What Causes A Bladder Infection
Bacteria that enter through the urethra and move into the bladder can cause infections. Typically, the body removes the bacteria by flushing them out during urination.
Bacteria can sometimes attach to the walls of your bladder and multiply quickly. This overwhelms the bodys ability to destroy them, resulting in a bladder infection.
Most bladder infections are caused by Escherichia coli . This type of bacteria is naturally present in the large intestines.
- a frequent sensation of having to urinate, which is called urgency
- cramping or pressure in your lower abdomen or lower back
When bladder infections spread, they can also cause mid-back pain. This pain is associated with an infection in the kidneys. Unlike muscular back pain, this pain will be persistent regardless of your position or activity.
A kidney infection will often cause:
Youll typically feel quite ill. Kidney infections are more serious than bladder infections and require urgent medical attention.
Anyone can get bladder infections, but there are different risks for women and men.
Study Ii: Infection Study
3.2.1. Urine density varies between first- and last urine specimens in healthy pigs
To assess the variation in urine density in pigs, first- and last urine specimens from a single voiding, were collected from nine control pigs using a transurethral bladder catheter. The ratio of USG between first- and last urine specimens is summarized in Table 1. In three of nine animals, the USG values were notably different between first and last specimens with a 1.7 to 2.3-fold change in USG. This is a considerable difference considering the narrow range of normal USG with a maximum theoretical fold-change of approximately 6 in both pigs and humans.
Table 1 Urine sample analysis.
3.2.2. Intravesical compartments contains different bacterial concentrations
To assess the influence of intravesical compartments on urinary bacterial counts during UTI, pairs of urine samples were collected through bladder catheters in 13 pigs with experimentally induced UTI. USG was only measured in 10 of the samples with a considerable difference in USG in four of the 10 infected pigs . In these pigs, urine specimens from each compartment were clearly different in color . Bacterial counts where quantified in all urine samples of which five of the 13 animals had CFU-ratios above 30 and one animal with a ratio of 769 . In only one animal was the CFU-ratio 1, indicating a uniform distribution of bacteria inside the bladder.
Treating Utis And Yeast Infections
Both types of infections require medical treatment, and Dr. Tanouye says youll need antibiotics to treat your UTI. Severe complications may occur if left untreated, she adds, noting that its important to talk to a medical professional if you think youre suffering from one.
Dr. Perdie adds that there are some OTC options that can help manage symptomsbut they wont fix the problem. This medication numbs the bladder and makes the person feel better, but it does not treat the infection, she advises before adding that it can also have the surprising side effect of turning your urine bright orange.
As for yeast infections, you can get OTC relief in some cases, but Dr. Purdie says that they dont always work. People may also see their gynecologist to get more accurate testing to make sure they actually have a yeast infection and to get prescription anti-fungal medications for treatment.
Just be forewarned, your UTI treatment could actually bring about a yeast infection, even if you didnt have one from the start. In fact, treatment of UTIs with longer antibiotic courses can trigger an overgrowth of yeast, leading to a yeast infection, explains Dr. Tanouye.
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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.
Bladder Infection Vs Uti: Whats The Difference
When it comes to taking care of yourself down there, youre not alone if you have more questions than answers. Many people feel anxious at the mere thought of talking to their doctor about reproductive or sexual health concerns. Things like urinary tract infections and bladder infections happen to a lot of people and are nothing to be ashamed of, but they do need to be addressed ASAP for the sake of your health.
It can be tough to distinguish a UTI from a bladder infection if youve never had one before. Were here to help you out. Well go over the different types of UTIs and bladder infections, what causes each, treatment and prevention strategies, and potential complications to be aware of. Plus, well provide advice on when to seek medical help.
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A Pharmacist Can Help With Cystitis
You can ask a pharmacist about treatments for cystitis. A pharmacist can:
- offer advice on things that can help you get better
- suggest the best painkiller to take
- tell you if you need to see a GP about your symptoms
Some pharmacies offer a cystitis management service. They may be able to give antibiotics if they’re needed.
Preventing Utis And Yeast Infections
The best cure is prevention, but unfortunately, sometimes these infections occur despite our best effortsthose who are postmenopausal or who use a catheter may be at increased risk. Still, Dr. Tanouye says you can reduce your chances of getting a UTI by taking a few proactive steps:
- Drink plenty of water
- Wear cotton underwear
- Avoid scented products in the genital area
If you want to lower your chances of getting a yeast infection, Dr. Tanouye says you should consider some lifestyle changes like:
- Maintaining good hygiene
- Changing out of wet clothing
- Avoiding scented products in the genital area
- Skipping bubble baths and douches
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Can Urinary Tract Infections Cause Incontinence In Dogs
It is possible that a urinary tract infection, or any number of diseases that cause dogs to drink and urinate more, could cause symptoms similar to urinary incontinence. Because of this, your veterinarian will complete a comprehensive physical exam and perform blood and urine tests.
