Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment for bladder infection

by Mr. Olen Denesik Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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If you're diagnosed with a bladder infection, your doctor will likely prescribe an oral antibiotic. Antibiotics work by getting rid of the bacteria that is causing your bladder infection. Research has shown that antibiotics are effective and perform better than a placebo.Nov 19, 2020

What is the best home remedy for a bladder infection?

1. Heat / Cold Therapy...

2. Baking Soda...

3. Quercetin...

4. Turmeric...

5. Diet...

6. Colloidal Silver...

7. Pumpkin Seeds...

8. Probiotics...

Learn More...

What is the best over the counter bladder infection medicine?

Homeopathic Remedies for UTI

  1. Aconitum apellus. This remedy is useful when there is a feeling of anxiousness both before and while urinating. ...
  2. Belladonna. If there is a frequent feeling of urination along with cramps in the area of the bladder, accompanied by very small amount of coloured urine, this remedy is ...
  3. Apis mellifica. ...
  4. Borax. ...
  5. Chimaphila umbellata. ...
  6. Staphysagria. ...

How do you take care of a bladder infection?

Over the counter medication for bladder infection

  • Phenazopyridine (Pyridium)
  • Methenamine (Hiprex)
  • Acetaminophen
  • Sodium Salicylate
  • Ibuprofen

How to treat a bladder infection naturally?

  • Drink enough fluids, especially water. ...
  • Limit alcohol and caffeine. ...
  • Quit smoking. ...
  • Avoid constipation. ...
  • Keep a healthy weight. ...
  • Exercise regularly. ...
  • Do pelvic floor muscle exercises. ...
  • Use the bathroom often and when needed. ...
  • Take enough time to fully empty the bladder when urinating. ...
  • Be in a relaxed position while urinating. ...

More items...

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What is the fastest way to get rid of a bladder infection?

Most bladder infections are treated with antibiotics. This is the fastest way to get rid of a bladder infection....Medications to treat bladder infections include:Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid)Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim)Fosfomycin (Monurol)

What's the best antibiotic for bladder infection?

Drugs commonly recommended for simple UTIs include:Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra, others)Fosfomycin (Monurol)Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Macrobid)Cephalexin (Keflex)Ceftriaxone.

Can bladder infections go away on their own?

A mild bladder infection may go away on its own within a few days. If it doesn't, it's usually treated with antibiotics. You usually start to feel better in a day or so, but be sure to take all the medicine as directed.

What is the fastest way to get rid of a bladder infection at home?

Here are seven effective bladder infection remedies.Drink more water. Why it helps: Water flushes out the bacteria in your bladder. ... Frequent urination. ... Antibiotics. ... Pain relievers. ... Heating pads. ... Appropriate dress. ... Cranberry juice.

What is difference between bladder infection and UTI?

UTIs can affect any part of the urinary tract, including the urethra, ureters, bladder, or in more serious cases, the kidneys. A bladder infection is a UTI that only affects the bladder. It is not always possible to distinguish what UTI a person has because the symptoms of the different types can overlap.

What causes bladder infections?

UTIs typically occur when bacteria outside the body enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply. Most cases of cystitis are caused by a type of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. Bacterial bladder infections may occur in women as a result of sexual intercourse.

What foods to avoid if you have a bladder infection?

Additionally, a number of common foods and drinks — artificial sweeteners, spicy foods, alcohol, coffee, acidic fruits, citrus, or caffeinated drinks — can irritate your bladder, and may worsen UTI symptoms — so you should steer clear of them if you have signs of a bladder infection.

What is a natural antibiotic?

Ginger. The scientific community also recognizes ginger as a natural antibiotic. Several studies, including one published in 2017 , have demonstrated ginger's ability to fight many strains of bacteria. Researchers are also exploring ginger's power to combat seasickness and nausea and to lower blood sugar levels.

How can I get rid of a bladder infection without antibiotics?

Ways to treat UTIs without antibioticsStay hydrated. Drinking enough water can help prevent and treat UTIs. ... Urinate when the need arises. Frequent urination can help flush bacteria from the urinary tract. ... Drink cranberry juice. ... Use probiotics. ... Get enough vitamin C. ... Wipe from front to back. ... Practice good sexual hygiene.

How long do bladder infections last?

UTIs are normally treated with a short course of antibiotics. Most women are given a three-day course of antibiotic capsules or tablets. Men, pregnant women and people with more serious symptoms may need a slightly longer course. Your symptoms will normally pass within three to five days of starting treatment.

What are the symptoms of a bladder infection in females?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)pain or a burning sensation when peeing (dysuria)needing to pee more often than usual during the night (nocturia)pee that looks cloudy, dark or has a strong smell.needing to pee suddenly or more urgently than usual.needing to pee more often than usual.blood in your pee.More items...

Are bananas good for urinary tract infection?

