Friday, March 22, 2024

Are A Bladder Infection And A Uti The Same Thing

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Can I Get Uti Treatment Online Without Insurance

Urinary tract infection web embeddable

Yes! You dont need insurance to use Virtuwell. A visit to Virtwells online clinic is never more than $59. This includes a diagnosis, treatment plan and free follow-up care. If youre prescribed antibiotics or other prescription medication, your prescription is sent to your pharmacy where you pay for it just like you would if you visited an in-person clinic. If you do use insurance, your cost for care will likely be reduced or with some insurance plans covered completely.

Eating Diet & Nutrition

Experts dont think eating, diet, and nutrition play a role in preventing or treating bladder infections. If you have any type of UTI, talk with a health care professional about how much to drink each day to help prevent or relieve your infection.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and other components of the National Institutes of Health conduct and support research into many diseases and conditions.

Can’t Sleep Because Of Cystitis

Bedtime Routine. Try sleeping in a position that helps to relax the pelvic muscles. Lying on your side and pulling your legs up into a fetal position, or spreading your legs apart if you sleep on your back, should be more comfortable. Put a hot water bottle on your abdomen or between your legs for 30 minutes before bed …

Read Also: What Over The Counter Medicine Is Good For Bladder Infections

Types Of Urinary Tract Conditions

A urinary tract infection refers to an infection in any area of the urinary tract. Conditions that can occur in the urinary tract or with the potential to lead to complicated infections include:

  • Urethritis: An inflammation of the urethra, usually caused by an infection for example, a sexually transmitted disease such as chlamydia
  • Cystitis: An infection in the bladder that has often moved up from the urethra, also one of the most common UTIs
  • Nephritis: Any type of kidney inflammation
  • Pyelonephritis: An infection in one or both kidneys

Urinary Tract Infections In Women

Kidney Stones Blood In Urine But No Pain

UTIs are common, particularly with increasing age. Women are more likely to get a UTI than men. Nearly 1 in 3 women will have a UTI needing treatment before the age of 24.

In women, the urethra is short and straight, making it easier for germs to travel into the bladder. For some women, UTIs relate to changes in their hormonal levels. Some are more likely to get an infection during certain times in their menstrual cycle, such as just before a period or during pregnancy.

In older women, the tissues of the urethra and bladder become thinner and drier with age as well as after menopause or a hysterectomy. This can be linked to increased UTIs.

During pregnancy, the drainage system from the kidney to the bladder widens so urine does not drain as quickly. This makes it easier to get a UTI. Sometimes germs can move from the bladder to the kidney causing a kidney infection. UTIs during pregnancy can result in increased blood pressure, so it is very important to have them treated as soon as possible.

Women are more at risk of repeated UTIs if they:

  • use spermicide jelly or diaphragm for contraception
  • have had a new sexual partner in the last year
  • had their first UTI at or before 15 years of age
  • have a family history of repeated UTIs, particularly their mother
  • suffer from constipation

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How Are Utis Treated

Treatments for UTIs often depend on the severity of the infection. Doctors often divide UTIs into simple and complicated infections.

Bladder infections usually fall into the simple category. Doctors can usually treat them with antibiotics over the course of three to five days. Common antibiotics used to treat bladder infections include trimethoprim, ciprofloxacin, and amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium.

If you have an infection, you should always take all of your antibiotics, even if you feel better. This keeps the infection from coming back.

Complicated UTIs are harder to treat. Kidney infections usually fall into this category. If you have a complicated UTI, you may require IV antibiotics and have to take antibiotics for a week or more.

Causes Of Utis And Bladder Infections In Men

Women are more likely to get urinary tract infections and bladder infections than men because they have a shorter urethra located closer to their rectum.

For them, sexual activity or even wearing a pair of underwear for too long can cause bacteria like E. coli to come in contact with the urinary tract.

Men can get UTIs too, but in their case, its usually due to genetics, prostate changes with age, or an abnormal immune response. STDs such as chlamydia are another frequent cause of UTIs in men.

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Causes Of Cystitis And Urinary Tract Infections

Causes of cystitis

Cystitis can affect anyone, but women are at a much higher risk. The most common cause of cystitis is a bacterial infection, but it can also occur if the bladder gets damaged or irritated in another way.

Other causes of cystitis include:

  • Friction from sexual intercourse
  • Irritation from chemicals found in perfumed soap or bubble bath
  • Damage from a catheter or bladder surgery
  • Medical treatments such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy medications

Some people may be at increased risk of cystitis, including people who have diabetes, people nearing menopause, and people with a history of difficulty emptying their bladders.

Causes of urinary tract infections

Other causes include:

Causes Of Utis And Bladder Infections

Your Health: Bladder Health and UTIs

UTIs and bladder infections occur as a result of bacterial growth in your urinary tract. Your body is naturally home to billions of species of bacteria, and not all of them are bad.

