Darrick Robles Bladder infection (technically called “cystitis”) is one of the most common urinary tract infections. Due to the anatomical conditions, bladder infections are much more common in women than in men. The infection can spread through the urinary tract and cause a complicated urinary tract infection involving the kidneys.
Definition
The urinary tract consists of the kidneys, ureter, bladder and urethra. The urine produced in the kidneys flows through the urinary tract, flushing out the bacteria in the urinary tract. When the body’s defense mechanisms fail, the bacteria build up and can cause a bladder infection.
Bladder infection symptoms
The following symptoms can occur with a bladder infection:
- Burning when urinating
- Increased urination with small amounts of urine
- pain in the lower abdomen
- Cloudy or strong smelling urine
- possible blood admixture
Causes of cystitis
Women are more prone to bladder infections than men. This may be due to the shorter urethra in women and its proximity to the anal region. The bacteria have to cover a shorter distance to get into the bladder and trigger inflammation there.
Sexual activity (e.g. frequent sexual intercourse or changing sexual partners), pregnancy, menopause, kidney stones, diabetes, urinary catheters, certain contraceptives (e.g. spermicidal creams or diaphragms) and many more increase the risk of cystitis.
duration of the complaints
The symptoms of a bladder infection can last up to a week. If the course of a bladder infection is complicated, the symptoms can also last longer and other complications such as e.g. B. bring kidney pelvic inflammation.
Bladder infection in men
Bladder infections in men are rare and must be treated directly by a doctor, as the prostate can also be affected.
A direct cause of a urinary tract infection in men is not yet known. However, changes in the foreskin and having sex with an affected person can increase the risk of bladder infections and urinary tract infections.
In addition to the anatomical conditions in men, the antibacterial effect of the prostate secretion as a protective factor against urinary tract infections is discussed.
Diagnose
How can a doctor diagnose cystitis?
Bladder infections usually present with typical symptoms. This can include, but is not limited to, painful urination and increased and uncontrolled urination. Diagnostic tools such as B. urine test strips, urine cultures or ultrasound examinations can be carried out later.
When do I have to go to the doctor
If you have symptoms such as pain or burning when urinating, an uncomfortable feeling in the lower abdomen, flank pain, fever or nausea, you should see a doctor
What helps against cystitis
Drinking a lot (especially water) and heat treatment (e.g. a hot-water bottle on the stomach) can relieve the symptoms. A pain reliever to relieve the discomfort is also helpful. In addition to antibiotic therapy, there are other ways to treat a urinary tract infection. However, in which cases it is necessary, especially in the case of a complicated course, is best explained to you by a doctor. Antibiotic therapy is usually recommended to prevent complications (e.g. inflammation of the renal pelvis) and to shorten the duration of the symptoms.
This is how Med-Healths can help with cystitis
If you suspect you have a bladder infection or are experiencing symptoms similar to those described in this article, you can discuss your symptoms with the doctor via video consultation. In uncomplicated cases, the doctor will advise you in detail on suitable therapy and preventive measures and write you a prescription. In more complicated cases, he may refer you to a specialist for a physical examination.