Bananas and other high-fiber foods can be good for urinary tract health and preventing urinary tract infections by encouraging regular bowel movements and relieving pressure on urine flow.

Who can treat urinary tract infections?

Your family doctor, nurse practitioner or other health care provider can treat most urinary tract infections. If you have frequent recurrences or a chronic kidney infection, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in urinary disorders (urologist) or kidney disorders (nephrologist) for an evaluation.

What is the first line of treatment for urinary tract infections?

Antibiotics usually are the first line treatment for urinary tract infections. Which drugs are prescribed and for how long depend on your health condition and the type of bacteria found in your urine.

What is a cystoscopy?

Cystoscopy allows your doctor to view your lower urinary tract to look for abnormalities, such as a bladder stone. Surgical tools can be passed through the cystoscope to treat certain urinary tract conditions. Male cystoscopy. Open pop-up dialog box. Close.

What is urine culture?

Growing urinary tract bacteria in a lab. Lab analysis of the urine is sometimes followed by a urine culture. This test tells your doctor what bacteria are causing your infection and which medications will be most effective. Creating images of your urinary tract.

What kind of imaging is used to detect urinary tract infections?

If you are having frequent infections that your doctor thinks may be caused by an abnormality in your urinary tract, you may have an ultrasound, a computerized tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Your doctor may also use a contrast dye to highlight structures in your urinary tract.

How long does it take for a UTI to clear up?

Often, UTI symptoms clear up within a few days of starting treatment. But you may need to continue antibiotics for a week or more.

How to get rid of a urinary infection?

Avoid drinks that may irritate your bladder. Avoid coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks containing citrus juices or caffeine until your infection has cleared. They can irritate your bladder and tend to aggravate your frequent or urgent need to urinate.

How do antibiotics help with bladder infection?

Antibiotics work by getting rid of the bacteria that is causing your bladder infection. Research has shown that antibiotics are effective and perform better than a placebo. You need to complete the full course of the prescribed antibiotic, even when you start to feel better.

What is a complicated bladder infection?

Complicated bladder infections involve situations where the person has an abnormal urinary system or medical conditions that will need to be considered when determining a course of treatment , such as pregnant women, age, diabetes, renal insufficiency, and more.

How long does it take for a bladder infection to heal?

In an uncomplicated or simple bladder infection, you’ll typically notice an improvement in your symptoms within a day or two of starting the antibiotic. Your doctor may select an antibiotic treatment course that will last three to five days. In complicated bladder infections, the course is longer, typically seven to fourteen days. 2.

Why are women at increased risk for bladder infections?

Women are at increased risk for a bladder infection since they have a shorter urethra than men. As a result, the bacteria has less distance to travel to reach the bladder. Common symptoms of a bladder infection include: Most bladder infections are classified as simple or uncomplicated bladder infections.

What does it mean when you feel a burning sensation when you pee?

Pain or a burning sensation when urinating. Feelings of frequent urination even though your bladder is empty. Urinating more frequently than usual. Pain in your bladder, stomach, or pelvis. Urine that appears cloudy or smells foul. Most bladder infections are classified as simple or uncomplicated bladder infections.

What to do if you have pain in your pelvis?

If you’re experiencing pain in your pelvis area, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Alternatively, your doctor may prescribe phenazopyridine to help address symptoms of pain and irritation related to the bladder infection that you may be experiencing before the antibiotics start working.

What to do if you have a fever and a kidney infection?

If you have a kidney infection, you may need an IV treatment of high-dose antibiotics, which may require hospitalization.

How to find bladder infection?

To find the cause of a bladder infection, your doctor can use: Cystoscopy. Your doctor inserts a cystoscope – a thin tube with a camera -- into your urethra to look for problems or to get a tissue sample for more testing (biopsy). Imaging. An ultrasound, CT scan, and MRIcan show tumors, kidney stones, and other issues.

Why is it important to know the cause of bladder infection?

Sometimes, though, it’s important to know the cause of the infection, because medicine alone may not be enough to treat it. You may get more advanced tests if you belong to one of these groups: Children. Men (Because they tend not to get bladder infections, it could be a sign of something else.)

What is a urine culture?

This is a test that checks for bacteria, blood, or pus in a sample of your pee. Your doctor may also run a urine cultureto find out which bacteria are causing your infection. Advanced Tests. Getting a bladder infection once in a while may be a bother, but it’s not usually a serious health concern.

How to get rid of a constant urge to pee?

Self-Care. Here are some things you can do at home to get relief: Avoid having sex. Drink lots of water, but avoid alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods. They can all make your symptoms worse.

Why does my belly hurt when I pee?

And you may be right, especially if it hurts, burns, or stings when you pee. Bladder infections are the most common type of urinary tract infection(UTI). They’re caused by bacteria and lead to problems like pain in your lower belly and having to pee way more often than usual.

