10 Injury Treatment Priorities at the Emergency Room
7 Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Treatments At Home
UTIs happen when bacteria from the skin or rectum enter the urethra. You can get an infection along any part of the urinary tract, but bladder infections are the most common.
Though UTIs can affect anyone, people assigned female at birth are more prone to them. That's because the female urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the bladder, is shorter than the male urethra.
The shorter distance makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder. The proximity of the urethra to the vagina and rectum, which are sources of bacteria, also plays a role.
Bacteria cause almost 95% of UTIs, but fungi can also cause infection. Other risk factors for UTIs include a history of UTIs, sexual activity, poor hygiene, changes to vaginal bacteria that spermicides and menopause can cause, some medical conditions such as diabetes, and more.
Common symptoms can include a burning sensation when peeing, cloudy or dark urine, a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, pelvic pain, and more.
Though antibiotics typically treat UTIs, several natural ways exist to help manage infections and reduce the risk of recurrence. We discuss some of these UTI treatments below.
Reminder for at-home UTI treatmentsRemember to consult with your healthcare professional before you start taking any medication, vitamins, or supplements. They know your medical history and may offer better treatments for your UTI symptoms.
Dehydration is linked to an increased risk of UTIs.
Regular urination can help flush bacteria from the urinary tract to prevent infection. When dehydrated, you aren't urinating as often, which can create a breeding ground for bacteria.
A 2019 study examined nursing home residents and administered a drinking schedule to participants to increase their fluid intake. Following the hydration schedule, UTIs requiring antibiotics decreased by 58%.
In a 2020 randomized control trial, 140 premenopausal participants prone to UTIs took part in a 12-month study to test if a higher fluid intake would decrease their risk of recurrent cystitis and, in turn, their risk of developing a UTI. Researchers found that an increase in fluid intake led to a decrease in UTI frequency.
To stay hydrated and meet your fluid needs, it's best to drink water throughout the day and always when you're thirsty.
The short of it
Drinking plenty of liquids can decrease your risk of UTIs by making you pee more, which helps remove bacteria from your urinary tract.
Some evidence suggests that increasing your vitamin C intake could protect against UTIs.
Vitamin C is thought to work by increasing the acidity of urine, killing off the bacteria that cause infection.
A 2020 small, randomized placebo study involving 19 people who had undergone a kidney transplant found that the amount of bacteria in urine was significantly lower in people who received the intravenous vitamin C group than the placebo group.
A 2016 study with 42 participants showed that combining vitamin C with two other popular natural UTI remedies — cranberries and the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus — could effectively treat recurrent UTIs.
A 2023 study on rats suggested that vitamin C as an antibacterial and anti-biofilm agent — either on its own or paired with antibiotics — may significantly improve UTIs.
Despite these studies, more research is needed to prove vitamin C's effectiveness in reducing UTI risk. Plus, there are conflicting views on whether vitamin C can really change the acidity of your urine enough to kill off bacteria.
If you need help getting enough vitamin C, you can try products like:
However, it's still recommended to eat foods rich in vitamin C. Fruits and vegetables are especially high in vitamin C and are a good way to increase your intake. Red peppers, oranges, grapefruit, and kiwi all contain the full recommended daily amount of vitamin C in just 1 serving.
Finally, keep in mind that if you're already meeting your vitamin C needs through diet alone, it's unclear whether taking additional vitamin C through supplements is beneficial.
This citrusy spray provides a liquid boost of vitamin C support. You can choose a stevia-sweetened version or a tangier taste without any sweetener.
Five sprays on your tongue amount to 1 serving, which delivers 60 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C to your immune system. The spray bottle format means you can adjust the dosage to your needs.
The budget-friendly spray is also:
The takeaway
Increasing vitamin C intake may decrease your risk of UTIs by making your urine more acidic, thus killing infection-causing bacteria.
Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice is one of the most well-known natural remedies for UTIs. If drinking unsweetened cranberry juice isn't your thing, you can take it in capsule form.
Some experts believe cranberries have properties that might prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract, which helps with UTI prevention.
In a study published in 2022, participants with a history of recurring uncomplicated UTIs reported a reduction in infections after taking a cranberry supplement for 6 months prior.
Additionally, a 2021 review of 23 studies found that cranberry supplements (including juices, tablets, and capsules) significantly reduced the likelihood of UTIs.
