Signs And Symptoms Of Cystitis
The main symptoms of cystitis include:
- pain, burning or stinging when you pee
- needing to pee more often and urgently than normal
- urine that’s dark, cloudy or strong smelling
- pain low down in your tummy
- feeling generally unwell, achy, sick and tired
Possible symptoms in young children include:
- pain in their tummy
- reduced appetite and vomiting
Cystitis Or Uti Whats The Difference
Is it cystitis or UTI? Unless youre medically trained this may not be the first question you ask yourself when rushing back to the toilet for another painful experience. We all come across complicated sounding medical terms from time to time, but do we really know what they mean?
Having a better idea of what cystitis and UTIs are can help explain why you may have those painful symptoms and why different types of self-care may be useful in relieving symptoms or even preventing them reoccurring. It may also help you decide when its time to get help.
So, here are some of the basics on UTIs and cystitis plus a few other terms you may come across along the way.
Difference Between Bladder Infection And Uti
An infection is something that happens when bacteria enters a part of the body and starts spreading. As a matter of fact, bladder infections and UTIs are one of the most common problems faced by women across the world. So, if it hurts, stings or itches when you urinate, you probably have an infection.
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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.
Uti Vs Vaginal Infection
Whats the Difference Between a Urinary Tract Infection and Vaginal Infection?
If you experience discomfort in your genital area or when you urinate, you may have an infection. Two types of infections that commonly affect these areas are urinary tract infections and vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. While each of these conditions are distinct, some of their symptoms, causes, and prevention methods are similar. The good news is that both conditions are treatable and more importantly preventable!
The good news is that both UTIs and Bacterial Vaginosis are conditions that are treatable and more importantly preventable!
Although UTIs and vaginal infections are quite different, its possible to have both at the same time. In fact, treating a UTI with antibiotics can sometimes lead to a vaginal infection. In addition, having bacterial vaginosis may predispose you to getting recurrent Urinary Tract Infections.
Symptoms
UTIs and vaginal infections may cause pain when urinating or discomfort in the genital area however, generally other symptoms and the treatment for the conditions are different.
UTIs and vaginal infections symptoms may be in the same general area, but theyre distinct and need to be treated differently
Its important to understand the difference between the various types of infections and their symptoms so you can ensure you are getting the right treatment.
Know How to Tell the Difference!
Introducing URIEXO
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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.
Diagnosis Of Bladder Cancer
Along with the tests done if a bladder infection is suspected, a medical professional diagnosing bladder cancer will likely order or perform several more tests.
During your visit, they may perform an internal exam of the vagina or rectum to see if they can feel any lumps in your pelvic area.
They may order a set of X-rays called an intravenous pyelogram, which lets them check the kidneys, ureters, and bladder for cancers.
Its also possible the medical professional would order a biopsy of the bladder during the cystoscopy exam. This biopsy removes a sample of the inner lining of the bladder in the area they think might be cancerous. The surgeon may even remove the entire tumor.
A specialist doctor called a pathologist then looks at the cells in the biopsy sample for signs of cancer.
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Who Gets Urinary Tract Infections
Anyone can get a urinary tract infection, but they are more common in women. This is because the urethra in females is shorter and closer to the anus, where E. coli bacteria are common. Older adults also are at higher risk for developing cystitis. This increased risk may be due to incomplete emptying of the bladder. There are several medical conditions that can be related to this, including an enlarged prostate or a bladder prolapse .
If you get frequent urinary tract infections, your healthcare provider may do tests to check for other health problems such as diabetes or an abnormal urinary systemthat may be contributing to your infections. People with frequent UTIs are occasionally given low-dose antibiotics for a period of time to prevent the infection from coming back. This cautious approach to treating frequent UTIs is because your body can develop a resistance to the antibiotic and you can get other types of infections, such as C. diff colitis. This practice is used very infrequently.
Can A Uti Cause Cystitis
While not all urinary tract infections lead to cystitis, it is possible for untreated UTIs to spread to the bladder. A bladder infection causing cystitis is a specific type of urinary tract infection that often occurs when bacteria from another part of the urinary tract enter the bladder. To prevent this from occurring, see your healthcare provider to obtain treatment for a UTI promptly.
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Uti Vs Yeast Infection Prevention
Can you prevent UTIs and yeast infections?
Although you often cant completely avoid them, there are definitely effective preventive measures you can take to lower your risk of these infections:
- Wipe from front to back after using the toilet
- Wear cotton underwear
- Avoid tight-fitting underwear and pants
- Change out of wet swimsuits quickly
- Dont douche or use vaginal sprays
- Use fragrance-free feminine hygiene products
- Urinate after sex
Drinking cranberry juice is also said to help. Washing regularly, drinking plenty of fluids, and controlling your sugar intake wont just keep you healthy, it can also prevent a UTI or yeast infection.
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.
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Talk To A Doctor About Your Uti Or Yeast Infection
Although both UTIs and yeast infections are common and easy to treat, you cant disregard them. Infections like these can quickly spread.
However, going to the doctor when youre in pain is often hard to manage. Today, you can speak to a doctor about your UTI or yeast infection symptoms from the comfort of your home with Carefree MD.
Just activate your card to talk to a state-licensed physician about your symptoms, get prescriptions sent to your local pharmacy when medically necessary, and receive personalized advice on treatment options. All this for just $17.95 a month.