How to diagnose a bladder infection?

A doctor can usually diagnose a bladder infection after discussing the symptoms a person is experiencing and doing a urinalysis. This is a urine test that looks for the presence of white blood cells in the urine, and signs of inflammation, which indicates an infection.

How long does it take for a bladder infection to go away?

Typically, symptoms start to improve after 48 hours and are often resolved within 72 hours.

What is an uncomplicated bladder infection?

The term “uncomplicated” is used to describe infections that occur in healthy women as opposed to “complicated” bladder infections that happen to people with other conditions, such as catheters , urinary stents , diabetes, pregnancy, or other causes.

Why is it called a urinary tract infection?

It is also sometimes known as a urinary tract infection because the urinary tract includes the bladder, urethra, ureters, and kidneys. Bladder infections are much more common in women than in men. It is estimated that more than 50 percent of women will experience a bladder infection at least once in their lifetime.

What is the treatment for uncomplicated cystitis?

People with uncomplicated bladder infections are usually treated with a short course of antibiotics. Treatment options vary, but the following are the most common prescriptions for uncomplicated cystitis: Share on Pinterest. Uncomplicated bladder infections may be treated by a course of antibiotics .

What are the factors that increase the risk of getting a bladder infection?

There are a number of factors that can increase the risk of getting a bladder infection, including: frequent sexual intercourse. having sexual intercourse with a new partner. using a diaphragm and a spermicide for birth control. not urinating immediately after sexual intercourse. having diabetes.

What happens when you get a cyst in your bladder?

Once in the bladder, the bacteria can stick to the lining of the bladder, causing it to become inflamed, a condition known as cystitis. The bacteria can also move from the bladder into the kidneys, resulting in a kidney infection.

What to do if you have a recurring urinary infection?

Treatment may include longer doses of antibiotics or more potent doses of antibiotics delivered intravenously.

How to prevent urinary tract infection?

To prevent urinary tract infection, some research suggests that the following may be helpful: Increasing fluid intake: The doctor may recommend increased fluid intake to help flush bacteria out of the urinary system. Drinking cranberry juice: Drinking 8 ounces of cranberry juice a day may help prevent recurrent UTIs.

What is the most common urological condition?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that occurs anywhere in the urinary tract -- including the urethra ( urethritis ), bladder ( cystitis ), and kidney ( pyelonephritis ). These infections are among the most common urological conditions, with cystitis occurring most frequently, and both women and me n are susceptible.

How long should I take phenazopyridine for UTI?

This medication should not be taken for more than two days and has side effects that include headache, nausea, and changes in urine color (orange).

Is trimethoprim good for UTI?

Trimethoprim: Trimethoprim is the standard treatment for urinary tract infections in otherwise-healthy adults. It is one of the more potent UTI antibiotics, so most patients only require a three-day course. Trimethoprim is generally well-tolerated with few side effects, which generally include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea/constipation or stomach pain.

What is bladder infection?

Bladder infection (infectious cystitis) is a type of urinary tract infection ( UTI ). Other forms of urinary tract infection include pyelonephritis ( kidney infection /inflammation), urethritis (infection/inflammation of the urethra), and prostatitis (inflammation/infection of the prostate gland ).

What is the best medicine for bladder pain?

Bladder muscle spasm and bladder inflammation are responsible for some of the symptoms associated with bladder infection, such as bladder pain, urinary frequency, urgency, and dysuria. Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) is a medication often used to treat symptoms of painful urination due to bladder infection.

How to determine if you have a bladder infection?

The definitive test to determine if there is a bladder infection is the urine culture. The urine culture identifies the number and type of bacteria in the urine as well as determines the sensitivity of the bacteria to several different antibiotics.

How many bacteria are in the urinary tract?

The usual cutoff for a urinary tract infection is the presence of greater than 100,000 bacteria, however, in the presence of symptoms, a positive leukocyte esterase or > 10 white blood cells on urinalysis, even fewer bacteria in the urine is supportive of a urinary tract infection.

What are the symptoms of a urinary infection?

These symptoms are similar in men, women, and children. The main symptoms of bladder infection are: pain, discomfort, or burning when trying to urinate.

What bacteria cause cystitis?

Staphylococcal ( staph) organisms (from skin) and other gut bacteria ( Proteus, Klebsiella, Enterococcus) are other bacteria that can cause cystitis and other forms of urinary infections. The type of organism causing the infection can vary with the individual’s age.

Do pregnant women have a higher risk of bladder infection?

Pregnant women are less likely to clear the bacteria in the bladder compared to nonpregnant women and are more likely to develop symptoms. In addition, pregnant women have a higher risk of a bladder infection progressing to a kidney infection ( pyelonephritis ).

Why do women get urinary tract infections?