When a dog has urinary incontinence, he or she leaks urinevoluntarily. If your dog is leaking urine, he or she may have an ectopic ureter. Unexplained thirst and urination can occur frequently if a urinary tract infection, or any other disease that causes a dog to drink and urinate more frequently, is present. If the nerves that control the bladder are unable to transmit signals, urinary incontinence can develop. Because the disease is easily treated with long-term medication, it is widely accepted that USMI is curable. People may need to use a urinary catheter in hospitals to remove urine from their dogs bladder, but they can learn to express their bladder at home.
What Is The Prognosis For A Person With A Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infections typically respond very well to treatment. A UTI can be uncomfortable before you start treatment, but once your healthcare provider identifies the type of bacteria and prescribes the right antibiotic medication, your symptoms should improve quickly. Its important to keep taking your medication for the entire amount of time your healthcare provider prescribed. If you have frequent UTIs or if your symptoms arent improving, your provider may test to see if its an antibiotic-resistant infection. These are more complicated infections to treat and may require intravenous antibiotics or alternative treatments.
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How Are Urinary Tract Infections Treated
You will need to treat a urinary tract infection. Antibiotics are medicines that kill bacteria and fight an infection. Antibiotics are typically used to treat urinary tract infections. Your healthcare provider will pick a drug that best treats the particular bacteria thats causing your infection. Some commonly used antibiotics can include:
- Nitrofurantoin.
Its very important that you follow your healthcare providers directions for taking the medicine. Dont stop taking the antibiotic because your symptoms go away and you start feeling better. If the infection is not treated completely with the full course of antibiotics, it can return.
If you have a history of frequent urinary tract infections, you may be given a prescription for antibiotics that you would take at the first onset of symptoms. Other patients may be given antibiotics to take every day, every other day, or after sexual intercourse to prevent the infection. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best treatment option for you if you have a history of frequent UTIs.
How Do Utis Affect Pregnancy
Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy raise your risk for UTIs. UTIs during pregnancy are more likely to spread to the kidneys.
If you’re pregnant and have symptoms of a UTI, see your doctor or nurse right away. Your doctor will give you an antibiotic that is safe to take during pregnancy.
If left untreated, UTIs could lead to kidney infections and problems during pregnancy, including:
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
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Can Utis Be Prevented
A few things can help prevent UTIs. After peeing, girls should wipe from front to back with toilet paper. After BMs, wipe from front to back to avoid spreading bacteria from the rectal area to the urethra.
Also, go to the bathroom when needed and don’t hold the pee in. Pee that stays in the bladder gives bacteria a good place to grow.
Keep the genital area clean and dry. Girls should change their tampons and pads regularly during their periods. Bubble baths can irritate the vaginal area, so girls should take showers or plain baths. Avoid long exposure to moisture in the genital area by not wearing nylon underwear or wet swimsuits. Wearing underwear with cotton crotches is also helpful. Skip using feminine hygiene sprays or douches, as these can irritate the urethra.
If you are sexually active, go to the bathroom both before and within 15 minutes after sex. After sex, gently wash the genital area to remove any bacteria. Avoid sexual positions that irritate or hurt the urethra or bladder. Couples who use lubrication during sex should use a water-soluble lubricant such as K-Y Jelly.
Finally, drinking lots of water each day keeps the bladder active and bacteria-free.
UTIs are uncomfortable and often painful, but they’re common and easily treated. The sooner you contact your doctor, the sooner you’ll be able to get rid of the problem.
How K Health Can Help
Did you know you can get quick and affordable UTI treatment with K Health? Begin a visit for just $35 to text with a doctor in minutes. K Healths board-certified, U.S.-based doctors can provide a treatment plan and prescription to resolve your symptoms as soon as possible.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
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Which Infections Are Worse
NIDDK . A kidney infection is usually caused by a bladder or urethra infection where the bacteria multiply and travel upward toward the kidneys.
Kidney infections can be extremely serious and painful, sometimes leading to hospitalization to receive intravenous antibiotics. If left untreated, kidney infections due to UTIs can cause infections in the bloodstream. This can be life-threatening.
