A urinary tract infection (UTI) causes the lining of the urinary tract to become red and irritated (inflammation), which may produce some of the following 𝐬𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐬:

• A burning feeling when you urinate
• A frequent or intense urge to urinate, even though little comes out when you do
• Cloudy, dark, bloody, or strange-smelling urine
• Feeling tired or shaky
• Fever or chills (a sign that the infection may have reached your kidneys)
• Pain or pressure in your back or lower abdomen

If your physician thinks you need them, antibiotics are the 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 for urinary tract infections. Be sure to take all of your prescribed medicine, even after you start to feel better.

• Drink lots of water to help flush the bacteria from your body.
• Your doctor may also give you medication to soothe the pain.
• You might find a heating pad helpful.

Cranberry juice is often promoted to prevent or treat UTIs, but research hasn’t found that it does much to reduce infections. Visit your trusted pharmacist at The Local Choice Pharmacy to discuss the best ways to treat UTI.