These factors include: Kidney or bladder stones. Bacteria entering the urethra — the tube that carries urine from your body — during intercourse. Changes in estrogen levels during menopause.

How long does a CT scan of the urinary tract last?

If your doctor can't find a cause, one of these options may help: A long-term, low-dose antibiotic for as long as six months to two years.

How to treat a bladder infection at home?

Here are some effective and natural remedies for bladder infection that are inexpensive, harmless and easy to use at home. 1. Drink Plenty of Water : This is the best treatment for bladder infection.

What is the best treatment for bladder pain?

Heating Pad : In order to ease out the pain, caused due to a bladder infection, use a heating pad over the abdominal area. 7. Goldenseal : Goldenseal is known for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

What is the best herbal remedy for bladder infection?

It is also helpful for the treatment of kidney stone. 9. Drumstick Flowers : This is a good herbal remedy to cure a bladder infection.

How to cure bladder pain?

Baking Soda : Baking soda is one of the best home remedies for bladder infection pain. You just need to mix a spoonful of baking soda in a glass of water, and drink it. Repeat this remedy daily till the symptoms subside completely. 3.

How to get rid of burning sensation in bladder?

Lemon : Mix a teaspoon of lemon juice in 180 ml of boiling water. Drink this solution in order to get relief from the burning sensation as well as the bleeding caused due to the bladder infection. 11. Cornsilk : Cornsilk is an excellent diuretic and is an effective herb to treat a bladder infection.

What is the best medicine for a person who is not able to urinate?

1. Cantharis : When the person experiences an acute pain due to the bladder infection along with a sudden urge to urinate but not able to urinate, this remedy is used.

Why do women get bladder infections?

Women get affected by a bladder infection also due to the short length of their urethra. In men, it is mostly caused due to sexual intercourse with an infected female. The use of contraceptive diaphragms or spermicidal agents is also a reason of bladder infection. Other causes are: Diabetes. Multiple sclerosis.

What is the best way to treat urinary tract infections?

Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice is one of the most well-known natural remedies for urinary tract infections. Cranberries work by preventing bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract, thus preventing infection ( 13. Trusted Source. , 14.

How to prevent urinary tract infection?

Preventing urinary tract infections starts with practicing a few good bathroom and hygiene habits. First, it’s important not to hold urine for too long. This can lead to a buildup of bacteria, resulting in infection ( 26. Trusted Source.

What is the best way to prevent UTIs?

Cranberry extract: Like cranberry juice, cranberry extract works by preventing bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract. Garlic extract: Garlic has been shown to have antimicrobial properties and may be able to block the growth of bacteria to prevent UTIs ( 32. Trusted Source. , 33.

How to get rid of a bad gut bacteria?

Take a Probiotic . Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that are consumed through food or supplements. They can promote a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut. Probiotics are available in supplement form or can be found in fermented foods, such as kefir, kimchi, kombucha and probiotic yogurt.

How to prevent a UTI infection?

Without further ado, here are the top 6 home remedies to fight UTI. 1. Drink Plenty of Fluids. Hydration status has been linked to the risk of urinary tract infection.

What are the most common causes of UTIs?

Bacteria from the bowel are the most common cause of UTIs, but fungi and viruses can also cause infection ( 1. Trusted Source. ). The two strains of bacteria Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus saprophyticus account for about 80% of cases ( 2. Trusted Source. ). Common symptoms of UTI include ( 1. Trusted Source.

Why are women more prone to infection?

This is because the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the bladder, is shorter in women than men. This makes it easier for bacteria to enter and reach the bladder ( 2. Trusted Source. ).

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Diagnosis

Treatment

  • Antibiotics usually are the first line treatment for urinary tract infections. Which drugs are prescribed and for how long depend on your health condition and the type of bacteria found in your urine.
See more on mayoclinic.org

Clinical Trials

  • Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
See more on mayoclinic.org

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

  • Urinary tract infections can be painful, but you can take steps to ease your discomfort until antibiotics treat the infection. Follow these tips: 1. Drink plenty of water.Water helps to dilute your urine and flush out bacteria. 2. Avoid drinks that may irritate your bladder.Avoid coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks containing citrus juices or caffeine...
See more on mayoclinic.org

Alternative Medicine

  • Many people drink cranberry juice to prevent UTIs. There's some indication that cranberry products, in either juice or tablet form, may have infection-fighting properties. Researchers continue to study the ability of cranberry juice to prevent UTIs, but results are not conclusive. If you enjoy drinking cranberry juice and feel it helps you prevent UTIs, there's little harm in it, but w…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • Your family doctor, nurse practitioner or other health care provider can treat most urinary tract infections. If you have frequent recurrences or a chronic kidney infection, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in urinary disorders (urologist) or kidney disorders (nephrologist) for an evaluation.
See more on mayoclinic.org

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