How to Know If You Have a Bladder Infection

Bladder infection or cystitis occurs when bacteria infects the lower urinary tract which is comprised of the bladder and urethra. Urine is normally sterile. It is normally free of viruses, fungi and bacteria but does not include waste products, salts and fluids. An infection happens when bacteria from the intestinal bacteria (Escherichia coli), stick to the opening of the urethra and start to spread. The urethra is the tube that transports urine from the bladder to outside of the body. Fortunately, most urinary bladder infections are harmless. However, if bladder infection is left untreated, complicated health problems such as a wide spread infection may arise.

Instructions

• 1

  Check for discomfort when you urinate. Do you have a constant stinging, tingling or burning sensation during or after urination? This is usually the first sign of a bladder infection. You might also feel anxious and experience a spasmodic sensation in the pelvic area.

• 2

  Check the color of your urine. Has there been a change? Normal urine appears clear and is yellow to amber in color. A cloudy appearance with blood or tiny white particles floating inside indicates a bacterial infection.

• 3

  Observe the odor of your urine. The normal smell of urine is aromatic. Foul urine odor is not normal and is indicative of a bacterial infection.

• 4

  Note if you feel the need for frequent or urgent urination. Frequent urination is the need to urinate more often than usual. Urgent urination is a compelling, immediate urge to urinate accompanied by bladder pain. These are common signs of a bladder infection.

• 5

  Observe for pain. Pain in the lower abdomen, lower pelvis, lower back and genital area are indicative of a bladder infection. This holds true when the pain is accompanied by any of the symptoms mentioned above.