Bladder Infections

A bladder infection, also known as cystitis, is the most common infection of the urinary tract and can be bothersome and painful. Normally, it is not a serious condition but can turn into one if the offending bacteria spread to the kidneys. Women are much more likely to suffer from bladder infections.

Causes

• Bladder infections result from bacteria entering the urinary tract via the urethra where they will then multiply. This part of the body is equipped with defenses against these bacterial invasions but in some cases, it is able to attach itself and replicate into a full-on infection. A majority of bladder infections are caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), a form of bacteria common to the genital area. Many women contract bladder infections as a result of sexual intercourse, which pushes the bacteria into the body. Young girls and women who are not sexually active are also susceptible because these bacteria are present in the genital area of most females.

Symptoms

• Not everyone experiences symptoms of a bladder infection but you are most likely to experience at least one of the following symptoms. If you have a bladder infection, you might experience a strong urge to urinate accompanied by a burning sensation, frequent urination where only small amounts come out, blood in the urine (hematuria), cloudy or strong-smelling urine, discomfort and pressure in the pelvic area and lower abdomen and a slight fever.

Risk Factors and Complications

• You are much more likely to suffer from bladder infections if you are a woman. The female urethra is much shorter than the man's urethra. This allows the bacteria to reach the bladder more quickly and reduces the body's time to launch its natural defenses. If you are a sexually active woman, you also increase your risk of bladder infections since intercourse provides an opportunity for the bacteria to enter the body. Other female-related factors include using diaphragms for birth control and pregnancy, which creates hormonal changes that increase the risk.

  Other risk factors, which apply to both sexes, include interference with the proper flow of urine due to conditions like stones and enlarged prostates, weakened immunity and prolonged use of bladder catheters.

  Most infections are treated successfully with no problem. Untreated bladder infections, however, can lead to kidney infection.

Conventional Treatment

• Antibiotics are the primary treatment for bladder infections. Commonly prescribed antibiotics include Amoxil, Trimox, Furadantin, Macrodantin, Cipro, Levaquin and Bactrim. You may need to take them up to a week or more; be sure to finish your entire prescription. In some cases, your doctor will prescribe a mild pain reliever to relieve the burning sensation during urination.

  Severe infections might require intravenous (IV) antibiotic treatment.

Self-Care Strategies

• Drink plenty of fluids but avoid drinks that will aggravate your bladder such as coffee, alcohol, soft drinks and citrus juices. Do not eat spicy foods. Soaking in a bathtub of warm water for 15 to 20 minutes can also provide relief.

Herbs

• According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, certain supplements exhibit antibacterial activities and might help treat bladder infections. Talk to a knowledgeable health care professional about alternative treatments. They include cat's claw (20 milligrams three times a day) Uva ursi, which should not be taken for more than four days (250 to 500 milligrams three times a day) and buchu (200 milligrams three times a day)