How to Get Rid of a Bladder Infection

Bladder infections are characterized by the inflammation of the bladder. Bladder infection necessarily requires timely medical attention; in case it is left neglected, it can leave your kidneys seriously damaged. In most instances, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to help you combat the infection. Additionally, there are a few home remedies that can prove effective.

A bladder infection is predominantly the result of a urinary tract infection. In most cases, it is the Escherichia coli or E. coli bacteria that is seen to be the cause. Being a bacterial infection, there are several ways in which one can contract this painful condition. Also, it has been observed that more women are prone to suffer from bladder infections than men.

In order to get rid of this infection, it is important to spot the symptoms at the earliest, and get treated as soon as possible.

• Need to urinate at night
• Burning sensation and discomfort in the urethra during urination
• Presence of blood in urine
• Mild fever
• Foul-smelling urine
• Frequent pain in the suprapubic region

The bacteria that causes infections makes its home in the lining of the bladder. While antibiotics address the problem immediately, you can try to flush them out by increasing your intake of liquids. However, make sure to stay away from caffeine and alcohol as far as possible, as consuming these would surely aggravate your condition.

Drinking sufficient quantity of water is the most important and the simplest home remedy for bladder infections. Water helps you to flush out the toxins from the body, thereby getting rid of the infection. Your bladder will become bacteria-free by drinking ten glasses of water daily. While this may take some time, it can definitely help you in the initial stages. Also, drinking water is a good habit to keep even otherwise, since it has a cleansing effect on your body.

Another way of treating bladder infections is drinking cranberry juice. The usefulness of cranberry juice has been scientifically proven. Its regular intake can prevent harmful bacteria from entering the bladder via the urinary tract. Consult your physician and seek his advise regarding cranberry juice consumption.

Uva ursi or bearberry is a shrub used to cure bladder infections in some cultures. This shrub gives relief from the frequent irritation caused by the bladder infections. The presence of a compound called arbutin is the main feature of uva ursi which keeps the bacterial infiltration in check.

Note: Bearberries can be consumed only after consulting a physician, as its inappropriate consumption may cause harmful side effects in some people.

Consuming tea that is caffeine-free brings you relief from bladder infections. Nettle, dandelion, horsetail, corn silk, and cramp bark teas will help ease the pain and discomfort in the lower back region, which is a common symptom of bladder trouble. Again, ensure that you consume green tea, as consuming caffeine can exacerbate the condition.

While this cannot be termed as a cure, it certainly brings the sufferer considerable relief from the pain that accompanies an infection. Take a hot shower or use a heating pad around the lower back and stomach area, as it will help alleviate the pain and discomfort.

It is important that you consult your doctor at the earliest signs of unease. Since the infection is bacterial, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to help you get rid of it. Oral antibiotics are widely used to treat cystitis or bladder infections. Trimethoprim, nitrofurantoin, fluoroquinolone are some of these antibiotics. Doctors generally prescribe trimethoprim for seven days. Tetracycline or amoxicillin is also recommended to the patients.

Please ensure that you seek your doctor's opinion at the earliest signs of a bladder infection. Your doctor is the best person to chart your course of medication.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.