However, researchers noted there were several limitations of the studies reviewed. They recommend larger, higher-quality studies to confirm the potential role of cranberry supplements in preventing UTIs.
Also, remember that while some research supports the use of cranberry supplements in the prevention of UTIs, whether they actually work as a treatment for an active UTI is less cut and dry.
Finally, it's worth noting any possible benefits of this home remedy only apply to unsweetened cranberry juice (or cranberry capsules) rather than sweetened juice varieties. Cranberry juice with added sugars won't help treat an active UTI.
Each serving of these capsules contains 500 mg of organic cranberry extract. Some reviewers who reported frequent UTIs say they've had success taking this supplement as a daily preventive measure.
These capsules are non-GMO and safe for vegetarians but they're not suitable for vegans.
Not for you? Check out these other cranberry products to try for UTIs.
Product detailsWhat to know
Some studies suggest that cranberries may help reduce your risk of UTIs by preventing bacteria from adhering to your urinary tract.
Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that are consumed through food or supplements. They can promote a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut.
Probiotics are available in supplement form or can be found in fermented foods, such as:
Consuming probiotics has been linked to many things, from improved digestive health to enhanced immune function.
Some studies have shown that certain probiotics may reduce the risk of UTIs. These studies have involved the use of oral and vaginally administered probiotics as well as different probiotic strains.
Studies have shown that probiotics can increase levels of good gut bacteria and reduce side effects associated with antibiotic use.
Still, keep in mind that probiotics may not be appropriate for everyone. You can talk with a healthcare professional about whether probiotics are right for you and which strains to take.
Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan is specifically formulated to support urinary tract health and includes cranberry extract and two targeted probiotic strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus plantarum.
Research from 2016 suggests that both strains have antimicrobial properties that may help block the growth of bacteria that can cause UTIs. Additionally, some studies have found that Lactobacillus acidophilus may promote overall vaginal health and protect against bacterial vaginosis.
These capsules are:
TL;DR
Research suggests that probiotics may help prevent UTIs and are beneficial for restoring gut bacteria after antibiotic treatment.
Preventing UTIs starts with practicing a few good bathroom and hygiene habits.
First, it's important not to hold your urine for too long. This can lead to a buildup of bacteria, resulting in infection.
Peeing after sex has long been linked to a reduced risk of UTIs by preventing the spread of bacteria and is recommended by health authorities, including Planned Parenthood.
Additionally, those who are prone to UTIs should avoid using spermicide, as it has been linked to an increase in UTIs.
Finally, when using the toilet — especially if you have a female urethra — make sure you wipe front to back. Wiping from back to front can cause bacteria to spread to the urinary tract and is associated with an increased risk of UTIs.
Easily resealable and compact enough to keep on your person, these wipes are lightly scented to ensure you feel fresh and clean. They are good for convenient access throughout your day.
Product detailsTakeaway
Urinating frequently and after sexual intercourse can reduce the risk of UTIs. Careful wiping after using the bathroom may also help decrease the risk of a UTI.
Research from 2020 shows garlic and garlic extract to have antimicrobial properties, so they may be able to block the growth of bacteria to prevent UTIs.
While not many studies have specialized in the effects of garlic in treating UTIs, one older 2014 study found that the combination of garlic oil and parsley in pills could synergistically affect bacterial growth and proliferation.
A 2022 study found that rats with an induced UTI caused by E. Coli bacteria significantly improved their infection when given garlic.
While cooking garlic alters its properties and may decrease its health benefits, most people can safely consume raw garlic as part of a healthy diet. However, people with GERD, people who take blood thinners, and those with an irritable digestive tract might want to avoid eating garlic in its uncooked form.
If you don't like or can't eat raw garlic but are interested in seeing if it could help prevent your next UTI, you might consider a garlic supplement.
The Nature's Bounty Garlic Extract 1,000-mg formula is primarily designed to support heart and cardiovascular health. It may also have immune-boosting properties, which could contribute to preventing recurring UTIs. Some people consider it a way of helping reduce bacterial growth in the body.
Note that these odorless capsules do contain gelatin, making them unsuitable for vegans or vegetarians.
Product detailsThe short of it
Garlic hasn't been strongly linked to treating or preventing UTIs, but it does have antimicrobial and immune-supporting properties. Raw garlic or garlic supplements may have the added benefit of targeting certain bacterial strains that may be causing your UTIs to return.
