A bladder infection is generally not dangerous health threat and can be cured quickly with medicine. This article explains how to take preventive steps so you don't have to suffer from a "UTI".
A bladder infection is also known as a urinary tract infection, or UTI. A kidney infection is also a urinary tract infection, but bladder infections are more common than kidney infections, and are less dangerous. Kidney infections, if not treated, can eventually cause to kidney damage and even kidney failure, which is a life-threatening medical emergency.
A bladder infection is also known as cystitis. Simply put, cystitis is an inflammation inside the bladder.
A bladder infection happens when bacteria gets into the urinary tract. Although many people think there's already a lot of germs in the bladder, there actually isn't. It's true that the bladder is like a liquid waste dump for the human body, collecting collecting salts and other fluids - but it's generally free of germs.
However, there are times when bacteria can infiltrate the bladder. When this happens, they are able to spread, and before long, an infection is underway.
Around 4 out of 5 bladder infections are caused by Escherichia coli, or E. coli. This bacteria can originate in a number of places, but it's usually found in the intestines and on skin surfaces around the rectal areas and around the vaginal areas in women.
When bacteria transfers from the anus, or from an outside source, into the urethra (the narrow canal that urine passes through during urination), they can then make their way into the bladder. This process is much more likely to happen in women, so more women have urinary tract infections than men. Some women experience repeated infections, and approximately one out of every two women will have at least one urinary tract infection during their lifetime.
Tight fitting clothing can also constrict the pelvic area and increase the risk that bacteria will get through the urethra and into the bladder.
Bladder infections are usually easy to diagnose because the symptoms are generally obvious. You feel an urgent need to to urinate, even though your trips to the bathroom produce little in the way of results. A burning sensation is also typical while you're urinating (another name for this burning sensation is dysuria).
Someone with a bladder infection also feels an urgency to use the bathroom often. Urine will probably appear cloudy and dark, and will often be accompanied by an unpleasant smell.
A mild fever is not unusual. There may also be occasional bladder spasms.
Because of the uncomfortable symptoms that accompany a bladder infection (especially the burning sensation), you might be tempted to drink less water or liquid because you don't want to urinate as much. However, doctors recommend that you drink more water than usual because it helps flush bacteria out of your bladder and urinary tract. Your doctor may also suggest that you drink certain juices or take vitamin C.
A bladder infection can be decidedly uncomfortable, but a bladder infection is usually not hard to treat with antibiotics that reduce the symptoms. In many cases, a bladder infection will go away on its own after a few days (but will make you miserable in the meantime). Nonetheless, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor because the symptoms of a bladder infection and a kidney infection are very similar. As mentioned above, a kidney infection is a serious disorder that can have dire, long term health consequences. It's better to be safe and let your doctor decide the appropriate way to treat your problem.
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