In fact, bacteria help keep your body functioning the way its supposed to. But some bacteria dont belong in sensitive places in your body, and they can trigger some pretty miserable symptoms when they end up in the wrong place.

For example, E. coli, which is most commonly found in your digestive system, is also the most common type of bacteria to cause a UTI or bladder infection.

Several things can increase the risk of UTIs and bladder infections. While some of these risk factors are out of your control, you can control others.

  • Sexual intercourse: As fun as sex is, it can increase the risk of developing UTIs. The friction and movement around your genital area during sexual activity can facilitate bacteria moving around down there.
  • Hygiene: Things like forgetting to change your underwear, wiping from back to front, or sitting in wet or sweaty clothes for prolonged periods can up your chances of getting a UTI.
  • Genetics: Some people are simply more prone to UTIs than others. If someone in your immediate family gets UTIs regularly, youre probably more susceptible to them too.
  • Age: Due to urinary incontinence and estrogen deficiency, research shows that women are more likely to get recurrent UTIs after menopause.

Read Also: Will Bladder Infections Go Away By Themselves

Things You Can Do Yourself

To help ease symptoms of a urinary tract infection :

  • takeparacetamolup to 4 times a day to reduce pain and a high temperature for people with a UTI, paracetamol is usually recommended over NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or aspirin
  • you can give childrenliquid paracetamol
  • rest and drink enough fluids so you pass pale urine regularly during the day
  • avoid having sex

Some people take cystitis sachets or cranberry drinks and products every day to prevent UTIs from happening, which may help. However, theres no evidence they help ease symptoms or treat a UTI if the infection has already started.

How Is A Uti Diagnosed

To find out whether you have a UTI, your doctor or nurse will test a clean sample of your urine. This means you will first wipe your genital area with a special wipe. Then you will collect your urine in midstream in a cup. Your doctor or nurse may then test your urine for bacteria to see whether you have a UTI, which can take a few days.

If you have had a UTI before, your doctor may order more tests to rule out other problems. These tests may include:

  • A cystogram. This is a special type of x-ray of your urinary tract. These x-rays can show any problems, including swelling or kidney stones.
  • A cystoscopic exam. The cystoscope is a small tube the doctor puts into the urethra to see inside of the urethra and bladder for any problems.

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Symptoms Of Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection may have one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Pain or burning during urination
  • A strong urge to urinate
  • Cloudy or bad-smelling urine, or urine that is pink or red
  • Pain in the lower belly, in the pelvis , or in the rectum
  • Pain on one side of the back under the ribs
  • Fever and chills
  • Nausea and vomiting.

Other health conditions also could cause some of these symptoms. A person who has a kidney infection will probably have more severe symptoms.

Also Check: How To Know If You Have Bad Kidneys

Bladder Infections Vs Other Utis

How Does Someone Get A Urinary Tract Infection

It is possible to have a more serious type of urinary tract infection that affects your upper urinary tract, a.ka. your kidneys. This typically happens as a result of an untreated UTI in your bladder.

A kidney infection causes symptoms like fever, nausea or vomiting, and one-sided back pain. It is serious and requires immediate medical intervention to avoid complications like scarring of the kidney.

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Are Bladder Infections And Utis The Same Thing

Bladder infections are among the most common causes of sepsis. So what can you do to protect yourself from a bladder infection, the most common type of urinary tract infection ? November is National Bladder Health Month, a good time to learn about bladder infections and how to decrease your chances of getting one.

Urinary Tract Infections In Babies And Young Children

Babies and children are at risk of UTIs. These infections always need to be investigated as they may indicate a serious underlying condition, such as urinary reflux. Reflux is caused by a bladder valve problem allowing urine to flow back into the kidneys from the bladder. Reflux can cause the urine to stay inside the body increasing the risk of infection. It may lead to kidney scarring, which in turn leads to high blood pressure and sometimes kidney problems.

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What Are The Risk Factors For Getting Bladder Infections And Other Uti Infections

A person is more likely to get a bladder infection if they dont urinate frequently enough. If they hold their urine in, the bacteria can collect in the bladder and lead to infection. Try to go to the bathroom at least every two to three hours to keep this from happening.

Not drinking enough water is another risk factor for bladder infections because your body doesnt move as much urine through the bladder as quickly.

Risk factors for urethritis include having a sexually transmitted infection or from trauma to the urethra, such as due to the insertion of a urinary catheter.

In addition to these specific risk factors for bladder infections, there are general risk factors for all UTI types. These include:

risk factors for uti

  • having diabetes, as a person experiences changes to their immune system that make them more prone to UTIs
  • having an enlarged prostate
  • having low levels of estrogen, such as when a woman is post-menopausal
  • having a history of kidney stones, which can block the flow of urine through the urinary tract

Women are also more likely than men to get UTIs because their urethra is shorter. The bacteria have less distance to go to reach the bladder and can cause infections.

