Bladder infections, or cystitis, are easy to diagnose due to distinctive symptoms such as difficulty urinating, cloudy urine, and abdominal pain. Untreated infections can lead to kidney damage or sepsis. Recurring infections may require a urologist’s attention, and cranberry juice and good hygiene can reduce the risk of infection.
The signs of a bladder infection are quite distinctive, making the condition very easy to diagnose in many cases. In fact, a whole family of conditions known as urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause a constellation of similar symptoms, with the usual treatment being the administration of antibiotics to kill the organisms behind the infection. Patients should see a doctor if they notice these signs, because untreated infections can lead to kidney damage or sepsis.
A bladder infection, known formally as cystitis, occurs when inflammation and infection appear in the bladder. The most common symptom is difficulty urinating, which may be associated with a feeling of needing to urinate but with minimal urine output. People may also experience a sense of pressure in the lower abdomen or pain and tenderness around the abdomen and back. The urine produced may be cloudy or reddish in colour, and for some patients it may be very painful to urinate. Other symptoms of an infection include fever, dizziness, and fatigue.
Some patients experience recurring infections, in which case the signs of a bladder infection may be very familiar. It is still a good idea for these patients to seek medical care unless they have received a lifelong prescription for antibiotics specifically to address recurring bladder infections. If three or more infections occur in a short period of time, you may need to see a urologist to find out what’s causing them.
Medical professionals can diagnose a urinary tract infection based on a patient interview describing the signs of a bladder infection, but often ask for a urine sample to confirm the presence of bacteria. An ultrasound imaging study can also be performed to provide more information about the patient’s condition. In the case of patients with recurring bladder infections, the healthcare professional may recommend an extended course of antibiotics to see if this prevents the infection from coming back.
There are some steps that can be taken to reduce your risk of developing a bladder infection, including consuming things that will increase the acid in your urine, reducing the bacterial population. Cranberry juice is a popular home remedy for urinary tract infections and is best consumed regularly to prevent the infection from appearing. Maintaining scrupulous hygiene around the urethra will also reduce the risks of developing an infection.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
