Bladder Infection Symptoms - How To Diagnose And Treat
Bladder infection affects millions of people worldwide.
It is a discomforting and painful experience.
This illness is caused by pathogens that have entered the urinary bladder, which causes inflammation of the urinary bladder soft tissue.
This condition is medically termed as Cystitis.
Bladder infection symptoms do not only create physical manifestations but they can lead to emotional disturbances such as anxiety, fear, embarrassment and ridicule.
Let's take a closer look at this very common infection and discover how to counteract it.
Bladder infection is a urinary tract infection (UTI) that involves the lower urinary tract, specifically the urinary bladder.
The main pathogen causing this infection is the Escherichia coli or E.
Coli for short.
These microbes are normally harbored in the large intestines.
Some strains of E.
Coli are quite beneficial for the host.
They produce endogenous Vitamin K2 or also called as Menaquinone.
E.
Coli also inhibit the propagation of some pathogenic microbes inside the body.
These nonpathogenic strains are harmless and dormant.
However, if uropathogenic E.
Coli enters the urinary system thorough the urethra - a long, narrow tube where urine passes out - towards the urinary bladder, this will cause infection and inflammation of the urinary bladder walls.
Aside from E.
Coli, a less known microbe, Staphylococcus Saprophyticus can cause urinary tract infection as well.
However, it only accounts for a small percentage of infective cystitis cases.
What are the clinical manifestations? In bacterial cystitis, bladder infection symptoms include Dysuria (burning or painful urination), a strong urge to urinate, which may yield little or no urine.
This frequent desire to void may occur immediately after the bladder had been emptied.
The frequency to pass urine also increases.
An odorous or foul-smelling urine is also observed.
Blood in the urine, (also known as Hematuria) may be present.
Pain can be felt in the pelvic area and in the lower abdomen.
Women may experience Dyspareunia, (painful intercourse).
The patient may experience low-grade fever, which can be accompanied by chills, as well as malaise or body fatigue.
Some patients may feel nauseated and can even have episodes of vomiting.
Who are the most susceptible? Women are most likely to have frequent bladder infections due to the anatomical length of the urethra, which is shorter compared to males.
Inappropriate cleaning technique is one of the main causes for the increase of infection.
The urinary meatus should be wiped in a descending manner, that is, from front to back.
If cleansed in an ascending direction, this will unintentionally bring coliform microbes from the anus into the urinary orifice.
Bladder infection can be acquired iatrogenically.
Prolonged use of retention urinary catheter is known to have caused infective cystitis.
Initially, urinary catheter tubes are sterile.
In due time, it loses its sterility, and the tube then, provides a good medium for pathogenic microbes to propagate, as well as providing easy access towards the urinary bladder.
What are the diagnostic tools needed? Aside from the signs and symptoms, A urine sample is taken for Urinalysis and Urine microscopy to look for hallmark signs of infection.
To obtain accurate findings, a method for collecting urine, called the "Clean-catch or Mid-stream method" is used to prevent contamination of urine sample by microbes found on the urinary meatus.
A Urine Culture is oftentimes necessary to identify the offending agent.
Blood samples needed for CBC or Complete Blood Count are extracted to look for quantitative proof of infection such as generalized increase in WBC or White Blood Cell count, as well as for specific increases in leukocyte types.
These quantitative laboratory tools will complement bladder infection symptoms.
What are the pharmacologic treatments? Antibiotic remedy is the main course of action against bladder infection.
Amoxicillin is the primary drug of choice but other types of Penicillin may be prescribed.
New antibiotic regiments are now being practiced.
Prescribers take into consideration the time it takes for bladder infections symptoms to subside.
Different classes of antibiotics such as Aminoglycosides, Nitrofurantoin, Ciprofloxacin, Carbapenems, Cephalosporins, Aztreonam had drastically improved signs and symptoms and recovery time.
However, potent antibiotics such as Trimethoprim, Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) combination and Fluoroquinolone-class antibiotics had hastened recovery period to as little as 3 days.
What preventive measures and home remedies are available? Bacterial cystitis is not difficult to avoid.
All it takes is correct hygienic practices and some lifestyle changes.
After urinating or defecating, it is important for women to wipe the urinary orifice with a clean paper towel in a front-to-back or in an upward-downward direction.
After sexual intercourse, it is strongly advisable to urinate immediately and clean the genitals afterwards with soap and water, and wipe it dry in a descending manner.
If you have the urge to urinate, give in to it.
Do not hold back this sensation and urinate immediately.
Frequent urination is important in order to flush out bacteria that has found its way into the urethra.
To encourage urination, daily increase fluid intake to about 6-8 glasses of water is strongly recommended.
However, do not take in beverages that irritate the bladder such as caffeinated drinks and citrus juices, as they can cause pain and spasm.
E.
Coli cannot thrive in an acidic environment.
Increase urinary pH by drinking plenty of Cranberry juice or Cranberry capsules.
However, if you have kidney stones or at risk of having one, or if you are using blood thinners such aspirin, this beverage is contraindicated.
Other urine acidifying alternative is taking Vitamin C supplements or Ascorbic Acid.
Understanding bacterial cystitis is not especially complicated.
Bladder infection symptoms are easy to spot and the corresponding treatments are straightforward.
Plus, the home remedies are simple and very applicable.
However, to prevent bacterial resistance, it is important to complete the regimen even if signs and symptoms subside rapidly.
