A bladder infection is most often caused by a bacterial
infection within the bladder. For people with weakened immune systems, yeast
can cause bladder infections as well.
A bladder infection is a type of urinary tract
infection (UTI). This refers to an infection anywhere in the urinary tract,
such as the bladder, kidneys, ureters, or urethra.
Most cases of bladder infections are acute, meaning they
occur suddenly. Other cases may be chronic, meaning they recur over the
long term. Early treatment is key to preventing the spread of the infection.
What causes a bladder infection?
Bacteria that enter through the urethra and move into the
bladder cause bladder infections. Normally, the body removes the bacteria by flushing
them out during urination.
Bacteria can sometimes attach to the walls of the bladder
and multiply quickly. This overwhelms the body’s ability to destroy them,
resulting in a bladder infection.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive
and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), most bladder infections are caused
by Escherichia coli (E. coli). This type of bacteria is
naturally present in the large intestines.
An infection can occur when bacteria from the stool get onto
the skin and enter the urethra. In women, the urethra is short and the outside
opening is not far from the anus, so bacteria can easily move from one body
system to another.
What are the symptoms of a bladder infection?
The symptoms of a bladder infection vary depending on the severity.
You’ll immediately notice changes during urination. Some of the most common
symptoms include:
Pain or burning when urinating
Cloudy or bloody urine
Urinating more often than usual, which is called “frequency”
Foul-smelling urine
A frequent sensation of having to urinate, which is called “urgency”
Cramping or pressure in the lower abdomen or lower back
When bladder infections spread, they can also cause mid-back
pain. This pain is associated with infection in the kidneys. Unlike muscular
back pain, this pain will be persistent regardless of your position or
activity.
A kidney infection will often cause fever, chills,
nausea, and vomiting. You’ll typically feel quite ill. Kidney infections are
more serious than bladder infections and require urgent medical attention.
Who is at risk for a bladder infection?
Anyone can get bladder infections, but women are more prone
to getting them than men. This is because women have shorter urethras, making
the path to the bladder easier for bacteria to reach.
Females’ urethras are also located closer to the rectum than men’s
urethras. This means there is a shorter distance for bacteria to travel.
As men age, the prostate can enlarge. This can cause
blockages to the flow of urine and increase the likelihood of a man developing
a UTI. UTIs tend to increase in men as they age.
Other factors can increase the risk of bladder infections
for both men and women. These include:
Advanced age
Immobility
Insufficient fluid intake
Surgical procedure within the urinary tract
Urinary catheter
Urinary obstruction, which is a blockage in the bladder or
urethra
Urinary tract abnormality, which is caused by birth defects
or injuries
Urinary retention, which means difficulty emptying the
bladder
Narrowed urethra
Enlarged prostate
Bowel incontinence
Pregnancy
Diabetes
Nervous system conditions that affect bladder function,
like multiple sclerosis
Weakened immune system
How is a bladder infection diagnosed?
A doctor can diagnose your bladder infection by performing
a urinalysis. This is a test performed on a sample of urine to check for
the presence of:
White blood cells
Red blood cells
Nitrites
Bacteria
Your doctor may also perform a urine culture, which is
a test to determine the type of bacteria in the urine causing the infection.
Once the type of bacteria is known, it will be tested for antibiotic
sensitivity to determine which antibiotic will best treat the
infection.
How is a bladder infection treated?
Bladder infections are treated with prescription medications
to kill the bacteria, usually antibiotics, and medications that relieve pain
and burning.
Medication
Oral antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria that are
causing the bladder infection.
If you’re experiencing pain and burning sensations, your
doctor may also prescribe medication to relieve those symptoms. The most common
medication for relieving the pain and burning associated with bladder
infections is called phenazopyridine (Pyridium).
Home treatment
When you have a UTI, drinking plenty of fluids can help
flush the bacteria out of your bladder. Water is best because it is free
of caffeine and artificial sweeteners, which are known bladder
irritants.
Concentrated cranberry solutions, juices, and extracts may
have a role in preventing UTIs against the bacteria E. coli. But
they should not be solely relied upon to treat an active infection.
In a recent study published in Frontiers in
Microbiology, cranberry juice did lower the number of bacteria in the
bladder during an infection, but it did not cure the infection completely.
Can bladder infections be prevented?
Certain lifestyle changes may reduce your chances of getting
a bladder infection.
If you have been experiencing recurrent bladder infections,
your doctor may recommend prophylactic treatment. This consists of
antibiotics taken in small daily doses to prevent or control future bladder
infections.
Lifestyle changes
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend
that some of the following lifestyle changes may help reduce or eliminate the
occurrence of bladder infections:
Drink six to eight glasses of water a day, but consult with
your doctor about the correct amount of fluid based on your overall health.
Drink cranberry juice daily.
Urinate as soon as you feel the need.
Wipe from front to back after urinating if you are female.
Don’t use douches, feminine hygiene sprays, scented soaps,
or powders.
Take showers instead of baths.
Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes.
Avoid using a diaphragm or spermicide and change
to an alternate form of birth control.
Use non spermicidal lubricated condoms.
Urinate before and after sexual activity.
Preventive antibiotic treatment
If you’re a woman experiencing recurrent bladder infections,
your doctor may give you a prescription for daily antibiotics to prevent
infections or to take when you feel the symptoms of a bladder infection.
They may also have you take a single dose of an antibiotic
after sexual activity.
Long-term outlook
Most bladder infections subside within 48 hours of taking
the appropriate antibiotic. It’s important to finish all antibiotics
prescribed, even if you’re feeling better.
Some bladder infections can worsen and spread to the kidneys
due to antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, delayed or inadequate
treatment, or other health issues.
If you have recurrent UTIs, it’s important to see your
doctor. You may need certain tests to make sure your urinary system is
otherwise healthy.
Chronic bladder infections require a combination of
treatment and more aggressive preventive measures. Long-term daily antibiotics
may be necessary in some cases.
Being proactive about bladder infections can help reduce
their occurrence as well as the pain and possible complications that accompany
them. The earlier you seek treatment, the less likely it is that the infection
will spread and the sooner you’ll feel better.
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