Bladder Infection - Causes and Precautions

Bladder Infection - Causes and Precautions

A urine test confirms whether you have a bladder infection

Anyone who has ever had a bladder infection or urinary tract infection (UTI) knows, the pain and discomfort can be unbearable, and in some cases have very serious consequences.

Such infections can involve the bladder, kidneys, ureters, and the urethra, and are extremely common in women; recurrent bladder infections are usually caused by...

sex with a new partner
not emptying bladder when the need arises
excess sugar consumption
not drinking enough water.

If symptoms are extreme, antibiotics are the best option to get the symptoms under control.

The most common symptoms are frequent urge to urinate, passing only small quantities of urine, burning, painful urination, cloudy, milky, or red urine, and pain or pressure in the abdomen or lower back.

If fever, nausea, vomiting, or chills are present, the infection has most likely spread to the kidneys (Pyelonephritis), which requires immediate treatment with antibiotics to prevent any damage to the kidneys.

Antibiotics are not the only solution to curing this type of infection. Drink, drink, drink!!! Lots of water and cranberry juice are effective remedies in the prevention and adjunct treatment of UTIs.

Recurrence is significantly reduced by consuming cranberry juice and cranberry capsules; according to research results, cranberry juice has been used for more than a century to successfully treat recurrent and acute episodes.

As we age, it may take more time to fight off and recover from infections. For women over 40, you must take extra precautions to prevent bladder infections.

Bacteria can easily be passed through the urethra (the tiny tip of the bladder in above diagram). How?

All females, all ages must be taught to wipe from front to back after a bowel movement. The bacteria in excrement can pass into the bladder, up the 2 ureters and into the kidneys, causing the infection. Sexual intercourse can cause the same problem so urinate afterwards right away to prevent bacteria from entering the urethra.

Change sanitary napkins often.
Avoid douches or any kind of feminine hygiene products with deodorant which can actually lead to bladder infection.
Once again, empty your bladder as soon as you feel the urge. Why? Because the longer it sits in the bladder, you risk an infection.

Try to make a mental note that the reason you are drinking so much fluid every day, is to force frequent urination which flushes bacteria out of you entire urinary system.

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