Furthermore, if no improvement is observed or complications do occur, remember to consult your physician immediately.
It is a discomforting and painful experience.
This illness is caused by pathogens that have entered the urinary bladder, which causes inflammation of the urinary bladder soft tissue.
This condition is medically termed as Cystitis.
Bladder infection symptoms do not only create physical manifestations but they can lead to emotional disturbances such as anxiety, fear, embarrassment and ridicule.
Let's take a closer look at this very common infection and discover how to counteract it.
Bladder infection is a urinary tract infection (UTI) that involves the lower urinary tract, specifically the urinary bladder.
The main pathogen causing this infection is the Escherichia coli or E.
Coli for short.
These microbes are normally harbored in the large intestines.
Some strains of E.
Coli are quite beneficial for the host.
They produce endogenous Vitamin K2 or also called as Menaquinone.
E.
Coli also inhibit the propagation of some pathogenic microbes inside the body.
These nonpathogenic strains are harmless and dormant.
However, if uropathogenic E.
Coli enters the urinary system thorough the urethra - a long, narrow tube where urine passes out - towards the urinary bladder, this will cause infection and inflammation of the urinary bladder walls.
Aside from E.
Coli, a less known microbe, Staphylococcus Saprophyticus can cause urinary tract infection as well.
However, it only accounts for a small percentage of infective cystitis cases.
What are the clinical manifestations? In bacterial cystitis, bladder infection symptoms include Dysuria (burning or painful urination), a strong urge to urinate, which may yield little or no urine.
This frequent desire to void may occur immediately after the bladder had been emptied.
The frequency to pass urine also increases.
An odorous or foul-smelling urine is also observed.
Blood in the urine, (also known as Hematuria) may be present.
Pain can be felt in the pelvic area and in the lower abdomen.
Women may experience Dyspareunia, (painful intercourse).
The patient may experience low-grade fever, which can be accompanied by chills, as well as malaise or body fatigue.
Some patients may feel nauseated and can even have episodes of vomiting.
Who are the most susceptible? Women are most likely to have frequent bladder infections due to the anatomical length of the urethra, which is shorter compared to males.
Inappropriate cleaning technique is one of the main causes for the increase of infection.
The urinary meatus should be wiped in a descending manner, that is, from front to back.
If cleansed in an ascending direction, this will unintentionally bring coliform microbes from the anus into the urinary orifice.
Bladder infection can be acquired iatrogenically.
Prolonged use of retention urinary catheter is known to have caused infective cystitis.
Initially, urinary catheter tubes are sterile.
In due time, it loses its sterility, and the tube then, provides a good medium for pathogenic microbes to propagate, as well as providing easy access towards the urinary bladder.
What are the diagnostic tools needed? Aside from the signs and symptoms, A urine sample is taken for Urinalysis and Urine microscopy to look for hallmark signs of infection.
To obtain accurate findings, a method for collecting urine, called the "Clean-catch or Mid-stream method" is used to prevent contamination of urine sample by microbes found on the urinary meatus.
A Urine Culture is oftentimes necessary to identify the offending agent.
Blood samples needed for CBC or Complete Blood Count are extracted to look for quantitative proof of infection such as generalized increase in WBC or White Blood Cell count, as well as for specific increases in leukocyte types.
These quantitative laboratory tools will complement bladder infection symptoms.
What are the pharmacologic treatments? Antibiotic remedy is the main course of action against bladder infection.
Amoxicillin is the primary drug of choice but other types of Penicillin may be prescribed.
New antibiotic regiments are now being practiced.
Prescribers take into consideration the time it takes for bladder infections symptoms to subside.
Different classes of antibiotics such as Aminoglycosides, Nitrofurantoin, Ciprofloxacin, Carbapenems, Cephalosporins, Aztreonam had drastically improved signs and symptoms and recovery time.
However, potent antibiotics such as Trimethoprim, Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) combination and Fluoroquinolone-class antibiotics had hastened recovery period to as little as 3 days.
What preventive measures and home remedies are available? Bacterial cystitis is not difficult to avoid.
All it takes is correct hygienic practices and some lifestyle changes.
After urinating or defecating, it is important for women to wipe the urinary orifice with a clean paper towel in a front-to-back or in an upward-downward direction.
After sexual intercourse, it is strongly advisable to urinate immediately and clean the genitals afterwards with soap and water, and wipe it dry in a descending manner.
If you have the urge to urinate, give in to it.
Do not hold back this sensation and urinate immediately.
Frequent urination is important in order to flush out bacteria that has found its way into the urethra.
To encourage urination, daily increase fluid intake to about 6-8 glasses of water is strongly recommended.
However, do not take in beverages that irritate the bladder such as caffeinated drinks and citrus juices, as they can cause pain and spasm.
E.
Coli cannot thrive in an acidic environment.
Increase urinary pH by drinking plenty of Cranberry juice or Cranberry capsules.
However, if you have kidney stones or at risk of having one, or if you are using blood thinners such aspirin, this beverage is contraindicated.
Other urine acidifying alternative is taking Vitamin C supplements or Ascorbic Acid.
Understanding bacterial cystitis is not especially complicated.
Bladder infection symptoms are easy to spot and the corresponding treatments are straightforward.
Plus, the home remedies are simple and very applicable.
However, to prevent bacterial resistance, it is important to complete the regimen even if signs and symptoms subside rapidly.
Furthermore, if no improvement is observed or complications do occur, remember to consult your physician immediately.
