Bladder infection is a type of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) that causes inflammation of bladder due to bacterial invasions. 

Everything You Need To Know About UTI

The problem is aggravated when the bacteria grows uncontrollably inside the bladder, causing pain, infection and fever. This type of infection can affect anyone, but women are more susceptible to it. 

Bacteria invades through the ‘urethra’, a tube allowing urine passage from the bladder to outside. Most bladder infections are acute, but in some cases, it can be chronic and require medical treatment to prevent them from spreading to other internal organs. 

The infection can be a viral or fungal infection too. An infection from E. coli bacteria in bladder leads to cystitis i.e. swelling and irrigation. The signs of infection depend on how strong bacterial presence would be in the bladder. However, some common and immediate changes in urine can be helpful in early detection. 

  • Pain and burning sensation during urination
  • Cloudy urine
  • Blood in urine
  • Increase frequency of urination
  • Stinky urine
  • Cramps
  • Lower backache
  • Increased pressure on the abdominal area
  • Urge to urinate frequently
  • Fever
  • Vomiting and nausea 

Bladder infections are more common among women than males. Pregnant women are also at a higher risk of developing an infection. Men with an enlarged prostate are at higher risk of developing an infection because of the obstruction in the urine flow, where residual urine can get infected. 

Treatment:

Different treatment options are available which includes antibiotics, depending on the severity of the infection.

Results from a urine culture test will give a fair idea to the doctor to select the correct antibiotic to treat the infection.

Doctors would prescribe oral antibiotics for lower tract infections and intravenous antibiotics for upper tract infections. 

Untreated UTIs:

Improper treatments can cause complications, leading to sepsis, which can be fatal. Timely medical intervention helps in treating UTI to a great extent. A delay may spread infection into the upper urinary tract and is more likely to spread into blood, causing Sepsis and it could be fatal.