Relief from Bladder Infections

More than likely you are suffering from a bladder infection. Call your doctor immediately for an appointment. An untreated bladder infection can spread into the kidneys and cause a serious infection. If you let it go for too long hospitalization might be necessary.

A bladder infection can happen at any age. Urine is sterile but can become contaminated with bacteria causing the bladder infection. Some women are prone to bladder infections though. These are generally not caused by bacteria.

The main symptoms of a bladder infection is pain and/or burning during urination, a frequent urge to go, and possible blood in the urine. Sometimes fever and back pain may also be present. Seek emergency medical treatment if the fever becomes high, you experience chills and extreme pain on one side of your back.

No matter what or how severe your symptoms are, see a doctor. Mine started out mild and the symptoms went away. Three days later the infection had traveled to my kidneys and I was in the hospital for one day and laid up for a week. There are some procedures you can do at home to make you more comfortable. Do not rely on these only.

Start drinking lots of water. Drink 1 full glass of water every hour. The water will help dilute some of the bacteria. If you suffer from incontinence seek out your doctors advice before drinking so much water. If you do not have restrictions on sodium intake, a teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in one glass of water per day may relieve some discomfort.

Soak in a hot bath or use a heating pad on your lower abdomen for some pain relief. A sitz bath with warm water can also ease some discomfort.

Rest as much as possible. A bladder infection can make you feel lousy and very weak.

Stop all caffeine. When I have mine the first couple of days I only drink 1/2 cup of coffee three times per day just to keep away a headache. After I get better I usually go back to drinking my one cup in the morning and another in the afternoon.

These are just suggestions to bring you temporary relief until you can see your doctor.

At the doctor’s office they will do a urine analysis and a urine culture. Basically you pee in a cup and they do the rest. They test for bacteria and a large number of white blood cells. If you have a severe infection your doctor may also require other tests as well. Once diagnosed you will be given antibiotics to clear up the infection. Take the whole amount of medicine. It is important to kill the entire bacteria and it does require the full prescribed medication.

Prevention is rquired to keep bladder infections limited. Always go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge. If you hold the urine in, it becomes concentrated and is more likely to be a growing spot for bacteria. Holding it in will also make you more prone to suffer from incontinence as you get older.

Keeping clean is necessary. Use a mild soap and always wash and wipe front to back.

Drink lots of water but also drink at least two 8-ounce servings of cranberry juice daily. Make sure you stick with
100 % cranberry juice. If you just can’t stomach the drink take cranberry tablets instead.

Wear cotton underwear and stay away from clothing that is too restrictive. Tight clothing will restrict air flow and will give bacteria a great place to grow.

After sex use the bathroom. Wash thoroughly from front to back to keep bacteria at bay.

Change pads and tampons frequently.

There are many sanitary procedures that you need to follow. Prevention can be taught and is wise if you suffer from frequent bladder infections.

Source:
Various Doctors as I was recently treated for this