A bladder infection, or cystitis, develops when bladder inflammation occurs due to infection. Bladder infections are common in women and generally develop between the ages of 20 and 50 years old. According to the National Kidney Foundation, as many as one in five women will develop a bladder infection at some point in her life, and nearly 80 percent of those women will have more than one. Symptoms include pain and burning during urination, and treatment typically involves antibiotics and over-the-counter pain relievers.
Causes
Viruses and fungi cause cystitis in rare cases, but most bladder infections result from infection with one of several types of bacteria. Escherichia coli accounts for approximately 90 percent of all bladder infections. Diaphragm use, decreased estrogen levels during menopause, urinary tract stones and a prolapsed uterus or bladder all increase the risk of developing a bladder infection. Sexual intercourse, dehydration, immobility, diabetes, HIV and bowel incontinence are also associated with an increased risk of cystitis, according to the National Institutes of Health. In men, bladder infections normally result from a bacterial prostate infection that spreads to the bladder.
Symptoms
The two primary symptoms of a bladder infection are the need to urinate frequently and urgently and burning or pain during urination. Fever is rarely present. Pressure or pain may develop in the lower back and the area just above the pubic bone. In some cases, the urine may appear cloudy or contain a visible amount of blood. Symptoms develop over hours or days, and they may disappear without treatment.
Diagnosis
Doctors often diagnose bladder infections based on physical symptoms alone. A clean-catch, or midstream, urine sample is collected and tested for the presence of bacteria. Some doctors use testing strips to check for nitrites and leukocyte esterase, two substances not typically present in urine. A doctor may send the urine sample to a lab for additional testing to check for white or red blood cells and to identify the specific bacteria responsible for the infection.
Treatment
Bladder infections are nearly always treated with antibiotics. The dose and length of treatment depends on the patient's overall health and severity of symptoms. Medications, such as tolterodine and oxybutynin, are available to alleviate painful urinary symptoms, and anti-inflammatory drugs can help with pressure and abdominal discomfort. Any underlying medical conditions must be treated to prevent a recurrence. When structural abnormalities are present, surgery may be required.
Prevention
People with recurrent bladder infections can take low doses of antibiotics to prevent re-infection. The antibiotics are typically taken three times per week. When low estrogen is causing frequent bladder infections, estrogen creams may be applied to the vulva to balance hormone levels. Drinking at least 64 ounces of water or juice every day, urinating after sexual intercourse, wearing cotton underwear and wiping from front to back may also help.
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