DOCTOR} Treating And Preventing Urinary Tract Infections (NAPS)—Urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are responsible for nearly 10 million doctor visits each year, are a major health problem, particularly for women. For- tunately, UTIs are generally con- sidered easily treatable. Symptoms include an urgent and frequent need to urinate, burning, spasm and pain. The first recommended course of action is to see a gynecologist, family physician or urologist. In addition, the National Institutes of Health offers the following advice for preventing UTIs: Women nowhaveadditional Drink up to eight glasses of water a day to help flush bacteria from the urethra. Studies have shown that drinking cranberry juice can help prevent UTIs. treatment options for managing room, do it. Any unnecessary straining caused by “holdingit” is otics can lead to the development of resistant bacterial organisms. e If you need to use the bath- harmful and may promote the onset of infection from weakened bladdertissue. Women should always wipe themselves properly—that is, from front to back. Tampons should be replaced as often as possible to prevent bacterial growth. e Avoid scented soaps, which can irritate the tissues of the ure- thra and make infection more likely. e Take showers instead of baths, to avoid the bacteria that can spread in standing water. urinarytract infections. prescription, even if the symptoms disappear. In some instances, however, the use of these antibi- To prevent this, a physician may prescribe PROSED/DS (antispasmodic/antiseptic) tablets, which mayprovide rapid relief from urinary discomfort, spasm and symptoms typical of UTIs. Patients know it’s working by the pale blue-green color it imparts in the urine. Side effects, which are less frequent than with many antibiotics, may include dizziness, blurry vision or skin rash. If you experience any of these symptoms, discontinue use and see your physician. PROSED/DS, developed If you do develop a UTI, your physician may prescribe an oral by Star Pharmaceuticals, is available only by prescription. To learn more, call 1-800-845- essential that you take the entire www.starpharm.com. antibiotic. If this is the case, it is 7827 or visit the Web site at