D-mannose is a type of sugar that is found in cranberries and other fruits. Like other UTI treatments at home on our list, it may be able to prevent harmful bacteria from adhering to your urinary tract.
Some studies suggest it's effective in treating UTIs and preventing recurrence. At least three studies have shown that D-mannose is effective as a UTI deterrent and as a treatment for an active UTI.
Research into how well D-mannose works to help people with recurrent UTIs is still early, but the results so far have been promising.
You can add D-mannose to your diet by upping your intake of:
You can also consider adding a D-mannose supplement to your regimen. Our recommendation is from the brand Uqora. They're a company that develops natural UTI prevention supplements.
Don't ignore severe UTI symptoms. Left untreated, UTIs risk severe complications, including spreading to your kidneys.
If you have UTI symptoms, it's important to talk with a doctor. You can do this either in person or online via telehealth services.
While natural UTI treatments at home may help, a healthcare professional can diagnose a UTI and prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.
Get in touch with a healthcare professional if you experience any of the following:
Nurx is a telemedicine company offering a slew of services and prescriptions with a focus on sexual health, including birth control, PrEP, and UTI treatment.
To get Nurx UTI treatment at home (no in-person doctor visit necessary), you'll start by filling out an online health assessment. If the Nurx medical team decides your UTI symptoms require a prescription, they'll send it to your local pharmacy for you to pick up.
For $65, you'll receive one week of unlimited messaging with the medical team (to chat about your UTI symptoms and UTI treatment).
You'll also receive a code for a free Nurx medical consultation for birth control and STI testing. It's important to note that the cost of your prescription is separate, Nurx does accept most forms of private health insurance.
The company currently offers service to only 37 states.
Hello Wisp is another telehealth company offering online UTI treatment. The company has 4 antibiotic medications available for UTI treatment. You can select the medication you prefer or let your Wisp medical provider decide for you.
You can have your prescription sent to your local pharmacy for same-day pickup or shipped free and discreetly to your door.
To name a few, the company also offers treatments for:
Hello Wisp is available in all 50 states.
UTIs are a common and frustrating problem, particularly if they keep recurring.
Home remedies and OTC products can help prevent UTIs but can't always eliminate the bacteria causing your infection. If you're trying home remedies but still have UTI symptoms, you can talk with a healthcare professional to avoid complications.
Staying hydrated, practicing health-promoting habits, and supplementing your diet with some UTI-fighting ingredients are good ways to lower your risk of these infections in the future.
Antibiotic Resistance
The problem of antibiotic resistance is an active area of research within the department. Some scientists are investigating the details and mechanisms of how bacteria acquire resistance to different groups of antibiotics. Others are looking for new ways to combat infections that resist the available antibiotic drugs. One of these groups is employing bacteriophages, while another group is working towards developing a probiotic cocktail that could be used to treat drug-resistant diseases.
Resistance to fluoroquinolone antibiotics
Dr. Lynn Zechiedrich has been studying the problem of antibiotic resistance for over 25 years. One research focus in her laboratory has been toward understanding the mechanism of action of and the mechanisms of resistance to the antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones, some of the most potent, widely prescribed, and broad-spectrum antibiotics in use world-wide. The fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics includes ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin, among others.
The fluoroquinolones act by targeting two essential bacterial enzymes known as topoisomerases - gyrase and topoisomerase IV - which help control the winding and unwinding of DNA strands during important cellular processes such as DNA replication, recombination, transcription, and chromosome segregation. During these cellular processes, DNA strands are temporarily broken by topoisomerases. The broken DNA intermediate form is normally short-lived, but in the presence of the fluoroquinolone antibiotics, the intermediate form is stabilized, resulting in bacterial cell death. The Zechiedrich laboratory uses biochemical, biophysical, and genetic approaches to determine how topoisomerases carry out their cellular roles and how drugs block their function.
In another line of research, Dr. Zechiedrich and colleagues are investigating whether the drug ciclopirox, an off-patent anti-fungal agent, could be repurposed as a candidate for antibiotic use, particularly against multidrug resistant gram-negative bacteria. The ability to use a drug designed to combat one type of microorganism for use against another could circumvent the time and money associated with developing a new drug.
