Bladder Infection Help

Bladder infections occur as part of urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can also include the urethra, ureters and kidneys. Infections in the bladder can be painful, but also have the potential to do serious health damage if left untreated and they spread to the kidneys.

Symptoms

• You may have a bladder infection if you're experiencing pain or burning during urination, a chronic sensation of needing to urinate, frequent urination in tiny amounts, or bloody, cloudy or abnormally strong-smelling urine. Seek medical treatment right away if you have any of these symptoms.

Diagnosis

• To diagnose a bladder infection, a urine sample will be collected and tested for pus, blood and bacteria.

Treatment

• Bladder infections are treated with an antibiotic prescription. Generally, Amoxicillin, Nitrofurantoin, Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin or Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim are prescribed. Treatment usually lasts about a week, though symptoms typically disappear within a few days.

Symptom Relief

• While treating your bladder infection, drink a lot of water. This helps to dilute and wash out bacteria. In addition, a heating pad on your lower abdomen can relieve some of your bladder pain.

Prevention

• Drink a lot of fluids, especially water and cranberry juice, to keep your bladder clean and clear of infections. Emptying your bladder soon after sex is another important preventative measure. Certain feminine hygiene products such as deodorant sprays and douches can cause irritation that leads to infection of the urethra and bladder, so they are best to be avoided.