Did you know that about 40% of women and 12% of men in India suffers from a bladder infection once in their lifetime. Women are more susceptible to bladder infection than men due to their small urethra. Bladder infection is the second most common infection in pregnant women.
A bladder infection also known as cystitis is a type of urinary tract infection that happens when bacteria enter the bladder causing inflammation and discomfort. In this blog, we will understand what a bladder infection is, what are its causes and symptoms and how to treat a bladder infection.
What is a Bladder Infection?
A bacterial infection within the bladder is the most common reason which causes bladder infection. Even yeast can cause bladder infections in people with weakened immune systems. A bladder infection is a kind of Urinary tract infection (UTI) which basically refers to an infection anywhere in the urinary tract, that is the bladder, ureters, urethra or kidneys.
An unchecked, untreated or improperly treated UTI can turn into a serious bladder infection which can lead to a very serious kidney infection. It can also become a blood infection or turn into a life-threatening problem, if not treated the right way. As soon as you realise you have a UTI, it's better to get help and treat it completely and prevent it from recurring. A UTI in its early stages can be painful, as it may burn. If left unchecked, it can however lead to serious consequences.
Causes of Bladder Infection
The main cause of bladder infection is E. coli bacteria. Bacteria enter through the urethra and then move into the bladder which causes bladder infections. Bacteria are usually flushed out during urination, but they can sometimes attach to the walls of the bladder and then start to multiply quickly. This overwhelms the body's ability to destroy them which then results in a bladder infection.
Other Causes Includes:
1. Sexual Activity: Sexual intercourse can contribute to the development of UTIs, particularly in women. During sexual activity, bacteria from the genital area can be introduced into the urethra, increasing the risk of infection. This is why UTIs are sometimes referred to as "honeymoon cystitis." Urinating before and after sexual activity can help flush out bacteria and reduce the likelihood of UTIs.
2. Urinary Tract Abnormalities: Structural abnormalities or dysfunctions in the urinary tract can make individuals more susceptible to UTIs. Conditions such as urinary obstructions, kidney stones, or vesicoureteral reflux (a condition where urine flows backwards from the bladder to the kidneys) can disrupt the normal flow of urine, allowing bacteria to multiply and cause infections.
3. Weakened Immune System: A weakened immune system can compromise the body's ability to fight off infections, including UTIs. Certain factors like diabetes, HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, or long-term steroid use can suppress the immune response, making individuals more vulnerable to bacterial invasions.
4. Menopause: In postmenopausal women, a decrease in estrogen levels can lead to changes in the urinary tract, making it more prone to infections. The decline in estrogen can result in thinning of the urethral lining and decreased vaginal acidity, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth.
Symptoms of Bladder Infection
Here are some common urine infection symptoms:
1. Lower Tract UTI symptoms
1 Burning while urination
2 Frequent urination
3 Bloody Urine
4 Cloudy Urine
5 Pelvic pain in women
6 Rectal pain in men
2. Upper Tract UTI symptoms
1 Chills
2 Fever
3 Nausea
4 Vomiting
5 pain and tenderness in the upper back and sides
Who is at Risk of Bladder Infection?
Anyone can get the bladder infections, but women are more prone to getting infected than men because of their shorter urethras, which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urethra and cause the infection. There are many other factors that can increase the risk of bladder infections for both men and women. These include:
1 aging
2 sedentary lifestyle
3 insufficient fluid intake
4 surgical procedure within the urinary tract
5 urinary catheter
6 enlarged prostate
7 pregnancy
8 diabetes
9 bowel incontinence
10 contraceptives
11 weakened immune system
Diagnosis of a Bladder Infection
If you have any of the above symptoms then you must consult your doctor immediately. To confirm the bladder infection your doctor may test your urine for microbes. The doctor may ask for clean urine which is urine collected at the middle and not at the beginning or at the end. This test checks for the presence of white blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs), bacteria and nitrates. The doctor might also perform a urine culture which helps determine the type of bacteria in the urine causing infection. The type of bacteria is important to determine which antibiotic will best help in treating the infection.
Treatment for Bladder Infection
The treatment of UTI is dependent on the type of infection
¢ Bacterial
¢ Viral
¢ Fungal
Since bacterial infection is the major cause of bladder infection the most common treatment is a course of antibiotics. Type of infection i.e. lower tract infection or upper tract infection. If the infection is a lower tract infection, then the treatment involves oral antibiotics. If the infection is an upper tract infection, then antibiotics are put directly into your veins. A follow up urine test may give your doctor indication about the course antibiotics.
UTI Prevention and Management
Here are some natural ingredients that help to manage UTI
¢ Cranberry Extract: It is rich in 50% Proanthocyanidins (PACs), and it is well-known for its anti-bacterial properties that help prevent UTIs by preventing Escherichia coli from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract.
¢ Ursolia: It is made from proprietary natural sage extracts, which targets inflammation as a sure-shot way on how to prevent urinary pain
¢ D-Mannose: D-mannose is a naturally occurring sugar that is closely related to glucose. It flushes bacteria from the urinary tract to keep your insides infection free.
Additional Tips to manage Bladder Infection
¢ Stay Hydrated
¢ Don't hold urine for a long period
¢ Maintain good hygiene
Conclusion
Hope this blog has helped you understand everything about bladder infection. The main cause of bladder infection is a bacteria called E. coli. Experiencing a urinary tract infection (UTI) can be uncomfortable and worrisome, especially during pregnancy or after sexual activity. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for UTIs is essential for maintaining your health and well-being.
While antibiotics are the most common treatment, taking a natural supplement like cranberry extract, ursolia and D-mannose is also a great way to naturally manage bladder infection.
FAQs
1. What is the cause of a bladder infection?
The primary cause of bladder infection is bacterial infection. Other causes include viruses and fungi.
2. How is a bladder infection diagnosed?
A urine test was done to diagnosed bladder infection. This test involves checking for levels of white blood cells (WBCs) and red blood cells (RBCs)
3. What is the most common treatment for a bladder infection?
The most common treatment for a bladder infection is a course of antibiotics.
4. What are the 5 warning signs of a bladder infection?
The 5 warning signs of a bladder control are:
¢ Pain while urinating
¢ Pelvic pain in women
¢ Rectal pain in men
¢ Chills
¢ Vomiting