The Zechiedrich group reported that ciclopirox inhibited the growth of even multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. They further investigated the mechanism of action and found that the drug affected sugar metabolism in the bacteria, altering the composition of molecules in the outer membrane of the bacterial cell. In their current research in this area, they are pursuing the drug target as a potentially new target for new antibiotic development.
Resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics
Beta-lactam antibiotics are the most widely used class of drugs for the treatment of bacterial infections. They include penicillin and its derivatives, such as methicillin and amoxicillin, as well as other groups of antibiotics known as the cephalosporins, carbapenems, and monobactams. The beta-lactam ring portion of the antibiotic targets the penicillin-binding proteins (PBP), found in the bacterial cell membrane, which function in the synthesis of the cell wall. Binding of the antibiotic to the PBPs prevents the PBPs from performing their essential role and results in the death of the bacterial cell.
Dr. Timothy Palzkill, professor of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology and Molecular Virology and Microbiology, and his research team have been studying mechanisms of resistance to the beta-lactam antibiotics. In gram-negative bacteria, the most common mechanism of resistance is the hydrolysis, or breaking apart, of the antibiotics by enzymes referred to as the beta-lactamases. There are two broad classes of beta-lactamases, the serine-β-lactamases and the metallo-β-lactamases. Dr. Palzkill and his group use a variety of advanced genetic, biochemical, and physical techniques to understand details about the structure and function of both groups of the beta-lactamases and their interactions with drug-resistant forms of antibiotics that are subject to drug resistance.
Instead of drug resistance through the action of beta-lactamases, gram-positive bacteria acquire resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics through the production of a protein called PBP2a, which is able to avoid the inhibitory effects of the antibiotics. This is the mechanism by which methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is able to persist despite treatment with multiple beta-lactam antibiotics. Dr. Palzkill and coworkers conducted a study in which they found that the protein BLIP-II was able to weakly bind and inhibit PBP2a, making it susceptible to beta-lactam antibiotics. They are continuing this line of research by searching for mutations that increase the affinity of BLIP-II to PBP2a.
Resistance to colistin
The reduction in treatment options due to the increased prevalence beta-lactamases that break down beta-lactam antibiotics has led to the increased use of polymyxin antibiotics such as colistin. Polymyxins are polypeptides that act by binding to and subsequently disrupting the bacterial membrane. The recent emergence and spread of a plasmid-encoded, transferable colistin resistance gene, mcr-1, is a cause for concern. The mcr-1 gene encodes an enzyme, MCR-1, that modifies a component of the membrane and blocks colistin binding.
Dr. Palzkill and his group have determined the X-ray structure of one important functional region of the MCR-1 protein. In order to more fully understand the mechanism of MCR-1, they are working to determine the structure of the full-length MCR-1 enzyme. In addition, the laboratory is working to discover inhibitors of the MCR-1 enzyme that would circumvent resistance and broaden treatment options for colistin.
Use of bacteriophages to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Bacteriophages are viruses that specifically kill bacteria. Drs. Anthony Maresso, Frank Ramig, and Barbara Trautner and their colleagues have been investigating the feasibility of using bacteriophages, or phages, to combat drug-resistant bacteria. This idea was originally proposed by Felix d'Herelle in 1926, but following the discovery and initial successes of antibiotics, this approach was largely dropped (although several Eastern European nations have used this approach to successfully treat some bacterial infections).
Given the current limitations in treating drug-resistant bacterial infections, the researchers have revisited this idea and set about to determine whether phages can be effective at killing a large group of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. Their bacterial target was a specific group of Escherichia coli, called ST131, that colonize the gastrointestinal tract, but can infect sites outside the intestines (this category of E. Coli is known as extraintestinal pathogenic E. Coli), and is considered the predominant cause of all antibiotic-resistant E. Coli infections in the United States. The bacteria are multi-drug resistant, in addition to producing deadly virulence factors; failure to control their growth can lead to sepsis, which can be fatal.
In their study, they sought to identify phages that would kill 12 strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that were isolated from patients. They did this by first isolating phages from the feces of birds and dogs, which are known to be reservoirs for the E. Coli ST131 bacteria, and then testing to see if the phages lysed, or killed, the bacteria in a laboratory test. Although no single phage could kill all 12 bacterial strains in lab cultures, they found combinations of two or three phages that were effective against all the bacteria they tested.
