What Causes Bladder Infections
All urinary tract infections are the result of interactions between the infecting organism , the number of organisms that are present in the bladder, and the bodys ability to fight off the organism .
The most common way bacteria gain access to the urinary system from the outside is through the urethra .
- The most common source of bacteria that cause UTIs is stool.
- In women, the bacteria from the stool travel first to the vagina and then enter the urethra.
- Sometimes bacteria may enter the bladder via the urethra from nearby skin.
- In general, women are more susceptible to bladder infections due to the shorter length of the urethra.
- In the first year of life, boys have a higher risk of UTIs, but thereafter girls have a higher risk that persists in adulthood.
- Increasing age is a risk factor for UTIs.
In terms of specific bacteria, E. coli is by far the most common organism responsible for bladder infection or cystitis. Staphylococcal organisms and other gut bacteria are other bacteria that can cause cystitis and other forms of urinary infections. The type of organism causing the infection can vary with the individuals age. For example, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, a skin bacteria, causes approximately 10% of symptomatic bladder infections in young sexually active women, whereas it rarely causes bladder infections in males and elderly individuals.
How Is This Condition Diagnosed
If you think you have a bladder infection you should talk with your healthcare provider. To help diagnose a bladder inflammation , you will typically be asked for a urine sample. Your urine will be collected in a sterile cup in a restroom at your providers office. You may want to avoid peeing right before your appointment so that youll be able to provide a sample during your office visit. Your provider will most likely do two tests on your urine: a urinalysis and a urine culture.
- Urinalysis: This test involves checking the appearance, concentration and content of urine.
- Urine culture: This test determines the type of bacteria causing the infection and to which antibiotics the bacteria is sensitive.
Your healthcare provider may also order additional testing if you continue to get bladder infections including an imaging test to look at your kidneys and a cystoscopy, which uses a special scope to look inside the bladder.
Can A Bladder Infection Cause Abdominal Pain
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Why Does Constipation Cause Uti
Constipation and UTI are related to each other. There are three top reasons that can bring forth the reasons why constipation increases the risk of Urinary Tract Infection . Let us have a look at the three primary reasons.
Obstructed Bladder
If you are aware of the human physiology, you will notice that the colon and the rectum are adjacent to the bladder. When you start storing the waste products, your rectum along with the stool will put pressure on the bladder. This can be the reason that prevents from the emptying of your bladder entirely while you urinate.
When the urine accumulates in the bladder for a longer period of time, there is a greater probability that bacteria will start to pile up in the urine. Hence, you will suffer from UTI.
The Backward Flow of the Urine
When there is a pressure on the bladder from the colon, it can also cause the urine to flow in the backward direction from the urethra to the bladder section. Hence, the bacteria also flows back from the urethra to the bladder. This also leads to constipation and burning urine at the same time, and it can be quite painful and discomforting for the person suffering.
The E. coli Bacteria
Diagnosis Of A Urinary Tract Infection
Diagnosis of a urinary tract infection usually begins with a consultation based on the symptoms and a physical examination. It is usual for a doctor to also ask about sexual history, medical history and any instances of previous UTIs.
A sample of urine might be requested in order to confirm a diagnosis of a urinary tract infection. Dipstick analysis may be done first to indicate the presence of bacteria in the urine. This quick test entails dipping a small chemical strip into a urine sample, then looking for certain color changes on the strip which may indicate abnormal levels of blood, sugar or bacteria in the urine. Looking at the urine sample under a microscope can usually confirm the diagnosis, as well as which bacteria has caused the infection.
If an upper urinary tract infection is suspected, a doctor may also recommend blood tests in order to check the infection hasnât spread to the bloodstream.
People suffering from recurring or chronic urinary tract infections may be given additional tests to determine if there are any obstructions or abnormalities causing the repeat of the condition. Such tests can include:
- An ultrasound scan of the bladder and kidneys, which uses painless soundwaves to generate an image of the urinary tract
- A CT scan or MRI scan for a more detailed analysis of the urinary tract
- A cystoscopy, in which a small camera is inserted through the urethra to see inside the urethra and bladder
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Tips To Avoid Getting A Uti Or Repeated Uti
- Try to fully empty your bladder as soon as you feel the need
- Always wipe front to back
- Drink water, a lot of water
- Cranberry juice has been reported to help
- Do not use feminine hygiene products
- Always empty your bladder and clean your genitals after sex
- Keep your genitals dry and airy by wearing cotton underwear, and avoiding tight clothes
There are numerous ways to get a UTI, and you need treatment if you are experiencing UTI symptoms. If you are experiencing symptoms of a UTI or any other lower abdominal problem, reach out to our team today. Contact BASS Urgent Care at 925.350.4249
Pain In The Right Side When Breathing
Pain under the right ribs or in the ribs can be due to muscle or bone reasons. In these cases the pains are usually stabbing, intensifying according to the movements that are made. Some of the causes of right rib pain are:
- Bone fractures
- Inflammation of cartilage in the ribs
- Bone cancer
Depending on the condition as well as on what level it is, the treatment should be one or the other. However, in those cases in which the pain in the right side is due to trauma or poor movement, recovery can be done with rest and the administration of analgesics to reduce the pain. In depending on which cases it will be necessary to immobilize the area.
