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What Gets Rid of a Bladder Infection?

A bladder infection or urinary tract infection are generally caused by escherichia coli bacteria which naturally lives in the gastrointestinal tract, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms include frequent urination, a burning sensation while urinating, blood in the urine, pelvic discomfort and a low grade fever. If you are suffering from this condition, find out what you can do to get rid of it.

  1. Drugs

    • Make a doctor's appointment to get a prescription for antibiotics. Common antibiotics prescribed are Cipro, Bactrim, Levaquin, Trimox or Furadantin. Take the antibiotics for their entire recommended length even if the symptoms of the bladder infection goes away. Stopping this medication early can lead to another bladder infection. Antibiotics can wipe out the healthy bacteria in the gastrointestnal tract, which can lead to a yeast infection. Ensure an healthy balance of bacteria by taking acidophilis while on the medicine. Get acidophilis through supplements or yogurt.

    Cranberry Juice

    • Research presented in 2004 at the Annual Meeting of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, indicated that drinking 8 oz. of cranberry helps combat the bacteria that causes the bladder infection. The evidence is in the tannin found in cranberries that prevents the bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder. Be sure to buy unsweetened cranberry juice. Sugars found insweetened cranberry juices raises the risk of yeast infections. If you find that cranberry juice is too tart, you can find dried cranberry supplements at health food stores or pharmacies.

    Things to Avoid and Do for a Bladder Infection

    • Drink at least 10 glasses of 8 oz. water to flush out the bacteria. Refrain from drinking any alcohol, coffee, tea, carbonated drinks or sugary smoothies. These drinks can further irritate the bladder. Apply a heating pad to relieve pelvic pain while treating your bladder infection. Take a shower instead of a bath. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, you can prevent getting a urinary tract infection by passing urine after any sexual intercourse and refrain from douching.

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