The bladder infection is actually a fairly common type of urinary tract infection, and it is manifested with symptoms such as burning during urination and frequent need to urinate. These types of infections are more common in women than in men. Most women experience the usual, uncomplicated bladder infection that is easily treated with short-term antibiotic therapy. However, in men, the bladder infection can affect the prostate and long-term treatment may be required.
Bladder infection causes
The urinary tract includes:
- the kidneys – which filter urine
- the ureters – the thin tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder
- the bladder – whichholds the urine
- the urethra – the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body
These parts of the body usually do not contain any harmful bacteria. However, in women and men who are not circumcised, the bladder infection may occur very easily when bacteria reach the bladder through the urethra.
Urinary tract infections – What happens?
Many people think that the urinary infections are exclusively transmitted through sexual intercourse with an infected partner, but this is not true. However, engaging in sexual intercourse may be very risky because the bacteria located in-between the anus and the vaginal opening may easily enter the body and reach the bladder and the urinary tract. So, the inflammation is caused by microorganisms that are normally found in the urogenital tract and intestines. The urinary tract infection more often affects women, because the path that the bacteria need to pass until they reach the bladder is much shorter than in men.
Factors that increase the risk of bladder infections:
- Vaginal sex
- The use of spermicides
- Previous urinary bladder infections
- Diabetes
- Low fluid intake
- Poor and insufficient hygiene
- Kidney stone
- Swimming in public pools
- Prolonged and frequent urinary retention
The risk of bladder infections is much higher in uncircumcised men or men who prefer anal sex.
Bladder infection symptoms
Most typical bladder infection symptoms may include:
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating
- Frequent urination
- Urgent need to urinate
- Blood in the urine
Fever, back pain, nausea or vomiting are not common symptoms of the bladder infection but may occur in people struggling with kidney infection – pyelonephritis. If you notice symptoms like these, you must visit your doctor immediately.
Is it a urinary tract infection, or something else?
Burning sensation when urinating can affect people who are struggling with vaginitis – inflammation of the vagina that is caused by fungal infection, or urethritis – inflammation of the urethra. Therefore it is very important to consult your doctor before you assume that you have a bladder infection.
Usual bladder infections are usually diagnosed on the basis of the existing symptoms.
However, the majority of patients, especially those who are facing with these bladder infection symptoms for the first time, should visit their doctor for the urine examination.
Proper nutrition for a healthy bladder
In order to avoid urinary tract infections it is necessary to fix your diet: less salt, less concentrated protein (meat, eggs, dairy products, fish…), less purified starch (white flour) and stop eating sweets with white sugar. These foods stimulate further inflammation and increase the acidity in your blood. On the other hand, you need to consume more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, it is advisable to include more vitamin C in your everyday diet, but you can also use supplements (500 mg daily is enough). If you want to boost the immune system, it is necessary to eat foods rich in vitamins A and E as well as minerals selenium and zinc.
Natural remedies for bladder infection
Garlic
This natural remedy has long been known for its healing properties. It destroys viruses, bacteria and fungi. In fact, many people believe that garlic can cure almost any illness. When it comes to urinary tract infection, you should consume garlic at least once a day, as a food condiment. You can also make a juice.
Method:
- Take 1 cup of orange juice and juice of 1 medium garlic bulb and combine.
- You can drink this juice every day, until you feel better.
Bearberry tea
Method:
- Take 1 tablespoon of dried bearberry leaves and pour 1 cup of boiling water over it.
- After 15 minutes strain the tea and drink three times a day.
This is certainly one of the best known herbs that is used to treat urinary tract infections in folk medicine.
Parsley tea
Method:
- Take 1 teaspoon of parsley leaves and pour with a cup of boiling water over it.
- After 10 minutes, strain and drink three times a day.
- The treatment takes only two days.
In addition to being good for the treatment of urinary tract infections, this tea is also used for inflammation of the prostate and urinary retention.
Cranberry tea
Method:
- Cook 30 g of cranberries in half a liter of water, until half of the liquid evaporates.
- Sweeten with honey (to taste) and drink several times a day.
This tea is extremely effective for urinary infections, especially when it comes to E. coli.
Horsetail tea
Method:
- Put 4 tablespoons of dried horsetail in 1 liter of boiled water.
- Let it sit for half an hour and strain.
- Drink throughout the day, after meals.
This natural remedy for urinary tract infections is also excellent for the treatment of kidneys stones. It relieves painful urination and prevents urinary retention.
Corn silk tea
Method:
- Put 1 tablespoon of dried corn silk in 3 dl of boiling water and cook 3 more minutes.
- Then remove from the heat and allow it to cool.
- Drink 1 cup 3 times a day.
In folk medicine, corn silk is known as an excellent remedy against bladder and urinary tract inflammation.
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