How long does it take to cure bacterial infection?
Patient: HelloI have had what I thought was cystitis initially about four weeks ago and I bought some over the counter powder satchets and they seemed to relieve the symptoms for a short while and then the heavy dull feeling in my abdomen returned plus the feeling that I needed to pass water.  I took another course of the cystitis satchets and again it seemed to relieve the feeling for a while but on and off I have had these feelings of heaviness and wanting to urinate.  Last week the symptoms got worse and I went to the doctors.  They took a urine sample and gave me some antibiotics and a few days later I was still in pain so I returned to the doctors.  The urine test revealed that I did have a bacterial infection and the doctor said that the antibiotics prescribed were not particularly good for the sort of bacteria I had and he prescribed nitrofurantoin 50 mg tablets, 4 to be taken per day.  This was last Thursday evening.  I have been taking the tablets and over the weekend I did feel some improvement.  My tummy has been really really swollen and I have been wairing pajamas all weekend.  Now back at work in my largest size trousers I am feeling uncomfortable again and my tummy is really swollen.  I have a couple more days tablets left - should I be concerned or expect not to be fully recovered by now please?I am a 53 year old woman and would really appreciate your advice. Doctor: Hello.Althought you're suffering adverse effects (bloated stomach ...) it is important to take all the tablets prescribed by the doctor;if treatment is stopped, the infection may return.When you finish taking the antibiotic, adverse effects will decrease.I wish you good health.(If the answer has helped you, please indicate this)