Treatment for Bladder Infection

Bladder infection or cystitis (inflammation of the bladder), is a type of urinary tract infection and a bacterial disease.

Causes of Bladder Infection
Bladder infection is usually caused by bacteria, that enter the urinary tract through urethra. The bacteria multiplies in the urinary tract and causes infection.

The infection is caused by a bacteria named Escherichia coli(E.coli), which is found in the intestinal tract. Other microorganisms like chlamydia and mycoplasma can also cause this infection.

Women are more likely to be affected by bladder infection. Sexual intercourse is the main cause of this disease in women, as the bacteria can enter the urinary bladder through urethra during intercourse. Though, the scientists are not sure about the reason behind this, they think that the size and position of the urethra can be the cause. Since, the urethra is short and is much closer to the anus, the bacteria can easily move into the bladder. In men, infection in the prostate gland can cause cystitis.

Other important causes for bladder infection are presence of stones in the bladder or urethra and poor hygiene. Holding back the impulse to urinate for a long time can also be a cause of this disease.

Symptoms of Bladder Infection
The general symptoms of bladder infection are pain, burning sensation, and discharge of a very small amount of urine during urination. Frequent tendency to urinate, presence of blood in the urine, and pain in the pubic region are other symptoms. This infection may result in fever if it spreads to the kidneys.

In children, the symptoms of bladder infection can be fever, loss of appetite, irritability, involuntary urination, and frequent vomiting tendency.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Bladder Infection
Bladder infection can be diagnosed with the help of urinalysis. In urinalysis, the urine sample of the patient is tested for the presence of bacteria, red and white blood cells. If bacteria is found, then the urine is cultured again to find out the type of bacteria and the drug that can destroy them.

Bladder infection can be easily treated with the help of antibiotics. If it is accompanied by pain in the bladder, then appropriate antibiotics can be taken to reduce it. However, if the infection is serious and complicated, then the patient may have to undergo tests like intravenous pyelogram, ultrasound and cystoscopy as, such an infection is usually accompanied by some other physiological irregularities of the urinary tract and diseases related to metabolism. If problems in other parts of the body cause infection in the bladder, then, treatment of that underlying problem is also very important.

Alternative Treatment for Bladder Infection
Alternative medicines are also available for the treatment of bladder infection. One important way to prevent this is to drink plenty of water. This helps to cleanse the bladder by flushing out the bacteria that can cause infection. Cranberry juice can also be an effective medicine for this disease. Cranberry juice acidifies the urine as it produces hippuric acid. This, in turn checks the growth of bacteria in the bladder.

Herbal medicines like Lysimachia, a Chinese herb and olive oil are also useful for those suffering from bladder infection. Garlic juice is also helpful as it kills the bacteria, and can be be taken with olive oil as well.

If the bladder infection is recurring frequently, it calls for immediate attention. In such cases, one should immediately approach a physician for proper diagnosis of the disease. If not treated in time, it can cause infection in other parts of the body, especially kidneys. It can damage the kidneys and infect the blood stream which can lead to a serious problem. To avoid such a situation, bladder infection should be treated at the earliest.