we experience in our day to day life. And people who develop recurrent UTIs often opt for curing it with non-prescribed medications. But is it a good way?
Can you use Alka Seltzer for UTI?
Well,in the initial stage of UTI, you can consume it. It will instantly subdue the pain. But if the bladder pain or abdominal pain occurs frequently then you should consult your doctor and take prescribed medication.
This article will give you guidance about the effectiveness of Alka Seltzer in case of UTI. Stay along to know the details!
Table of Content
Alka Seltzer for UTI
Sodium bicarbonate is present in Alka-Seltzer. Some believe that it alkalizes the bladder and destroys infection bacteria of the urine.
However, no medical research has been able to prove that alkalinizing the urine relieves dysuria symptoms. Sodium bicarbonate has not been shown to be effective in the treatment of urinary tract infections in any medical studies
But, Alka Seltzer has a painkiller or aspirin component. So it will only get rid of the pain for some time. In a few days of using this medicine you will see its effectiveness.
Unfortunately, the infection may not completely go away. It later spreads to your kidney and liver. In worst case scenario, the infection will lead to severe kidney problems. Taking this type of medication to save costs can then make a big hole in your pocket. Meaning you may have to go through a very expensive kidney transplantation.
Some doctors believe that alkaline foods can aid with UTIs, while others believe that acidic foods (such as cranberry juice) can benefit. But the real truth is that the numbing effects of Alka-Seltzer only hide any pain caused by the UTI
In turn, it will also make it far more difficult to determine the real cause. Whether you’re cured or simply no longer in agony, remains a question here.
So the bottom line is if you are experiencing abdominal pain for the first time, Alka Seltzer can prove to be an effective solution. It is immidiate relief for urinary tract infections. However, if you are experiencing pain frequently, you should consult a doctor.
However, if you consider using Alka Seltzer for UTI. You should know that it may not be safe for everyone. So, take a look at them:
Alka- Seltzer is however not consumable for everyone. You should avoid the product if you-
- Are allergic to any of the ingredients it is made of or aspirin or other pain or fever relief medications.
- You are a child or adult who has just got out of chickenpox or still has chickenpox or any other flu.
- And lastly, if you are already under any medications.
Now that you know the association of Alka Seltzer and UTI, let’s take a few minutes to know about the basics of UTI in the next segment.
UTI – Basics You Need to Know
UTIs are frequent illnesses that occur when bacteria enter the urethra and infect the urinary system. It usually enters through the skin or rectum. Infections can appear in various areas of the urinary tract, but the most frequently it attacks the bladder. We call it bladder infection (cystitis).
UTI is another kidney infection (pyelonephritis). They are less prevalent than bladder infections, but they are more dangerous. It’s important to remember that UTIs are caused by a variety of germs, not just one strain.
One strain may respond better to acid, while another may respond better to base. Furthermore, your pH level may influence what works and what doesn’t.
Causes of UTI
Bacteria that enter the urethra and ultimately the bladder cause the majority of UTIs.The infection most often first occurs in the bladder, but it can extend to the kidneys as well. Most of the time, your body is capable of eliminating harmful bacteria. Certain circumstances, however, increase the incidence of UTIs.
Women tend to get UTI often. Girls have a smaller urethra than men. The urethra is much closer to the anus too. As a result, women have a greater chance to get this infection during birth or while doing sexual activity. It can also happen while using a diaphragm for birth control. Menopause also raises the likelihood of a UTI.
The following factors also enhance your risk of acquiring a UTI:
- Diabetes advanced age and diseases that interfere with personal care habits (such as Alzheimer disease and delirium)
- Sharp pain while emptying the bladder
- Incontinence bowl movement
- Enlarged prostate, constricted urethra, or anything else that prevents urine flow
- Stones in the kidney
- Staying totally immobile for an extended amount of time i.e. when you are recovering from surgery.
- Pregnancy
- The use of a urinary catheter
- Surgery or other urinary tract-related procedure
So how would you know that you have UTI? Let’s look at the symptoms..
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection
A bladder infection can cause the following symptoms:
- Recurrent Bleeding while urination
- While peeing, you will encounter pain or a burning sensation.
- Having a strong desire to urinate while having an empty bladder
- Urination occurs frequently.
