Symptoms, treatment, why: What should you do if you have a bladder infection?

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Acute cystitis is called a bladder infection in technical jargon and is the most common urinary tract infection. Women in particular suffer from it often, sometimes several times a year. Men, on the other hand, contract it much less frequently when young, and infections are more common in old age.

Cystitis is usually caused by bacteria entering the bladder from the urethra. The body’s first defense against invaders is increased urine production. Affected people have to go to the toilet more often. Inflammation also causes the bladder and urethra to spasm. Difficulty urinating and abdominal pain cramps are the results.

If the bladder or urethra is affected, it is referred to as the lower urinary tract. But the ureters, kidneys or renal pelvis can also be affected – in this case we are talking about the upper urinary tract. Most UTIs are limited to the lower urinary tract. More precisely, on the bladder.

The most common and probably the most obvious symptom is frequent use of the toilet. It seems that it is necessary to constantly visit the toilet. You feel a burning, almost unbearable pain when urinating.

Usually only a few drops come out and the urine can be whitish cloudy and strongly smelling.

The classic symptoms of an uncomplicated urinary tract infection of the lower urinary tract are: burning during urination, constant urge to urinate, foul odor, cloudy urine, and abdominal pain.

Normally, a bladder infection is harmless and does not pose a health risk. However, in some cases it is recommended to see a doctor as the risk of complications increases. This often includes children with malformations. But also adult and older men, because an infection can indicate a change in the prostate. In addition, pregnant women with concomitant diseases, diabetics, people with weakened immune systems, catheters, tumors or diseases of the kidneys or metabolism.

In most cases, a doctor’s visit is unnecessary as a bladder infection is usually harmless and does not pose a health risk. However, professional advice may be recommended or necessary. This applies to pregnant women and diabetics, complicated cystitis or recurrent cystitis in children or men.

You should also see a doctor if you have severe, persistent pain that lasts for more than two days, or if you have fever, nausea, weakness, chills, or pain in the kidney area, or blood in your urine.

The first signs of a bladder infection can be well treated with home remedies. Adequate fluid intake is particularly important for proper bladder flushing. Bladder and kidney teas are suitable for this.

In addition, care should be taken to keep the abdominal area warm. Warm sitz baths or hot water bottles can be used for this.

If these home remedies are ineffective, antibiotics are prescribed to kill the bacteria. Therapy takes about three to 10 days. Symptoms should have decreased significantly after the first day of use – after about three to five days, there are usually no bacteria to be found in the urine.

Source : Blick