How is a urinary tract infection primarily treated?

The primary treatment for a urinary tract infection (UTI) is antibiotics. This is because UTIs are typically caused by bacterial infections, and antibiotics are designed to target and eliminate these harmful bacteria. The specific antibiotic prescribed can vary based on factors like the patient's medical history, the severity of the infection, and local antibiotic resistance patterns.

Antivirals are meant for viral infections and are not effective against bacterial UTIs. Antifungals are used to treat fungal infections and would not address bacterial causes. Symptomatic treatment alone may relieve discomfort but does not treat the underlying infection, which is why antibiotic therapy is essential to cure the infection and prevent complications.

In summary, using antibiotics is the most effective and standard method for treating UTIs, resolving both the infection and its associated symptoms.