Overview
Urinary tract infections -- or UTIs -- are common bacterial infections that affect 10 times as many women as men, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. UTIs have a number of causes. While drinking iced tea cannot cause a urinary tract infection, iced tea can irritate and intensify the symptoms of a urinary tract infection.
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections can affect any portion of your urinary system -- including your kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra. MayoClinic.com indicates UTIs most commonly affect the lower portion of your urinary system -- which includes your bladder and urethra. UTIs can occur as the result of bacteria entering any portion of your urinary system. There are a number of factors that increase your chances of developing a urinary tract infection. Being female, using a diaphragm as contraceptive, being sexually active, having a new sexual partner, having multiple sexual partners, having prior UTIs, urinating infrequently, being pregnant and having diabetes can place you at an increased risk for a urinary tract infection. Urinary tract infections are seldom dangerous when treated. Left untreated, a UTI can spread to your kidneys. UTIs require an appointment with a doctor. A medical history, physical exam and a urine specimen can help diagnose this condition. Antibiotics are used to treat UTIs.
Symptoms
Urinary tract infections have a variety of symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor or an emergency or urgent care facility -- especially on weekends and after traditional office hours. The increased need to urinate, pain and burning during urination, passing small amounts of urine at a time, foul smelling urine, cloudy or pink urine, abdominal pain, rectal pain, pelvic pain, chills, vomiting and nausea can all be indicators of a urinary tract infection.
Iced Tea and UTIs
Iced tea cannot cause, prevent or treat a urinary tract infection. However, the caffeine found in iced tea can intensify the symptoms of a UTI and irritate your bladder. Caffeine is considered to be a diuretic, according to MayoClinic.com. Caffeine can decrease hydration in your body. Dehydration is often associated with urinary tract infections. Caffeine can also irritate the lining of your bladder, making it more difficult to fight off a UTI and possibly causing recurring infections.
Fluid Intake and UTIs
While you are recovering from a UTI, fluid intake is important. However, you should abstain from teas, coffee, alcohol and other stimulants. Plain water and cranberry juice are recommended, according to the University of Maryland. Drinking six to eight glasses of water a day during a UTI can help to flush bacteria and toxins out of your body through urination. Water can also dilute urine, making it less painful to pass when you have a UTI. Cranberry juice is an antioxidant that helps to prevent bacteria from sticking to the lining of your bladder.
source: livestrong.com
