Having a urinary tract infection (UTI) is painful, uncomfortable, and inconvenient. After all, feeling like you have to use the restroom every couple of minutes could have a significant impact on your work life, hobbies, and spending quality time with your family. And, when the condition is chronic, it can leave you feeling helpless and discouraged — especially if the infections aren’t responding to prescribed oral medications. Why are these infections happening? And, what can you do to obtain optimal relief?
What is a urinary tract infection?
A urinary tract infection is an infection affecting any part of your urinary system — including the bladder, kidneys, or urethra. They are more likely to occur in women — due to bacteria entering their bodies through sexual intercourse or wiping back to front after a bowel movement. Since women also have shorter urethras than men, it’s easier for bacteria to reach the bladder. However, some men can get the infection too. Also, people with diabetes are at higher risk of experiencing them. Symptoms include the following:
- A frequent and intense urge to urinate
- A burning sensation when urinating
- Cloudy and dark urine
- Foul-smelling urine
- Abdominal pain
- Lower back pain
If the infection has reached the kidneys, you may also experience a fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting. If the infection is in the urethra, you may also notice a discharge when urinating. If the infection reaches the bladder, the condition is known as cystitis. Once the condition is advanced, you may also notice blood in your urine.
Although UTIs are typically treated with antibiotics, people with chronic or complicated infections may fail to obtain relief. Also, each infection can be brought on by a different strain of bacteria — and some can multiply and become resistant to antibiotics. This is when infusion therapy could be a better option.
Infusion Therapy for Urinary Tract Infections
In addition to providing relief for people for whom oral medications haven’t worked, infusion therapy is also a good alternative for patients who are pregnant, have a high fever, or are unable to take oral antibiotics. And, since the medication is infused into your vein, it goes directly into your bloodstream — providing a higher absorption rate and faster relief.
What to Expect from Infusion Therapy for Urinary Tract Infections
When you first arrive at one of our facilities, one of our healthcare providers will meet with you to discuss your treatment — medication to be used, dosage, duration of the infusion therapy, as well as all possible side effects. This is also an opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
Next, you’ll receive your infusion in a reclining chair with several amenities to make the visit more comfortable. Options include blankets, Wi-Fi, television, coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. You can also bring your own snacks or beverage of preference.
Side Effects from Infusion Therapy for Urinary Tract Infections
As with any medication, side effects are possible from infusion therapy for urinary tract infections. Although rare, these may include an upset stomach, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, vaginal yeast infection, or an allergic reaction — especially at the site where the IV is inserted. It’s also possible for the IV to become dislodged from your vein. If that were to happen, a healthcare professional would reinsert it and provide you with a warm compress to prevent or reduce swelling. However, when you receive infusion treatment from Infusion Associates, either a nurse or physician will monitor the treatment for its entire duration to lower the risk of complications.
If Your Doctor Has Recommended Infusion Therapy, Let Infusion Associates Help You
At Infusion Associates, we provide medically-prescribed infusion therapy for patients with chronic conditions in a welcoming and friendly environment. Our team of healthcare professionals is fully committed to making the experience as comfortable as possible for you or your patients. We always inform patients of any potential side effects and answer all their questions before starting treatment. In addition, we have a Registered Pharmacist on-staff to make the process as seamless as possible.
If you would like to refer a patient to us or want to inquire about the treatments we offer, you can contact us by calling us at (616) 954-0600 or filling out this form.