Bladder infection: symptoms, causes and treatment

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Definition

What is a bladder infection?

Bladder infection is a disease caused by bacterial attack on the organs that hold urine (urine). One of these bladder diseases is part of a urinary tract infection (UTI) because the urinary tract includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra.

Bladder infection is the most common type of bladder disease. Most infections are acute, meaning they occur suddenly. However, there are also chronic infections that have lasted a long time so that they are more difficult to treat.

If left unchecked, infection can lead to becoming interstitial cystitis. Also known as cystitis, this complication results in inflammation, swelling, and severe irritation of the bladder.

The infection can also spread to other areas such as the kidneys, ureters (the passage through which urine passes into the bladder), or urethra (the passage through which urine passes out of the body). Early detection is very important to prevent the spread of infection.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of a bladder infection?

Infection results in inflammation, swelling, and irritation of the bladder and urethra. These changes have an impact on the condition of the urine and cause a series of easily recognizable symptoms.

Symptoms of infection may vary depending on the severity of the infection. You may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• More frequent urination, but less urine than usual.
• Pain or burning sensation when urinating.
• Sudden urge to urinate.
• Often want to pee at night (nocturia).
• The urine looks cloudy, smells bad, or has a strong smell.
• Abdominal discomfort or pain.

When do you need to see a doctor?

Symptoms of a mild infection generally get better on their own. You don't even have to take any drugs. Just drink more water to flush bacteria out of the bladder.

However, don't ignore the symptoms of infection if you also have conditions:

• fever,
• back pain,
• nausea and vomiting, as well
• urine mixed with blood.

These symptoms indicate that the infection has spread to the upper urinary tract or kidneys. Unlike back pain in general, the pain will not go away even though you have rested or changed your sitting position.

Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) is a more serious condition than a bladder infection. This disease can cause severe pain and more dangerous complications. Immediately consult a doctor if you experience these signs.

You should also get checked out if you have frequent this disease or have previously had a UTI. Recurrent or chronic infections are generally more difficult to treat, so you will need to undergo further tests.

Diagnosis

How are bladder infections diagnosed?

Doctors usually diagnose bladder infections by looking at the symptoms you are experiencing. The doctor also needs to ask if you have fever, chills, nausea and vomiting, or other symptoms that indicate a more severe infection.

If this is the first time you have had a bladder infection, the diagnosis is made by examining a urine sample. The test aims to see if there are white blood cells, red blood cells, or bacteria in the urine that are signs of infection.

If deemed necessary, the doctor will also perform a urine culture test to find out what type of bacteria is causing the infection. This examination is generally recommended for people with the following conditions.

• Repeated bladder infections.
• Experiencing an infection that doesn't get better despite taking antibiotics.
• Experiencing other conditions that are not symptoms of infection.
• Does not improve within 24-48 hours after taking antibiotics.
• Is pregnant.

Once the type of bacteria is known, the examination is followed by an antibiotic sensitivity test to see what type of antibiotic is most effective at killing these bacteria. This test is important because there are several strains of bacteria that are resistant to common antibiotics.

Cause

The main cause of bladder infection is bacterial attack E. coli on the bladder. Bacteria E. coli live in the skin, large intestine, and rectum, which is a temporary shelter for stool before it is passed.

Bacteria E. coli actually benefits the digestive system and doesn't cause any health problems. New problems arise when these bacteria move from the intestine to the urinary system and cause infection.

Although the bacteria cause the same, the pathway for entry of bacteria to the bladder needs to be distinguished as follows.

1. Simple infection

Simple infection occurs when bacteria enter the bladder. This condition is more common in women than men. This is because the end of a woman's urethra is closer to the rectum and is shorter in size.

This makes it easier for bacteria to move from the rectum to the vagina. After that, the bacteria then move towards the urethra. From here, the bacteria only need to move four centimeters towards the bladder and cause disturbances in it.

The process of entering bacteria can be easier if you have sex and do not clean your vagina afterward. Bacteria can also enter if you clean your vagina from back to front, not the other way around.

2. Complicated infection

Complicated infections are experienced by people with abnormal urinary systems that are more difficult to treat. Infection is also classified as complicated if it occurs in men, because the male urethra is longer should be able to prevent the entry of bacteria.

Usually, male bladder infections are caused due to obstructed flow of urine or urine trapped in the bladder. Urine flow may be obstructed due to BPH (benign prostate enlargement). These glands press the urinary tract so that urine does not come out completely.