What Is The Difference Between A Uti And A Bladder Infection

UTI l Urinary Tract Infection & Pyelonephritis Treatment for NCLEX RN & LPN

The urinary tract is the system that starts at your kidneys and ends at your urethra, where your urine drains from the bladder. The term UTI refers to an infection anywhere in the urinary tract. A bladder infection, called cystitis, is just in the bladder. But since the bladder is part of the urinary tract, it is sometimes called a UTI.

Also Check: What Medications Irritate The Bladder

What Is The Fastest Way To Get Rid Of A Bladder Infection

It is crucial to seek medical care from a healthcare provider if you suspect a bladder infection. Based on your symptoms and laboratory test results , your doctor will prescribe you an appropriate antibiotic. A healthcare provider will also rule out other causes for your symptoms, such as sexually transmitted diseases, which can cause similar symptoms as UTIs. Besides this, you can do several things to speed up your recovery from a bladder infection.

Drink more water

Water helps flush out bacteria from the bladder. It also dilutes the urine and makes urination less uncomfortable.

Dont hold urine

Holding your pee allows bacteria to remain in the bladder and multiply. Frequent urination helps to eliminate the bacteria from the urinary system.

Urinate after sex

Sexual activity can push the bacteria deeper into the urethra in both women and men. Urinating after sex can help flush the bacteria out before they have a chance to settle and cause an infection. Some women with chronic infections may even be advised to take a dose of antibiotics just after intercourse.

Wear loose cotton clothing

In women particularly, tight or synthetic clothing can create a warm and moist environment in the private areas, which is ideal for bacteria to thrive. Loose pants, skirts, and cotton underwear are recommended to promote air circulation and decrease bacterial growth. Change your underwear daily.

Drink cranberry juice

Take hygiene measures

References:

When To See A Healthcare Provider For Cystitis Or Uti

Young children and men should see a healthcare provider when experiencing symptoms of a UTI or cystitis to rule out other conditions because both conditions can be more serious among these groups.

For women experiencing symptoms of a UTI lasting longer than three days, see a healthcare provider to get a diagnosis and proper treatment. Because severe cases may lead to more serious infections of the bladder or kidney that need to be treated in a hospital setting, its important to seek treatment as early as possible. Any of the following symptoms warrant a medical providers advice:

  • Painful, burning/ stinging urination
  • An urgent need to pee frequently but in small amounts
  • Bloody, dark, cloudy, or foul-smelling urine
  • Pain in the bladder or surrounding areas

Discuss your symptoms in detail with your healthcare provider, seeking their advice regarding diagnostic testing to rule out other diseases.

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What Is The Best Antibiotic For Cystitis

The first-choice treatment for cystitis is an antibiotic called Nitrofurantoin. This must be prescribed, and you can request this through our service. Mild symptoms of UTIs can clear up on their own within a few days. You should drink plenty of water and refrain from sexual intercourse during this time.

Who Is At Risk For A Bladder Infection

The most similar condition

Anyone can get bladder infections, but women are more prone to getting them than men. This is because women have shorter urethras, making the path to the bladder easier for bacteria to reach.

Females urethras are also located closer to the rectum than mens urethras. This means there is a shorter distance for bacteria to travel.

As men age, the prostate can enlarge. This can cause blockages to the flow of urine and increase the likelihood of a man developing a UTI. UTIs tend to increase in men as they age.

Other factors can increase the risk of bladder infections for both men and women. These include:

Your doctor may also perform a urine culture, which is a test to determine the type of bacteria in the urine causing the infection. Once the type of bacteria is known, it will be tested for antibiotic sensitivity to determine which antibiotic will best treat the infection.

You can connect with a primary care doctor or an urologist in your area using the Healthline FindCare tool.

Bladder infections are treated with prescription medications to kill the bacteria, usually antibiotics, and medications that relieve pain and burning.

Read Also: Catheterizing The Female Urinary Bladder

Whos At Risk Of Utis & Bladder Infections

Anyone can get a UTI or bladder infection, but there are certain factors that put people more at risk. Generally, women experience these conditions more than men because they have shorter urethras, making the path to the bladder easier for bacteria to reach. Plus, anatomically female urethras are closer to the rectum than mens, so there is a shorter distance for bacteria to travel. Other factors that can increase the risk of UTIs and bladder infections for both men and women include:

  • Advanced age, especially in men as their prostates enlarge
  • Nervous system conditions that affect bladder function, like multiple sclerosis
  • A weakened immune system

Urgent Advice: Ask For An Urgent Gp Appointment Or Get Help From Nhs 111 If:

You think you or someone else has cystitis and:

  • a high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery
  • a low temperature, or shaking and shivering
  • pain in the lower tummy or in the back, just under the ribs
  • are confused, drowsy or have difficulty speaking
  • are feeling or being sick
  • have not had a pee all day
  • blood in your pee

These symptoms could mean you have a kidney infection, which can be serious if its not treated as it could cause .

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

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