Bladder infection also known as Cystitis is the second most common type of bacterial and/or viral infection to affect human beings after pulmonary infections. Statistics reveal that almost 10 to 20 percent of the women in the US have already suffered from at least one episode of bladder infection while 80 percent have been afflicted more than once.
Even though bladder infections can also be fungal or viral, they are predominantly caused due to bacterial infections; Escherichia coli are known to cause as many as 90% of all urinary infections. The bacteria can infect any part of the urinary tract but the bladder infection symptoms would still be the same.
If left unchecked, the infection may travel upwards to the kidneys, a condition known as ascending urinary tract infection. Cystitis is a very common ailment with almost 6 million people being afflicted by it each year. It has been observed that women are more susceptible to it because of the short urinary tract making it easy for the bacteria to travel up to the bladder. Two of the most common causes of bladder infection are inappropriate and inadequate hygiene habits and a sexually active life style.
The bacteria responsible for bladder infections is an internal organism that lives in the digestive system including the bowel and the intestines without causing health hazards but once the bacteria reach the bladder, trouble starts. Since bacteria need a warm moist environment to thrive the area around the urethra is a common breeding ground for them.
Bladder infection symptoms include an urgent and frequent need to urinate and a burning sensation in the urethra after urinating known as dysuria. Other symptoms such as lower abdominal pain, pain in the lower back, pressure in the pelvic area, a mild fever and blood tinged or cloudy urine may also be experienced.
The symptoms of upper urinary tract infection are a little more serious and include vomiting, high fever and severe chills Even in infants, symptoms such as poor appetite, vomiting and diarrhea may be tell tale signs of a urinary tract infection.
Usually, commonly experienced bladder infection symptoms are considered conclusive enough to administer medication but there are several other disorders which may mimic the symptoms of bladder infection like vaginal yeast infection and certain sexually transmitted diseases. So it is imperative that you opt for a health evaluation done by a professional before taking OTC antibiotics. Normally, a urine test is enough to prove the presence of bladder infection.
Preventative measures for bladder infection include:
Hygiene of the vaginal area, including wiping from the front to back after a bowel movement to prevent urinary tract infection by fecal bacteria.
Tampons should be changed ever three to four hours and they are more hygienic than sanitary pads which often act as a culture for the bacteria.
Wearing cotton undergarments and panty hose with a cotton crotch to encourage air circulation and prevent the presence of a moist , warm environment which turns into a breeding ground for the bacteria.
Avoiding tight clothes in the genital area including skin tight jeans and bathing suits.
Urinating before and after intercourse.
Practicing proper sexual hygiene.
Stopping the practice of holding off the urge to urinate.
Bladder infection symptoms are treated with the help of common antibiotics like ampicillin, amoxicillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, usually administered in single doses.
