Facts You Should Know
About Bladder Infection
By Heather Colman
Urinary tract infection (UTI) can be in any part of the urinary
tract – The urethra, the bladder, the ureters and the kidneys.
Of these, the most common infections occur in the bladder.
Bladder infections are also known as cystitis, which literally
means an inflammation of the bladder.
Risk Factors
Some people are more likely than others to get bladder
infections. Women tend to get them more often than men due to
their urethra being shorter and closer to the anus. Among the
women most likely to get bladder infections are women who are
pregnant, going through menopause and using a diaphragm for
birth control. Men who have prostate inflammation or
enlargement will also be more likely to have bladder
infections. Risk factors that apply to both men and women are;
kidney stones, sexual intercourse with multiple partners,
narrowed urethra, immobility such as recovering from hip
fracture, not drinking enough fluids, bowel incontinence and
catheterization. Elderly people and people with diabetes are
also at higher risk of bladder infections.
Children can also be at risk for bladder infections. They are
most common in boys before the first birthday and among
uncircumcised boys. Girls are most likely to get bladder
infections at around three years old when toilet training is
usually in progress. Children under five years old who have
bladder infections will need follow-up care to prevent later
kidney damage.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a bladder infection are
varied.
A person can have any or all of
them. Young children may have only a fever or no symptoms at all. For
adults, the symptoms can include; pressure in the lower pelvis, pain or
burning with urination, frequent or urgent need to urinate, need to urinate
at night, cloudy urine, blood in the urine, foul or strong urine odor,
painful sexual intercourse, penis pain, flank pain, vomiting, fever and
chills and mental changes or confusion.
Causes
Bacteria entering the urethra cause
bladder infections.
The bacteria, more often than not,
come from the anus. In some children, an abnormality in the anatomy of the
urinary tract contributes to frequent infections.
Treatment
Sometimes, a mild bladder infection will clear up on its own.
Antibiotics are usually recommended, though, because there is a
risk of the infection spreading to the kidneys.
In order to
protect their developing kidneys, children should be treated
promptly with antibiotics. Elderly people should also be
treated with antibiotics as soon as possible. If prompt
treatment is not started, there is a greater chance of fatal
complications.
There are many antibiotics that can be used to treat a bladder
infection.
They are: Nitrofurantoin, Cephalosporins, Sulfa
drugs, Amoxicillin, Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, Doxycycline
and Quinolones.
The last two should not be used in children. Women who are not
elderly usually only need three days of antibiotics. No matter
how many doses are prescribed, the full course of antibiotics
must be taken or the infection could return and be harder to
clear up. A severe bladder infection may require
hospitalization to re-hydrate and receive antibiotics
intravenously.
Prevention
Bladder infections can usually be prevented.
By following these
suggestions, bladder infection can be prevented or the frequency
reduced. Keep your genital area clean and wipe from front to
back. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid fluids that irritate the
bladder, like alcohol and caffeine. Drink cranberry juice unless
you have a family history of kidney stones. Wear cotton or some
other breathable cloth underwear. Do not douche or use similar
feminine hygiene products. Urinate soon after sexual
intercourse.
Disclaimer
The information presented here should not be taken as medical
advice. If you need more information, please consult a
qualified physician.
Permission is granted to reprint this article as long as no
changes are made, and the entire resource box is included.
About The Author: This article is Copyright © 2006, Heather
Colman. Find more bladder infection resources at:
http://www.bladder-infection-press.info
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