Get the relief you need by signing up for a Carefree MD membership today!
The Carefree MD blog is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The text and pictures within the content are intended for information purposes only. Readers should consult with a licensed doctor or healthcare professional before seeking treatment.
The Carefree MD Card is not insurance and Carefree MD is not an insurance provider.
What Is A Bladder Infection
A bladder infection is a type of urinary tract infection, but not all UTIs are bladder infections. Bladder infections are the most common type of UTIs. A bladder infection may also be called cystitis and it is usually caused by bacteria.
Symptoms of a UTI can differ depending on what part of the urinary tract is infected. A bladder infection usually causes symptoms such as:
- Burning when urinating
- The feeling that you need to pee frequently, but when you go to the toilet very little urine comes out
- Pain in the pelvic area just above the pubic bone.
Bladder infections are usually considered simple UTIs and treatment is usually with antibiotics for three to five days. Symptoms usually resolve in a couple of days.
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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
- being pregnant
- 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.
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
- Immobility
- Surgical procedures within the urinary tract
- Pregnancy
- A urinary obstruction
- Urinary tract abnormality, which is caused by birth defects or injuries
- Urinary retention
- Nervous system conditions that affect bladder function, like multiple sclerosis
- A weakened immune system
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Causes Of Bladder Cancer
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.
Seek Medical Attention For Utis
It is important to seek medical attention if you think you may have a UTI particularly if you think you may have a bladder or kidney infection, both of which are very serious conditions. Early treatment of urinary infection can help to prevent infection spreading to the bladder or kidneys.
Your doctor will test your urine to check which micro-organism is present. Urinary tract infections usually respond quickly and well to antibiotics.
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Causes Of Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections usually occur when bacteria gets into the body through the urethra, the tube that carries urine outside the body from the bladder. Bacteria that are normally present in the large intestine and are in stool can travel from the anus through the urethra to the bladder and kidneys to create an infection.
Because women have shorter urethras, and because the urethra is nearer the anus in women, women get bladder infections and other UTIs more often than men do.
Other causes of UTIs or bladder infections may include:
- Sexual activity, which may push bacteria into the urethra.
- Having diabetes or being pregnant.
- Having any condition that impairs the flow of urine from the bladder .
- Having a catheter inserted .
- Having a bacterial infection in the blood or lymph system .
- Inheriting genes that make repeated UTIs more likely .
When older men experience UTIs, the infection may be related to other prostate conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostatitis.
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.
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Prevention Of A Kidney Infection
Preventing kidney infections usually starts with preventing UTIs in the lower urinary tract. Steps you can take to help prevent UTIs include:
- Drink lots of water throughout the day.
- Urinate when you feel the urge to do so dont wait.
- After using the toilet, wipe from front to back so you dont spread bacteria from your anus to your urethra.
- Urinate after having sex.
- Dont use unnecessary cleansing or deodorizing products in the genital area.
- Steer clear of birth control methods that can raise the risk of a UTI.
If you do develop a UTI, get it treated as soon as possible. See your primary healthcare provider for treatment, or visit an urgent-care facility for diagnosis and a prescription for antibiotics.
Treating a UTI promptly may prevent it from spreading from your bladder to your kidneys.
Oh My Aching Bladder: Is It A Uti Or Ic
OH MY ACHING BLADDER: IS IT A UTI OR IC?
One in five women will have at least one urinary tract infection in her lifetime, according to the National Kidney Foundation. And, if youve ever had a urinary tract infection, you are all too familiar with the burning urination and constant feeling of needing to go to the bathroom. But, did you know that some of the symptoms of a UTI are similar or the same as symptoms women experience when they have interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome? How is a woman to know if its a UTI or painful bladder syndrome?
What is a Urinary Tract Infection ?
A UTI is an infection of the urinary tract, most commonly affecting the bladder and the urethra . When bacteria gets into the urethra and travels to the bladder, a UTI is often the result. With a UTI, the bladder lining also becomes red, swollen and inflamed.
Common symptoms of a UTI include:
- Urinary urgency or the feeling that you need to urinate often. You may have to run to the bathroom several times per hour only to find you urinate only a few drops.
- A burning sensation when urinating.
- Abdominal pain, pelvic pressure and/or lower back pain. You may experience lower abdominal discomfort, bloating and/or feel pressure in the lower pelvic area, especially when urinating.
- Blood in the urine. Urine can appear to have a reddish or dark orange tiny, which signifies blood in the urine from the infection.
- Cloudy urine that has an odor
- Fever and/or chills
Treating IC
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Symptoms Of Cystitis And Urinary Tract Infections
The symptoms of cystitis and urinary tract infection are largely the same, so it can be difficult to tell which youre experiencing.
Symptoms of cystitis
The pain associated with cystitis may be localized to your bladder. If you have cystitis, youre likely to experience:
- A feeling of needing to pee more often than normal, even right after using the bathroom
- Cloudy urine that is dark and strong-smelling
- Pain or burning when you urinate
- Blood in your urine
- Pain in your lower stomach area
- A general feeling of sickness, achiness, and tiredness
Notably, cystitis does not usually cause fever, which is the major difference between symptoms of the two conditions.
Symptoms of urinary tract infections
The most common type of a UTI is a bladder infection. Signs you may have one include:
- Cloudy or milky-looking urine