Next, they tested the phages to find out if they could also kill the antibiotic-resistant bacteria in a mouse model of sepsis. When delivered into the animals, the phages reduced the levels of bacteria and substantially improved the health of the mice. The results demonstrated that phages isolated from the environment, with little experimental manipulation, can be effective in combating even very serious infections by E. Coli superbugs.
There are several advantages to using phages instead of antibiotics to combat bacterial infections. Phages do not infect human cells. They are very specific for certain species or strains of bacteria, so that they can be used to target the "bad" bacteria, while not harming the "good" intestinal microbiota. However, they can be made to act broadly via cocktails, if desired. In addition, phages can evolve, so should resistance against a set of phages develop, new phages could be identified in the environment or evolved in the laboratory in a matter of days, unlike antibiotics which can take many years, at great cost, to develop. While the scientists are still somewhat cautious about this approach, as sometimes a host's immune system can neutralize the activities of phages and some phages may not work well in animals, they are continuing to explore this option.
In another study, these researchers found that certain metals enhance the killing of E. Coli ST131 bacteria by phages in blood. They observed that when they treated E. Coli ST131 with phage, the phage effectively killed the bacteria in culture medium but not in blood. The blood samples contained a chemical called EDTA which was used to prevent clotting and is known to bind to metals. They saw more efficient bacterial killing in blood treated with heparin, a natural anti-clotting factor, suggesting that the differing outcomes may be due to the level of metals in the blood.
When they added the metals calcium, magnesium, and iron, which are commonly found in blood, they found that the inhibition of ST131 killing by EDTA was overcome by the addition of the metals. Furthermore, metal-enhanced killing was observed for several other strains of extraintestinal pathogenic E. Coli, not only ST131. Metals also enhanced ST131 killing in a mouse model system. This work points to the essential role of metals for bacterial killing by phage in blood.
Antibiotic treatment alters the intestinal microbiota resulting in hard-to-treat Clostridium difficile infections
Clostridium difficile is a gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium that is considered to be one of the three highest risk drug-resistant infections in the United States, as classified by the CDC. It is an opportunistic infection that infects the colon of patients following antibiotic treatment. The microbiota that inhabit the gut normally prevent C. Difficile colonization and suppress C. Difficile-associated disease, but treatment with antibiotics results in changes to the composition of microbiota that allow C. Difficile to grow and cause disease.
C. Difficile produces toxins that damage intestinal cells and cause inflammation, producing diarrhea, and can be fatal. Of nearly 500,000 infections each year, approximately 29,000 result in death. It is the most common cause of hospital-acquired infections in developed countries. The infection is very difficult to treat, with many patients suffering from recurrent infections. The bacterium is naturally resistant to many common antibiotics, such as the fluoroquinolones, so investigators are searching for alternate ways to treat the disease.
Dr. Robert Britton and his research group are interested in understanding how the intestinal microbiota provides a barrier to incoming pathogens and how perturbation of the microbiota can result in infections, primarily C. Difficile infections. They have developed mini-bioreactors and mice colonized with a human intestinal microbiota to determine which members of the microbial community are responsible for inhibiting C. Difficile invasion. Their goal is to develop a probiotic cocktail, derived from the human intestinal microbiota, that will suppress C. Difficile invasion.
Researchers have found that two C. Difficile lineages, RT027 and RT078, have become more predominant and virulent in the last couple of decades, causing major outbreaks. To identify factors that have enhanced the virulence of these two lineages, Dr. Britton and his colleagues investigated what sources of food RT027 and RT078 preferred. Their study showed that the virulent lineages were highly efficient in their use of the dietary sugar trehalose (which is found in diet soda and is used to stabilize processed foods), giving these microbes a competitive advantage over other, less virulent bacteria.
Using their mouse model, they found that the mice receiving trehalose in their diet had more severe disease, with higher mortality rates, and they produced higher levels of toxins. These results suggest that the introduction of trehalose as a food additive into the human diet, shortly before the emergence of these two epidemic lineages, helped select for their emergence and contributed to virulence. This study further demonstrates that diet can influence the composition of the microbiota and response to infection.
Antibiotics Treat Infections By Killing Or Sterilizing Bacteria Right After The First Dose
Antibiotics are a popular group of medicines that help the body fight bacterial infections. In 2017, alone, physicians wrote Americans around 260 million antibiotic prescriptions, according to the Center for Disease Control.