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What Causes A Kidney Infection
The commonest cause of kidney infection is the bacteria called E coli . The mode of infection is ascending of the germ from the anogenital area.
The urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters , urinary bladder, and the urethra . These bacteria can enter the urinary tract via the urethra. The infection can occur during sexual intercourse or because of poor hygiene habits after bowel movements. On entering the urethra, the bacteria can migrate upwards to infect the bladder and the kidneys . Although pyelonephritis is rarer than cystitis, it is a serious condition and needs prompt medical management. Kidney infections can even occur in the absence of a bladder infection. This may be seen in conditions, such as kidney stones , and with weak immunity, such as diabetes and HIV.
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Lower Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms
Common symptoms of a lower urinary tract infection include:
- Frequent and urgent need to urinate
- Burning or painful sensation while urinating
- Strong-smelling urine
- Urine that is bloody and/or cloudy in color
- Lower abdominal pain
Good to know: Lower urinary tract infections present similar symptoms in both men and women. However, men may also experience rectal pain, while women may experience pelvic pain.
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What Is A Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary tract infection, often referred to as a UTI or urine infection, is an infection of the urinary system. Usually, a urinary tract infection is caused by bacteria from the anal or genital region spreading to the bladder. If left untreated, the infection can continue to spread, eventually reaching the kidneys in the upper urinary tract.
UTIs are a very common condition, mostly affecting women, although men can also develop UTIs. Symptoms can include frequent and painful urination, an odd smell to the urine, the presence of blood in the urine and pain in the lower abdomen. Fever, nausea and upper abdominal pain may be a sign that the infection has reached the upper levels of the urinary tract.
With prompt antibiotic treatment, most people recover quickly. However, if left untreated, a urinary tract infection can develop into a serious condition with a number of complications.
What Are Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are painful accumulations of minerals that form in your kidneys and can cause serious pain. Often smaller stones can pass freely through your urinary tract without symptoms, but larger stones can become stuck in the urinary tract causing severe abdominal or lower back pain and other symptoms.
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Symptoms In The Elderly
Most people who develop a urinary tract infection will exhibit symptoms, such as those listed above. However, elderly people are less likely to display classic symptoms specific to the genital and urinary regions. This may be due to changes in immune function as age increases, as well as the possibility of additional diseases and disorders affecting usual bodily responses.
Additionally, a urinary tract infection may cause certain behavioral changes in an elderly adult, such as confusion, agitation or disorientation. Such symptoms are often categorized as delirium. People with age-related issues such as delirium or dementia are especially at risk of developing a more severe UTI because they may not be able to communicate their symptoms and receive prompt treatment.
Although this connection between UTIs and delirium has been established, the reason why delirium may occur in elderly adults with a UTI is not yet known.
Good to know: If a urinary tract infection is suspected in an elderly person, always contact a doctor as a simple urine analysis test is usually enough to confirm the diagnosis.
How To Be Certain Of The Issue
A doctor, usually the primary care physician unless a specialist is needed, will run tests to determine what infection or condition is the cause of the lower abdominal pain. For a urinary tract infection this will normally be palpating the abdomen to seek out pain and swelling, followed by a urinalysis to discover which bacteria is present.
For other illnesses or obstructions further tests may be necessary. These may include, but are not limited to, an MRI, ultrasound, x-rays with or without dye contrast, a colonoscopy , an endoscopy , an upper GI , and sometimes blood, urine, or stool samples. These blood, urine, and stool are used to determine if the issue is bacterial, viral, or parasitic.
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Managing Bladder And Bowel Incontinence
Some common treatments are:
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Changes in food or drink. Increasing your fiber intake can help manage diarrhea and constipation. Drinking plenty of fluids can also ease constipation. Not drinking fluids at certain times can help manage overactive bladder and urinary incontinence.
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Exercises. Kegel exercises can strengthen the sphincter muscles and pelvic floor. This can help you have better control.
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Medicines. Some medicines can help control bowel incontinence. Antidiarrheal medicines can help manage diarrhea. And medicine can help bladder muscles relax to give you better control.