Meanwhile, trapping urine may be caused by nerve damage to the bladder. Nerves can be damaged as a result of brain or spinal injury, pelvic surgery, or diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis.

The risk of infection also increases in patients using urine catheters. A catheter is a small tube that is inserted into the urethra to drain urine. Bacteria can enter the catheter, then move to the bladder.

Risk factors

Who is at risk for bladder infections?

Anyone can get bladder infections. However, the risk is higher in people with the following conditions:

• Female. A woman's urethra is shorter and the vagina is closer to the anus, which makes it easier for bacteria to infect.
• Sexually active. Sexual intercourse can push bacteria into the urethra.
• Using certain contraceptives. More infections are experienced by users of diaphragm contraceptives, especially those containing substances that kill sperm.
• Pregnant. The fetus can press on the bladder so that urine does not come out completely. Hormonal changes also increase the risk.
• Menopause. The decrease in the hormone estrogen causes the lining of the urethra to thin, making it more susceptible to infection.
• Diseases of the prostate gland. For example, an enlarged prostate or infection (prostatitis) which causes the urinary tract to compress.
• Wear a urine catheter. The elderly or patients who use catheters are more prone to develop bladder infections.

Certain factors such as pregnancy or menopause cannot be avoided. However, you can reduce the risk by keeping your intimate organs clean so that bacterial growth is controlled.

Medicine and Medicine

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How to treat bladder infections?

Simple infections of the bladder are treated with several drugs. Medicines consist of antibiotics to kill bacteria, pain relievers, and drugs to relieve inflammation and burning sensation when urinating.

If the diagnosis is uncertain, doctors may not give antibiotics. You may need to undergo further tests to find out what type of infectious bacteria and antibiotics are compatible with it.

Antibiotics used are usually the same as drugs for urinary tract infections, namely:

• trimethoprim / sulfamethoxazole,
• fosfomycin,
• nitrofurantoin,
• cephalexin, and
• ceftriaxone.

The duration of treatment varies from person to person. This is determined by how severe the infection is and whether the infection gets better after taking medication. Treatment can also be different if you have previously had a UTI or there is an abnormality in your urinary system.

Treatment in male patients may take longer than in women. The reason is, bacteria can move towards the prostate gland which is near the urinary tract. Bacteria can hide in the prostate tissue, making it more difficult for drugs to reach.

Meanwhile, patients with symptoms of kidney infection usually have to be hospitalized. The length of treatment depends on the condition of the kidneys and how severe the infection is.

Treatment for recurrent infections

If you have repeated bladder infections, the treatment is a little different from regular infections. Doctors need to see the cause first before giving the appropriate drug.

The types of drugs recommended include the following.

• Low-dose antibiotics for six months or more.
• One dose of antibiotic after each intercourse if the infection is caused by sexual activity.
• Home care if there are no complications.
• Vaginal estrogen therapy for menopausal women.

Home treatment involves drinking plenty of water to flush bacteria from the bladder. You also need to avoid foods and drinks that can irritate the bladder, such as coffee, soda, and spicy and acidic foods.

Prevention

How can you prevent bladder infections?

You can prevent bladder infections by implementing the following steps.

• Drink more fluids, especially water. Water helps flush bacteria out of the bladder so that infection does not occur.
• Do not use vaginal cleansers that contain perfume. Avoid sprays, soaps, deodorants, douche, or similar products.
• Not holding back urination. Don't forget to urinate completely so that no urine remains in the bladder.
• Clean the vagina from front to back. This is so that bacteria from the anus do not move to the urinary tract.
• Urinating after sex. That way, the bacteria in the urinary tract will leave the body.
• Using a contraceptive method other than the diaphragm.
• Wearing baggy underwear. Choose a material that is not hot and humid in your underwear.
• During sex, don't use condoms that contain spermicide.

Several previous studies have shown that juices, extracts, and pills come from fruit cranberries potentially preventing bladder infections. However, studies on benefits cranberries varies widely and these findings still need to be studied further.

Experts are not entirely sure that diet plays a big role in preventing bladder infections. Fruit products cranberries may reduce the risk of infection, however cranberries can't treat this disease.

Bladder infection is one of the most common urinary system diseases. However, this disease can cause dangerous complications if not treated properly.

Recognize and watch for the signs. If symptoms do not improve after a few days, see a doctor immediately for treatment. To prevent future infections, make sure you drink enough water and clean your intimate organs in a proper way.