- Cramping or pressure in the lower portion of the abdomen or groin
On the greater scale, kidney infection will have the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Back discomfort
- Vomiting or nausea
- Sudden chills
Younger children may not be able to properly communicate their UTI symptoms. While fever is the most common and prevalent symptom of UTI in infants and toddlers, it doesn’t mean that every time he has a fever he is going through a kidney problem. Speak with a healthcare practitioner if you suspect your child has a UTI.
Home Remedy for UTI
If you’re seeking home treatment, I can suggest some. Take a look:
Cranberry Juice
You can try unsweetened pure cranberry juice. It would be a great solution to keep yourself hydrated.
Also, you can have your Alka-Seltzer in cranberry juice.The recipe is pretty easier.All you need to do is fill an ice cube tray halfway with water and leave it in the freezer to chill overnight.At the onset of symptoms, you just need to fill a glass with 4 oz of water. And Add 2 Alka-Seltzer within it.
However, when the tablets are completely dissolved you need to toss in a splash of cranberry juice.Lastly, you need a large toothpick to sift your cranberry and mint leaves and place along your glass rim as a garnish.
There have been studies on cranberry juice, and while the results are varied, it does appear to work. Alka Seltzer and cranberry juice for UTI is only the instant solution where the pain will be subdued. However, they are not the permanent or main solution.
Baking Soda
Another DIY solution is baking soda. You can mix one TB baking soda in a glass of water. This is another thing that might help to kill bacteria in the initial stage.
However, I cannot emphasise enough the significance of consulting a doctor for UTIs. So, if the situation remains like this for more than a few days then consult a doctor. Recurrent abdominal or urine pain is never a good sign for anybody.
The longer you wait, the more probable it may enter your kidneys, which is something no one wants to meddle with.
When to See a Doctor?
If you experience any of the symptoms we have talked about earlier, without thinking about anything , go to the doctor. You can use Alka Seltzer for interstitial cystitis. It will give you instant relief. However, it is a non-prescribed method.
Most doctors won’t even suggest this medication to you. If you are one of those persons who has already been Alka Seltzer for some time and has been experiencing side effects, then you should see a doctor.
If you are experiencing frequent nausea along with recurrent stomach pain, then it is not UTI. In medical terms we call it Reye’s Syndrome. This is a series of health conditions. It causes your brain and liver to swell up. So, there is no alternative to prescribed medicines for this instance.
People with diabetes, previous heart, liver, kidney disease should always be worried about taking any medicines. Their prescribed meds may interact with them and cause reactions. So, if you are one of those people who is taking medication and also experiencing UTI should consult with your physician before taking Alka- Seltzer.
FAQs
Which medication is the most effective at treating a urinary tract infection (UTI)?
Answer: Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim) is a first-line treatment option because it works quickly and can treat a UTI in as little as three days when taken twice a day.
Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) is another first-line treatment for UTIs, however, it must be taken for a longer period than Bactrim.
Can apple cider vinegar assist with urinary tract infections?
Answer: Apple cider vinegar is safe to use in modest doses. But it won’t fully cure the UTI or other urinary tract disorders. Experts recomands that you put 1tbs apple cider vinegar in one cup water and drink it regularly.
How long does it take to get rid of a UTI?
Answer: The majority of UTIs are curable. All Symptoms of this infection generally go away after 48 hours of starting treatment. If somehow the infection have already reached the kidney, the symptoms may last more than a week.
What are the ingredients of Alka Seltzer?
Answer: Alka Seltzer is mainly made of three active components:
- The anhydrous citric acid (antacid),
- ASA (analgesic),
- sodium bicarbonate (antacid)
What are the side effects of Alka Seltzer?
Answer: There are some potential side effects of the product too:
- Mood swing
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Allergic attacks like shock, swelled face, asthma attack, hives.
- Stomach bleeding for people above 60 and people who has a history of stomach problem.
Conclusion
Overall consideration, Alka Seltzer for UTI may not be a good idea. It can be a primary cure. But in the long run, you have to take medicine. If you experience recurrent urine pain and abdominal pain you should visit the doctor.
Look out for any side effects if you frequently consume Alka Seltzer. Moreover, eat healthy meals for proper health.
