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Bladder Infection - Causes, Symptoms And Home Remedies

Alternative names :- Cystitis, UTI, Urinary tract infection

A bladder infection is also called a urinary tract infection (UTI) by most medical people, so if you hear both names, don't get scared or confused. It is a bacterial infection that affects any part of the urinary tract. Both women and men suffer from bladder infections. The kidneys, ureters, bladder, penis, and urethra all playa part in filtering and expelling waste material (urine) from the body. Cystitis (an infection of the bladder), urethritis (an infection of the urethra), and acute pyelonephritis (a kidney infection) are more common in women. But all of these conditions can also occur in men and may be a sign of serious underlying conditions such as problems with the prostate gland.

Nearly 85 percent of urinary tract infections are caused by Escherichia coli, a bacterium that is normally found in the intestines. When the bacteria pass through the urethra (the narrow urine canal that connects the bladder to the outside), they can get inside the bladder and cause an infection. Some females get urinary tract infections more frequently, this may be because of the differences in the shape and length of the urethra in different people. A female with a shorter urethra may get more UTIs. Males generally get fewer UTIs than females because they have longer urethras.

Causes of bladder infection

Cystitis, a common condition, is usually caused by a bacteria from the anus entering the urethra and then the bladder. This leads to inflammation and infection in the lower urinary tract. Chlamydia may also cause bladder problems. In women, bacteria introduced by means of fecal contamination or from vaginal secretions can gain access to the bladder by traveling up through the urethra. Cystitis, pyelonephritis, and urethritis occur much more frequently in women than in men.

Symptoms of bladder infection

The possibility of developing a bladder infection can be increased by many factors, including pregnancy, sexual intercourse, the use of a diaphragm, and systemic disorders such as diabetes. The risk of cystitis is also increased if there is a structural abnormality or obstruction of the urinary tract resulting in restriction of the free flow of urine, or if past infections have resulted in a narrowing of the urethra. Bladder cancer is more common in men than women, and can often cause bladder infections. Some of the common signs and symptoms of bladder infection includes:-

• A burning sensation when you urinate
• Pressure in the lower pelvis
• Urine that smells bad
• Cloudy, dark or bloody urine

Vitamins and nutrients for bladder infection

Home remedies for bladder infection treatment

• Cranberry is one of the best herbal remedies for bladder infections. Quality cranberry juice produces hippuric acid in the urine, which acidifies the urine and inhibits bacterial growth. Other components in cranberry juice prevent bacteria from adhering to the lining of the bladder. Drink 1 quart of cranberry juice daily. Purchase pure, unsweetened juice from a health food store. If pure cranberry juice is not available, cranberry capsules can be substituted. Always take these with a large glass of water. Avoid commercial cranberry juice cocktail products. These contain relatively little pure cranberry juice (less than 30 percent in some cases) and have high-fructose com syrup or other sweeteners added.
• One teaspoon of olive oil and one teaspoon of garlic juice mixed in a glass of warm water. Drink three times a day, before meals. Helps to cure bladder infection.
• When suffering a bladder infection, drink a beer. The yeast in the beer (any brand) works with your body for a quick recovery.
• Marshmallow root increases the acidity of urine, inhibiting bacterial growth. Drink 1 quart of marshmallow root tea daily. It helps to strengthen and cleanse the bladder.
• Buchu is good for a bladder infection with a burning sensation upon urination.
• A teaspoon of pure garlic juice is effective in killing off the bacteria responsible for many bladder infections.
• Take a bunch of parsely leave and boil in water for a few minutes. Let stand until cool then drink. You want to make about a litre of this stuff and drink the whole thing. Don't add sugar.
• Fresh blueberries are a very effective antioxidant. Anthocyanidins are present in the blue pigment, and may prove as useful as cranberries in preventing urinary tract infections. The herb bilberry, a type of blueberry, is also good.

Considerations and prevention tips

• Keep the genital and anal areas clean and dry. Women should wipe from front to back after emptying the bladder or bowels, should empty the bladder before and after exercise and sexual intercourse, and should wash the vagina after intercourse.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid tight underpants.
• Avoid fluids that irritate the bladder, like alcohol and caffeine.
• Change into dry clothes as soon as possible after swimming; avoid sitting around in a wet bathing suit.
• Optimal immune function is important in both fighting and preventing all bacterial disorders.
• Wipe from front to back after bowel movements.
• If there is blood in the urine, consult your health care provider. This can be a sign of a more serious problem that warrants medical attention.