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Difference In Uti And Bladder Infection

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If your healthcare professional prescribes you antibiotics:

  • Take antibiotics exactly as your healthcare professional tells you.
  • Do not share your antibiotics with others.
  • Do not save antibiotics for later. Talk to your healthcare professional about safely discarding leftover antibiotics.

Drink plenty of water or other fluids. Your healthcare professional might also recommend medicine to help lessen the pain or discomfort. Talk with your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your antibiotics.

What Should I Do If I Think I Have A Bladder Infection Or Uti

Because UTIs are bacterial infections, youll most likely need a prescription for antibiotics from a doctor. But, when youre running to the bathroom every few minutes in pain, the idea of sitting in trafficor even being stuck in a car for more than a minutesounds not only excruciating but maybe impossible.

Thankfully, Virtuwell can treat you online without a urine sampleand without having to leave the comfort of your home. Research shows that a urine culture isnt necessary to treat common bladder infections. Just fill out a survey about your symptoms and medical history, and one of Virtuwells certified nurse practitioners will review your answers to rule out something more serious, provide you with a diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, and send your prescription to a pharmacy of your choice.

Do I Need To See A Doctor

Yes. Painful urination can be a symptom of a more serious problem. You should tell your doctor about your symptoms and how long youve had them. Tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have, such as diabetes mellitus or AIDS, because these could affect your bodys response to infection. Tell your doctor about any known abnormality in your urinary tract, and if you are or might be pregnant. Tell your doctor if youve had any procedures or surgeries on your urinary tract. He or she also need to know if you were recently hospitalized or stayed in a nursing home.

If your doctor thinks your pain may be from vaginal inflammation, he or she may wipe the lining of your vagina with a swab to collect mucus. The mucus will be looked at under a microscope to see if it has yeast or other organisms. If your pain is from an infection in your urethra , your doctor may swab it to test for bacteria. If an infection cant be found, your doctor may suggest other tests.

Read Also: Lower Back Pain Bladder Cancer

Causes Of Utis Vs Causes Of Kidney Infection

Your urinary tract is normally well equipped to prevent infections. The regular passage of urine helps to flush pathogens out of the urinary tract.

When bacteria make their way into your urinary tract and begin to multiply, UTIs occur. This can lead to symptoms. These bacteria have often come from your gastrointestinal tract and spread from your anus into your urinary tract.

Women are more likely to develop UTIs than men. This is because the female urethra is shorter than the male urethra and closer to the anus. Bacteria have a shorter distance to travel in order to establish an infection.

Causes Of Bladder Cancer

UTI/Pyelonephritis

Bladder cancer is when cells of the bladder lining grow out of control and start spreading to other parts of the organ and, potentially, other parts of the body. This growth can disrupt the normal functioning of the bladder and other essential organ systems. If untreated, bladder cancer can be deadly.

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Stages Of Cystitis And Urinary Tract Infections

Stages of cystitis

While cystitis is more serious than bacteria in the urethra, it is still easy to treat when its caught early. If cystitis isn’t treated, the bacteria can spread to your kidneys. Kidney infections are rare but serious.

Stages of urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infections begin on the outside of the body at the urethra. Some bacteria stop there and do not travel further into the urinary tract. If bacteria do make it into the bladder, they can cause cystitis.

What If The Infection Does Not Clear Up With Treatment

Most infections clear up with treatment. However, if an infection does not clear up, or if you have repeated infections, you may be given some special tests such as:

  • a type of x-ray called an intravenous pyleogram , which involves injecting a dye into a vein and taking pictures of your kidney and bladder

  • an ultrasound exam, which gives a picture of your kidneys and bladder using sound waves

  • a cytoscopic exam, which uses a hollow tube with special lenses to look inside the bladder.

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Causes Of Bladder Infection

Blader infections, sometimes called cystitis or urinary tract infections , are when a germusually bacteriatakes up residence in the bladder. Bladder infections are the most common type of UTI, but UTIs can develop in any part of the urinary tract.

The infection causes inflammation and disrupts the normal working of the urinary tract. If left untreated, these infections can also spread to the kidneys, which is more dangerous and painful.

Bladder infections are caused by bacteria from other parts of the body entering the urinary tract. In females, this bacteria typically comes from the vagina or the bowel. In males, bladder infections are usually due to issues like enlarged prostate, which restrict normal urine flow.

Uti Vs Bladder Infection: Whats The Difference

Difference between Macrobid & Macrodantin? Urinary Tract Infection Treatment (UTI) | Nitrofurantoin

Bladder infection and urinary tract infection are terms that frequently get tossed around, and many people can confuse the two. While bladder infections are a form of UTI, not all UTIs are bladder infections. To further add to the confusion, bladder infections are the most common type of UTI, so its understandable that the conditions often get mixed up. To better differentiate between them, its helpful to dive deeper into each condition.

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What Are Cystitis And Urinary Tract Infections

Your urinary tract is made up of your kidneys, ureters, and bladder. Your body uses this system to rid itself of waste, including bacteria. Your kidneys produce urine, which travels to the bladder for storage before emptying through the urethra.

