Bladder infections also known as cystitis are very common especially in women. In some cases, severe complications can develop if not treated correctly. In the vast majority of patients recovery after a bladder infection is usually successful.
What causes a bladder infection?
Many types of bacteria live in the intestines and the genital area, but this is not true of the urinary system. In fact, urine is sterile. So when an errant bacterium, such as the E. coli, is accidentally introduced into the urinary system, it can start a bladder infection. Typically, bacteria travel up the urethra to the bladder, where an infection can take hold. Women are more susceptible than men, probably because they have shorter urethras.
Symptoms of bladder infection
Symptoms of a bladder infection might vary from one individual to another but common symptoms include:
• Pain or burning during urination
• The urge to urinate often
• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Urine that is cloudy or foul-smelling
Some people may have no symptoms
An untreated bladder infection can spread to the kidneys. Signs of this include:
• Pain on either side of the lower back
• Fever and chills
• Nausea and vomiting
Seek medical attention
If you think you have a bladder infection you should see your doctor right away. A bladder infection is generally not a medical emergency — but some people have a higher risk for complications. This includes pregnant women, the elderly and men, as well as people with diabetes, kidney problems or a weakened immune system.
Is it a bladder infection?
Most experienced doctors can easily make the diagnosis of a bladder infection but the symptoms might resemble other conditions. Although burning during urination is a telltale sign of a UTI, it can also be a symptom of certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). These include chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis. Simple tests are available in Anguilla to distinguish a bladder infection from an STD.
Asymptomatic bacteruria
Occasionally, bladder infections occur without the classic symptoms. A person may have no symptoms at all. Yet, a urine test shows the presence of bacteria. This is known as asymptomatic bacteriuria. In many cases, no treatment is needed. Pregnant women, some children, and recipients of kidney transplants should be treated to avoid a kidney infection.
Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing a bladder infection is usually a simple urine test called a urinalysis. It looks for bacteria, as well as abnormal counts of white and red blood cells. The dipstick test provides quick results. Your doctor may also send your urine to a lab for culture to confirm the type of bacteria.
Treatment
Prescription antibiotics will almost always cure a bladder infection. Your healthcare provider may recommend drinking lots of fluids and emptying your bladder frequently to help flush out the bacteria.
Complications
The main danger associated with untreated bladder infections is that the infection may spread from the bladder to one or both kidneys. When bacteria attack the kidneys, they can cause damage that will permanently reduce kidney function. In people who already have kidney problems, this can raise the risk of kidney failure. There’s also a small chance that the infection may enter the bloodstream and spread to other organs.
Risk factors for bladder infections?
Bladder infections are extremely common especially in sexually active women. Other factors that may increase your risk of getting a bladder infection include:
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Taking frequent baths
• Holding your urine
Urinary tract infections in men
Men are much less likely than women to get a bladder infection. When it does happen, it is often related to another underlying medical condition such as a kidney stone or an enlarged prostate. All men having a bladder infection should be fully evaluated.
Urinary tract infections and pregnancy
During pregnancy, there are several factors that boost the risk of urinary tract infection, especially a kidney infection. Hormones cause changes in the urinary tract, and the uterus may put pressure on the ureters or bladder or both — making it more difficult for urine to pass from the kidneys to the bladder and out. Untreated urinary tract infections can contribute to preterm labor, so be sure to alert your obstetrician if you suspect you have an infection.
Urinary tract infections and menopause
Oestrogen has a protective effect in the urinary tract, but levels of this hormone drop off significantly during menopause. Low oestrogen levels can make it easier for bacteria to thrive in the vagina or urethra. For this reason, women may be more susceptible to bladder infections after menopause.
Bladder infections in infants
Babies occasionally develop UTIs, but they cannot tell you what they feel. Here are some signs to watch for:
• An unexplained fever
• Strange-smelling urine
• Poor appetite or vomiting
• Fussy behavior
It’s vital to treat a baby’s UTI quickly to prevent kidney damage. Promptly changing a dirty diaper can help prevent bladder infections and, of course, wipe from front to back whenever changing a baby’s diaper.
How to prevent bladder infections?
Here are several strategies to reduce your risk of getting a bladder infection. These include the following:
• Drink plenty of water.
• Visit the toilet before and after sex.
• In females, wipe from front to back.
• Avoid feminine hygiene sprays.
• Take showers instead of baths.
Cranberry juice and bladder infections
There continues to be much debate over the association of bladder infections and cranberry juice. Some studies suggest it can prevent, but not treat, an infection – and is more effective in young and middle-aged women. Cranberries contain a substance that prevents E. coli bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder. If you do not like the taste of cranberry juice, capsules or tablets may work. People with a history of kidney stones should check with a doctor, first.
Conclusion
Bladder infections affect many women in many countries including Anguilla. Most cases once treated have few complications. In some cases where the diagnosis is not made, and the individual has other health issues, complications can develop and some can be very serious.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field is ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
