Causes of Bladder Infections

Bladder infections are often referred to as cystitis or inflammation of the bladder. It is more commonly found in women than in men. So far, researchers have not found any specific reason for women getting this kind of infection more as compared to men. The chances of getting bladder infection increases among men with the increase in their age. Here we are going to discuss about the causes of bladder infections, its treatment and symptoms.

What Causes a Bladder Infection?

Bladder infection causes may vary from person to person. The bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) that are present in the urinary tracts is mainly responsible for causing bladder infections. Another source of bacteria are those that are present in the kidneys which may lead to kidney infection. In this case, the main problem is kidney infection which is quite serious, and that is further aggravated by the bladder infection. It is a complicated matter and the doctor should be consulted without any delay.

Any kind of obstruction in the bladder or the urethra can give rise to bladder infection. This prevents normal flow of the urine, and the bladder does not get emptied completely. The urine that is left behind in the bladder gives suitable environment for the bacteria to grow, and thus the bladder gets infected. These kind of blockades are formed mainly because of kidneys stones and bladder stones. Another cause of such obstruction could be an enlarged prostrate. Here, the bacteria of the unhealthy prostrate can enter the bladder.

Those women who use diaphragms for birth control are more prone to bladder infection. Sometimes, the causes of bladder infections are neurogenic disorders. In such cases, the nerves present in the bladder are unable to send the right signal to the brain and the total emptying of the bladder may not take place. Thus the bacteria grows in them and causes bladder infection. Bladder infection may also take place because of the use of a catheter in hospitals or at home.

Symptoms of Bladder Infection

The most common symptoms that are observed in people suffering from bladder infections are burning sensation during urination, itchiness, and frequent urge for urination. Other signs of bladder infections that can be seen are fever, discharge of blood with urine, etc. In older people, it is difficult to identify the symptoms of bladder infections as these symptoms are not very evident among them.

They show lethargic and restless behavior which is often ignored as age related problems. Other symptoms are alterations in their eating habits and loss of interest in food. Confusion in the elderly person is the biggest indication of bladder infection, and has to be take to the doctor immediately for a further checkup.

Treatment of Bladder Infection

Bladder infection can be diagnosed by the means of a simple urine test. When treated on time, bladder infections can be cured within a week or two. It is mainly treated by administering antibiotics. Normally, it takes 3 - 4 days for the infection to get cured after medication but doctors often prefer to continue for two weeks so that it does not come back after some time. Those women who suffer from bladder infection very frequently are advised by their doctors to continue with the prescribed medicines for up to six months.

In some people, bladder infections tend to relapse and may cause infection to the kidneys that can eventually damage the kidneys. Therefore, it is essential to start the treatment on time along with proper diagnosis of the underlying causes. Appropriate measures need to be taken to prevent further recurrence in the future.

As we have seen that the causes of bladder infections are basically beyond our control. However, certain precautionary measures can be taken to prevent the causes of urinary infections, like drinking plenty of water or cutting down on caffeine beverages which can possibly reduce the risk to certain extent.