Normally, your urine does not contain bacteria. When bacteria are introduced to your body through the urethra, they can cause a urinary tract infection that is uncomfortable and potentially harmful to your body.

Cystitis and UTIs have similar causes but affect different parts of the urinary system.

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Were proud to supplement the care provided by doctors offices and emergency rooms by offering care for many conditions, including UTIs, in the comfort of our patients homes. The most typical treatment option for a UTI is antibiotics, which our team is happy to prescribe and send to your pharmacy. We can also send your primary care physician a report to ensure they stay updated on your medical history.

Know that you have DispatchHealth available to treat your next UTI. Its easy to contact us through our website, mobile app, or by phone.

For life-threatening and time-sensitive injuries and illnesses, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. DispatchHealth shouldnt be used in a life-threatening emergency and doesnt replace a primary care provider.

DispatchHealth relies only on authoritative sources, including medical associations, research institutions, and peer-reviewed medical studies.

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What Causes A Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections are caused by microorganisms usually bacteria that enter the urethra and bladder, causing inflammation and infection. Though a UTI most commonly happens in the urethra and bladder, bacteria can also travel up the ureters and infect your kidneys.

More than 90% of bladder infection cases are caused by E. coli, a bacterium normally found in the intestines.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Bladder Infection Vs A Uti

15 of Symptoms of a Bladder Infection Never to Ignore

Symptoms can offer clues about whether you’ve got a bladder infection specifically or a UTI somewhere else in your system. Regardless of which type you have, you’re likely to have some or all of the most common UTI symptoms, which MedlinePlus says includes:

  • Pain or burning when you urinate
  • Fever, tiredness, or shakiness

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Key Points About A Uti In Children

  • A urinary tract infection is inflammation of part of the system that takes urine out of the body.
  • Most infections are caused by bacteria from the digestive tract. The most common is Escherichia coli bacteria. These normally live in the colon.
  • A UTI is not common in children younger than age 5. A UTI is much more common in girls because they have a shorter urethra.
  • A UTI is unlikely in boys of any age, unless part of the urinary tract is blocked. Uncircumcised boys are more at risk for a UTI than circumcised boys.
  • Symptoms vary by age, and can include fever, need to urinate often, pain, and crying.

Important Notes For Uti Treatment

To ensure your UTI is completely gone, its important to finish your course of antibioticseven if it doesnt burn when you pee anymore. If you dont, you risk developing an antibiotic-resistant UTI, which makes your UTI more complicated to treat.

If youve dealt with bladder infections or UTIs before, youve likely heard about home remediessuch as cranberry juice and drinking a lot of wateras antibiotic alternatives. Though home remedies may sound like an easier shortcut, there isnt any evidence that shows they will treat a bacterial infection thats already present. Though things like staying hydrated may be recommended alongside antibiotics as a part of your treatment plan, they dont substitute the effectiveness of antibiotics.

How to get help 24/7

The sooner you can get treated for your UTI, the better. If youre feeling the burning and the urgency, its time to start your visit. The longer you wait, the more chance the infection has of traveling to your kidneys. But dont let that scare you! You can start an online visit at Virtuwell 24/7yes, even in the middle of the night when your bladder wont let you sleepand UTIs are very treatable.

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What Is A Uti And What Is A Bladder Infection

A urinary tract infection is an infection in your urinary system. Around 50-60% of women will experience at least one UTI in their lifetime, and an unlucky number of them get UTIs frequently. The American Urological Association estimates that 20-40% of women who have had one UTI will get another one, and 25-50% of those women will end up having at least one more after that. Men can also get UTIs, though this happens less frequently than it does in women.

UTIs occur when unwanted bacteria end up in your urinary tract and trigger inflammation. They are caused by a variety of factors, including sexual activity, poor hygiene, genetics, age, and certain types of contraceptives.

The most reliable sign of a UTI is a stinging or burning sensation with urination, though other symptoms may also occur.

A bladder infection is a type of UTI that occurs specifically in your bladder.

Think of it this way: Your urinary tract includes your urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys.

Your bladder is the closest organ to your urethra , so its the area of the body most commonly affected by UTIs. Doctors call inflammation in the bladder cystitis and inflammation in the urethra urethritis.