Preventative Care For Urinary Tract Infections
Whether you are at risk of a bladder or kidney infection, methods reducing the likelihood of bacteria entering the urethra and spreading to the bladder are effective ways to prevent either infection from developing.
The primary way to prevent urinary tract infection is to pee when you need to and trying to empty the bladder. Holding urine can lead to bacteria build-up and irritation in the urinary tract.
Staying hydrated is a critical way to ensure frequent flushing of bacteria from the urinary tract. Drinking lots of fluids can prevent constipation from occurring and other irritating kidney infection symptoms.
Fiber-rich foods such as apples and cabbages are also effective preventative measures for constipation. Staying hydrated can also be done by drinking water or tea and avoiding sugary or caffeinated beverages.
Other home remedies include using a heating pad on your belly, back, or side to soothe pains and aches from infections.
Good hygiene also contributes to preventing further infection. Other methods for reducing the risk of infection include:
- Urinate soon after sex, and make sure you practice safe sex in general
- Contraceptive diaphragms prevent proper and complete emptying of the bladder consider switching to different birth control methods
- Women with chronic urinary tract infections may find it helpful to take preventive antibiotic therapy
If you experience any symptoms above, to set up a phone appointment with a top U.S. doctor today.
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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.
What Is A Urinary Tract Infection
UTIs are common infections that happen when bacteria, often from the skin or rectum, enter the urethra, and infect the urinary tract. The infections can affect several parts of the urinary tract, but the most common type is a bladder infection .
Kidney infection is another type of UTI. Theyre less common, but more serious than bladder infections.
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Bladder Vs Uti: Causes Of Infections
The human body has numerous defense mechanisms against bacterial infections. When you urinate, bacteria are washed out of your body. Alternatively, bacteria can enter the body through the urethra and go to the bladder, causing the infection. At this moment, the bacteria adhere to the bladders walls and grow rapidly. The individual will develop a bladder infection if the body cannot eliminate the bacteria.
There are both short-term and long-term cases of bladder infection. It is crucial to initiate treatment as soon as possible to prevent the infection from spreading deeper into the urinary system, particularly to the kidneys. Kidney infection can be quite uncomfortable and leads to additional health issues.
Does Cranberry Juice Prevent A Urinary Tract Infection
Many people say that cranberry juice can help treat, or even prevent, a UTI. Researchers are currently looking into the topic, but havent found a definitive answer yet. Healthcare providers recommend drinking lots of fluids if you have, or have a history of getting, a UTI. Adding a glass of unsweetened cranberry juice to your diet isnt a proven way to prevent a UTI, but it typically wont hurt you either.
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What Should I Do If I Think I Have A Bladder Infection Or Uti
Because UTIs are bacterial infections, you need a prescription for antibiotics. But, when youre in pain and running to the bathroom every few minutes, the thought of driving to a clinic and sitting in a waiting room can be overwhelming.
Thankfully, Virtuwell can treat your UTI online and without a urine sampleall from the comfort of your home. Research shows that a urine culture isnt necessary to treat common bladder infections. Just answer a few questions about your symptoms and medical history and a certified nurse practitioner will review your answers, provide a personalized treatment plan and send a prescription to your pharmacy.
Whats The Difference Between A Urinary Tract Infection And Bladder Infection
A urinary tract infection is a more general type of infection. There are many parts of your urinary tract. A UTI is a term for an infection that takes place throughout the urinary tract. A bladder infection, also called cystitis, is a specific infection. In this infection, bacteria makes its way into the bladder and causes inflammation.
Not all urinary tract infections become bladder infections. Preventing the spread of the infection is one of the most important reasons to treat a UTI quickly when you have symptoms. The infection can spread not only to the bladder, but also into your kidneys, which is a more complicated type of infection than a UTI.
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When To See A Doctor
Although the body may sometimes fight off a UTI on its own, waiting for this to happen carries risks. UTIs can quickly spread, causing serious kidney infections.
A person should see a doctor for any symptoms of a UTI, particularly if they are pregnant or have an underlying health condition that affects their immune system.
A person with should go to the emergency room for immediate medical care. The symptoms of a kidney infection include:
Im Pregnant How Will A Uti Affect My Baby
If you have a UTI and it isnt treated, it may lead to a kidney infection. Kidney infections may cause early labor. Fortunately, asymptomatic bacteriuria and bladder infections are usually found and treated before the kidneys become infected. If your doctor treats a urinary tract infection early and properly, it wont hurt your baby.
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