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Keeping a bathroom schedule. Setting a regular schedule for using the toilet can give you better control. This includes attempting to urinate or move your bowels at the same time each day.
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Electrical stimulation. This therapy can stimulate damaged nerves. This may give you better muscle control in your bladder or bowel.
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Surgery. In rare cases, you may need surgery to repair damage to muscles or nerves.
Your healthcare provider will work with you to create a treatment plan.
How To Treat Uti Bloating And Weight Gain
UTI sufferers may experience an increase in the size of their abdomen and bloating. This can be accompanied by a sense of fullness after eating even small amounts, and weight gain. While these symptoms are caused largely by your bodys reaction to bacteria or other infectious agents, they can also be exacerbated by diet.
The best way to treat UTI bloating and weight gain is to follow a diet that improves your digestive health, speeds up the removal of bacteria from your body, and boosts your immune system.
- A balanced diet
- Plenty of fluids
- Regular exercise
All these can help you fight back against UTI bloating and weight gain by speeding up the removal of toxins from your body.
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Causes Of Serious Bloating You Dont Want To Ignore
Bloating everyones had the feeling once before, especially all those pasta lovers out there.
Bloating is a common side effect of eating too many bloating foods like carbohydrates or downing your oh so good fizzy drinks.
But what about if youre experiencing chronic bloating where you get so bloated you look pregnant?
Perhaps youve ruled out pregnancy, cut back on the bloating food and drinks, but still feel as though you have a bowling ball in your stomach.
Usually are not too worrisome, but if your persistent bloating is accompanied by other symptoms this just might be the canary in the coal mine.
Persistent bloating along with other symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, fever, or blood in your stool might be a sign of a more serious health issue than just bloating from a bad meal.
Health issues such as cancer, liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and other conditions can cause severe bloating.
So differentiating between a simple case of bloating and severe bloating is important.
How Is A Bladder Inflammation Treated
A bladder infection is typically treated with antibiotics. Your healthcare provider will prescribe an antibiotic based on the type of bacteria found during your urine tests. In order to adequately treat the infection, its important to take all of the antibiotics your provider prescribes.
Some commonly used antibiotics include:
- Nitrofurantoin.
- Quinolones, such as ciprofloxacin .
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How Common Are Bladder Infections
Bladder infections are very common, especially in women. Approximately 60% of women will experience a bladder infection during their lifetime. And these infections may recur: Between 20% and 40% of women who have a bladder infection will experience at least another in their lifetime. Men are less likely to get bladder infections because of differences in their anatomy.
How To Treat Abdominal Pain
Some cases of abdominal pain resolve on their own. Staying hydrated, resting, and avoiding foods that can irritate your stomach can help improve your pain. Taking over-the-counter gas medications or antacids can help ease an upset stomach and relieve indigestion.
If home remedies dont work and you have abdominal pain for several days, get in touch with us. Depending on the cause, we may approach treatment in several ways, including:
- Antibiotics for infections
- Medications, such as anti-inflammatories or pain relievers
- Acid reducers for GERD and acid reflux
- Making lifestyle changes, like exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet
Some conditions like Crohns disease or other forms of inflammatory bowel syndrome require special treatment. We can connect you with the right specialist if needed.
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Bladder & Kidney Infections
Bladder or urinary tract infections are caused by a bacterial infection within the bladder. Bacteria enter the urethra and travels into the bladder, causing a bladder infection. When this goes untreated, the problem can complicate into a condition called pyelonephritis, which affects the upper urinary system that includes the kidneys and ureters, or the ducts where the urine passes from the kidney to the bladder.
Bacteria from the untreated UTI sometimes escape the bladder and urethra and travel up the ureters where they enter one or both kidneys and cause a kidney infection. This infection can spread to the blood. The problem is treatable with antibiotics. Because the urethra is shorter in women than in men, women are at higher risk of obtaining a urinary tract infection.
Symptoms of UTI include painful and/ or frequent urination. Once the infection has progressed to pyelonephritis, symptoms include:
- Back pain or flank pain
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion in elderly patients
The urine can also contain blood, a foul odor, or appear cloudy. If you experience trouble urinating, you should seek medical care.
Is Bladder Pressure The Same Thing As A Spasm
Do you have pressure in your bladder that just wont go away? This type of chronic bladder pain is different from the spasms you may get with a condition such as overactive bladder or a urinary tract infection .
Bladder pressure feels more like constant ache rather than a muscle contraction. Doctors typically attribute bladder pressure to interstitial cystitis . IC is also known as bladder pain syndrome.
Heres more about this syndrome, its causes, and how to get relief from the pressure.
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