Here's what you need to know about this essential class of medication.
How do antibiotics work?Antibiotics treat bacterial infections in a few different ways that involve disrupting various parts of the way bacteria survive and multiply in the human body.
Bacteria have cell walls that help protect them against the harsh environment inside you. These cell walls protect the fragile interior that contains the DNA and essential proteins that bacteria use to reproduce asexually. Antibiotics often work in one of three ways:
Bactericidal antibiotics are drugs that kill bacteria outright. Examples include penicillin, vancomycin, and cephalosporin.
Bacteriostatic antibiotics are drugs that prevent bacteria from multiplying. Examples include ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, and rifamycin.
Some antibiotics can both kill bacteria and prevent further growth. It just depends on the dose you're prescribed as well as how far your bacterial infection has progressed.
How long do antibiotics take to work?Antibiotics start working almost immediately. For example, amoxicillin takes about one hour to reach peak levels in the body. However, a person may not feel symptom relief until later.
"Antibiotics will typically show improvement in patients with bacterial infections within one to three days," says Kaveh. This is because for many illnesses the body's immune response is what causes some of the symptoms, and it can take time for the immune system to calm down after the harmful bacteria are destroyed.
Some antibiotics, such as fosfomycin that's used to treat certain cases of UTIs, work immediately and usually only require one dose. Other antibiotics, including tetracycline that's used to treat a wide range of conditions from acne to syphilis, may take several weeks of treatment with multiple doses before the patient notices any improvement in symptoms.
"The timeframe depends on the type of infection and whether the bacteria are susceptible to that particular antibiotic," says Kaveh.
What do antibiotics treat?Doctors prescribe antibiotics for all types of bacterial infections from minor strep throat or urinary tract infections to severe, life-threatening conditions such as bacterial pneumonia or sepsis.
"The properties of some antibiotics make them amenable to other medical conditions, as well," says Anthony Kaveh, MD, physician anesthesiologist, and integrative medicine specialist. For example, the quinolone and tetracycline groups of antibiotics are used in anti-malarial therapy.
Important: Scientists agree that antibiotics don't directly affect SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. That's because "antibiotics do not treat viral infections," says Kaveh.
Certain antibiotics also have anti-inflammatory effects, which may be useful in treating inflammation caused by a viral infection. However, Kaveh points out that there is still more research to be done about the anti-inflammatory effects of antibiotics.
What antibiotics should I take?Depending on the type of infection, a physician may prescribe you one of two types of antibiotics: broad-spectrum or narrow-spectrum.
Broad-spectrum antibiotics affect a wide range of bacteria, whereas narrow-spectrum antibiotics attack specific types of bacteria.
Physicians will often times try to prescribe narrow-spectrum antibiotics when they know which bacteria caused the infection. For example in pharyngitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, a physician may prescribe benzylpenicillin.
This is because using broad-spectrum antibiotics unnecessarily can contribute to antibiotic resistance. "Unfortunately, the side effects of antibiotics must be taken into account [...]. In particular, bacterial resistance must be considered whenever using antibiotics for non-bacterial infections," says Kaveh.
Can I stop taking antibiotics early?It's important to complete the full course of antibiotics, even if you begin to feel better beforehand.
Because if you discontinue the treatment early you may not eliminate enough bacteria, and the condition could reoccur, as surviving bacteria multiply. Doing so also contributes to the growing issue of antibiotic resistance.
However, in the continued battle against antibiotic-resistant superbugs, researchers have started to study the dosage amount. A growing body of evidence suggests that shorter regimes of antibiotic treatment may be just as effective as the longer courses traditionally prescribed.
More research is needed, so you should still complete the full course of antibiotics you're prescribed for an infection.
Insider's takeawayAntibiotics work to cure bacterial infections by either attacking a bacteria's cell walls, interfering with its DNA to prevent reproduction, or honing in on the metabolism to stop it from spreading.
Once you start a course of antibiotics, they will start working almost immediately, though there may still be a delay in symptom relief. The time frame of treatment depends on your diagnosis and how the bacteria react to the antibiotic.
Your doctor will prescribe either broad-spectrum antibiotics, which treat a range of bacteria, or narrow-spectrum antibiotics, which target a specific type of bacteria. To prevent a recurrence of the infection, it's important to complete the full course of antibiotics that you're prescribed.
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