Treatment for bladder infection

Bladder Infection - Overview

Bladder infection is an inflammation of the bladder caused by a variety of bacteria. Due to the presence of pathogens the inner lining of the bladder becomes inflamed and this leads to numerous symptoms and signs of the disease. The urine is an excellent medium for multiplication of bacteria. Once the infective agents reach the bladder and the urine they can multiply uncontrollably causing the infection which may only affect the bladder or, in some cases, even spread to upper parts of the urinary tract.

Bladder infections predominantly affect women. This is easily explained since female urethra is much shorter comparing to male urethra so bacteria can easily reach the bladder. Bacteria which are associated with bladder infection actually originate from the anal area. Sexually active women are more susceptible to bladder infection. Bladder infection also affects people suffering from blockage of urine flow or those whose bladder simply cannot be completely emptied. In men bladder infection may develop as a consequence of an enlarged prostate. Increased risk of bladder infections is also evident in people suffering from diabetes, pregnant women and women who use a diaphragm as a form of birth control.

In women bladder infections are usually caused by Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Klebsiella, Enterobacter and Proteus species while in men this type of infection usually occurs due to Escherichia coli and gram-negative bacterium.

Treatment for Bladder Infection

The treatment for bladder infection must start promptly. Any delay may cause the spread of the infection to the upper parts of the genital tract. Conformation of the infection is achieved after the urine sample is tested in the laboratory.

The cornerstone of the treatment is a proper antibiotic. The patients are prescribed suitable antibiotic to which a bacterium is sensitive and they are supposed to complete the entire course of antibiotics. The best thing is to do the antibiogram and determine the sensitivity of the infective agent to several antibiotics and then choose the most suitable one. Since majority patients suffering from bladder infection actually have to deal with painful urination they are commonly prescribed pain killers.

During the treatment patients also have to take care of what they eat. It is good to stay away from salty, preserved and processed foods. This should continue even after the infection has been cured. Plenty of water and intake of high acidity foods are two more things which may be beneficial for people suffering from bladder infection. And finally, it is good if one abstains from coffee and alcohol beverages at least until the infection is cured.