Bladder Infection Symptoms

November 12, 2012

Bladder Infection Symptoms

Bladder Infections are a lot more common in women than in men with around 20% of all women getting a bladder infection at least one time during their life. Cystitis and inflammation of the bladder are the names for bladder infections and the likelihood of men getting cystitis increases with age.

If treated quickly bladder infections are not serious. Some people suffer from recurring bladder infections, which after time can lead to kidney infections. People who find that bladder infections keep on coming back may want to get tested for any underlying problems that could be causing the infections. In older people bladder infections are harder to diagnose as it is often simply put down to old age.

The E.Coli bacteria found in the gut cause most bladder infections and women sometimes get it after sexual intercourse. Regular use of the diaphragm can also lead to bladder infections and pregnant women whose bladder is compressed by the foetus are also susceptible. Bladder infections in men are more of a cause for concern as they usually signify a greater underlying problem such as a blockage in the urinary tract.

There are many bladder infection symptoms, which can vary from person to person as can the severity of the bladder infection symptoms. The most common symptoms are a burning sensation during urination, a more frequent urge to urinate and strong smelling urine. Bladder infection symptoms occurring in the elderly include lethargy and confusion, which could be a sign of a urinary tract infection.

There are certain more serious bladder infection symptoms and if they occur you should make an appointment with the doctor.

  • If you are using home treatments but the burning sensation during urination continues for longer than 24 hours.

  • If as well as painful urination you are also experiencing vomiting, fever, blood in the urine or back pain. These are very serious symptoms and could indicate life-threatening diseases such as kidney disease, a bladder or kidney tumour or a urinary tract stone.

  • If the burning sensation during urination is along side discharge from the penis or vagina this could indicate an STD or other serious infection.

  • If you experience any long term pain or difficulty urinating this could also be a symptom or sign of an STD, kidney stone or bladder or prostate tumour.

A urine test can confirm whether or not you have a bladder infection and your doctor may also wish to test that everything is ok with your kidneys. Once your bladder infection symptoms have been properly diagnosed and any underlying problems have been eliminated, treatment can be started. A mild infection will clear up by itself after a couple of days by drinking plenty of water in order to flush out all of the bacteria from the bladder. If your bladder infection symptoms have not started to ease up after 24 hours, see the doctor so you can be provided with treatment such as antibiotics. Dont delay in seeking medical attention as this can lead to more serious problems.


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