Bladder Infections Vs Other Utis

How To Tell The Difference Between a UTI and an IC Flare – Revised (Interstitial Cystitis Network)

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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Can Urinary Tract Infections Be Prevented Or Avoided

There are many lifestyle choices that can help you prevent UTIs. These are some of the things you can do to protect yourself from them:

  • Drink plenty of water to flush out bacteria. For some people, drinking cranberry juice may also help prevent urinary tract infections. However, if youre taking warfarin, check with your doctor before using cranberry juice to prevent urinary tract infections. Your doctor may need to adjust your warfarin dose or you may need to have more frequent blood tests.
  • Dont hold your urine. Urinate when you feel like you need to. Some children dont go to the bathroom often enough. If your child does this, teach him or her to go to the bathroom several times each day.
  • Wipe from front to back after bowel movements. Teach your child to wipe correctly.
  • Urinate after having sex to help wash away bacteria.
  • Use enough lubrication during sex. Try using a small amount of lubricant before sex if youre a little dry.
  • If you get urinary tract infections often, you may want to avoid using a diaphragm as a birth control method. Ask your doctor about other birth control choices.
  • Avoid taking or giving your child bubble baths.
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing , and dress your child in loose-fitting clothing.
  • If you are uncircumcised, wash the foreskin regularly. If you have an uncircumcised boy, teach him how to wash his foreskin.

What Is A Urinary Tract Infection

UTI can be extremely uncomfortable because it can lead to itching and burning sensation while urinating. According to NCBI , around 5060 percent of women will develop UTIs in their lifetimes. Do you know why women are prone to UTIs? Well, women have a short urethra compared to men, which shortens the distance and due to this bacteria can travel easily to reach the bladder.

Dr Gaikwad says, UTI means the infection of any part of the urinary system that is the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Women tend to suffer from it more when compared to men. The UTI is painful, embarrassing, and annoying, and even leads to serious kidney complications if it spreads there.

And thats why prompt treatment is necessary to prevent UTI from developing into a more serious condition.

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Diagnosis Of Bladder Infection

To diagnose a bladder infection, the medical professional will likely order a set of tests on your urine to look for signs of infection.

Tests would include a urinalysis to test if bacteria are in your bladder or urinary tract and if your immune system is fighting an infection. They may also use a urine culture test to determine what kind of bacteria is causing the infection.

If your bladder infection returns or youre getting many UTIs, a medical professional may want to look for underlying issues in the urinary tract.

These tests include using a camera on the end of a lighted tube to visualize inside the urinary tract, a procedure called a cystoscopy. Or they may order something called urodynamic testing, which shows them how well urine moves through the different parts of your urinary tract.

What Could Be Mistaken For A Uti

Difference in Symptoms of UTI vs STI

There are several conditions whose symptoms mimic UTIs. Sexually transmitted infections cause symptoms also common in UTIs, such as painful urination and discharge.

Vaginitis, caused by bacteria or yeast, can result in a burning sensation when urinating and similar discomfort that may mimic a UTI.

Often mistaken for a UTI, interstitial cystitis , or painful bladder condition, is a chronic condition affecting the bladder that does not improve with antibiotic treatment. Symptoms of IC include increased urgency and more frequent urination as well as pain in the pelvic area.

Other conditions to rule out are overactive bladder, pregnancy, prostatitis, diabetes, cancer, and kidney stones.

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Is Treatment For Cystitis Different From A Uti

Sometimes. The most common cause of cystitis is an infection, so in those cases the treatment is the same as with any UTI. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. If the cystitis is not caused by an infection, your healthcare provider may recommend medications to help reduce the symptoms, like pain relievers, as well as lifestyle changes. Mild cases of cystitis may heal on their own.

Urinary Infections In Children

A urinary infection in a child needs to be investigated as it may indicate a more serious condition.

The most common urinary system condition is urinary reflux. With this condition, the bladder valve isnt working properly and allows urine to flow back to the kidneys, increasing the risk of a kidney infection.

Urinary reflux and the associated infections can scar or permanently damage the kidney, and can also lead to:

  • high blood pressure
  • toxaemia in pregnancy
  • kidney failure.

Urinary reflux tends to run in families, so its important to screen children as early as possible if a close relative is known to have the problem.

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When Should I Call My Healthcare Provider

  • Fever.
  • Back pain.
  • Vomiting.

If you have any of these symptoms, or your other symptoms continue after treatment, call your healthcare provider. A UTI can spread throughout your urinary tract and into other parts of your body. However, treatment is very effective and can quickly relieve your symptoms.

What Is Bladder Infection

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Most Commonly Asked Questions – Urology Care Foundation

Bladder infection is a type of urinary tract infection that affects the bladder of the concerned person. People are more prone to have this type of infection, especially females. Burning of urine, leaking urine, stomach pain infections are common symptoms. Elderly women should get themselves checked regularly.

A bladder infection that is not so serious may disappear on its own. However, if the symptoms still persist, it is advisable to visit a doctor as early as possible. A number of people try to use home remedies. Even though they prove to be beneficial for some, they may not work for everyone.

The medical term that is used for bladder infections is Cystitis. People who are affected by this suffer from inflammation of the bladder. Moreover, if the infection spreads to the kidneys, the problem will worsen. When doctors identify a bladder infection, they usually suggest antibiotics for the patient.

Apart from bacterial infection, such inflammation may be caused because of reactions to certain drugs, using feminine hygiene spray, or even radiation therapy. Sometimes, cystitis may occur in a patient as a symptom of some other illness. Treatment for this type of disease may also depend on the reason due to which It occurred in the first place.

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