Bladder Infections/Urinary Tract Infections
- The urinary system and its function
- Painful urination (dysuria)
- Is it a urinary tract infection, bladder infection or kidney infection?
- What are urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms?
- Causes and symptoms of a bladder infection
- Causes and symptoms of a kidney infection
- How to prevent infections
- Products
The urinary system consists of two parts, the upper and the lower urinary tract. The upper urinary tract contains the two kidneys and ureters. The lower urinary tract is made up of our bladder and the urethra.
While the kidneys produce urine by filtration, the urinary tract is responsible for transporting, transiently storing and excreting the pee.
The ureters look like thin tubes. They carry urine from the kidneys into the urinary bladder. The bladder stores the urine until it is excreted via the urethra.
The urinary system filters our blood and helps to remove waste. The waste is excreted in the form of urine. In addition to this, the kidneys also have important functions for the water, acid-base and electrolyte balance.
Any form of urinary tract infection (UTI), kidney infection or kidney disease will affect the entire system. It also interferes with our ability to expel waste through urination.
Due to the proximity of the reproductive system and urinary area, they are referred to as the urogenital tract. These systems are intimately connected. Disorders in this area often influence each other.
Dysuria is the term used for feeling pain or discomfort when urinating. Although dysuria is more common in women, both men and women of any age can experience painful urination.
The pain or discomfort is often described as a mild to moderate burning sensation in the urethra. For some, the pain can be quite severe.
There are many causes of painful urination. These include bladder infections, kidney infections, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). But also yeast infections in women, or other infections like sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and bacterial vaginosis can cause dysuria.
A urinary tract infection or UTI is an infection caused by bacteria or viruses. It is most often caused by bacteria from the rectum or skin, such as E. coli. UTI can affect several parts of the urinary tract.
When bacteria enter our urinary system, they can cause infection and inflammation. This will start in the urethra and is called urethritis. From there, it can ascend towards the bladder, causing pain and inflammation (cystitis).
Bladder infections are the most commonly occurring infections of the urinary tract. They often remain in the bladder and will resolve on their own or with help from treatment, such as antibiotics.
However, sometimes the germs continue to ascend into the renal pelvis. They enter the kidneys and cause a kidney infection. This leads to kidney inflammation, also called pyelonephritis.
Kidney infections are much more dangerous than bladder infections. They can cause worse side effects and even be life-threatening. It is important to treat a UTI or bladder infection to prevent this complication.
Your urologist will take a urine sample and do a urine culture. This helps to identify any bacteria or blood in the urine. If both are present, it will often point to a UTI as the cause of the symptoms.
If symptoms progress towards that of a kidney infection it is important to rule out other kidney conditions. These include kidney stones, kidney damage, and kidney failure.
Typical symptoms of urinary tract infections include:
- Frequent urination or constant urge to pee
- A burning sensation and pain while urinating (dysuria)
- Possible lower abdominal pain
- Blood in the pee or cloudy pee
- Strong-smelling pee
- Sometimes urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control)
In case of a severe infection, there can also be shivering, fever, strong pain and vomiting.
There are also cases where bacteria can be detected in the urinary tract, but they do not cause any symptoms. Doctors call this an asymptomatic bacteriuria.
What is a bladder infection?
A bladder infection is also called cystitis. It is an infection in the bladder and the most common UTI. Bladder infection symptoms are inflammation and pain. Cystitis is different from a kidney infection although they can look similar.
Symptoms of a bladder infection include:
- burning on urination
- trouble urinating
- cloudy or dark urine
- blood in the pee
- fullness or tenderness of the lower abdomen
What causes bladder infections?
Women are approximately 30 times more likely to be affected than men. The primary cause is that women have shorter urethra than men. This makes it easier for bacteria to "ascend" once they get into the urethra.
They have a shorter distance to travel than germs that get into a male ureter. Once the bacteria or yeast get into the bowel, they will often trigger a urinary tract or bladder infection.
Also, bacteria can easily move from the anus to the urogenital tract. They are commonly spread due to incorrect hygiene or through sexual intercourse. Thus, women need to urinate after sex. This helps to get rid of any bacteria that may have been introduced into the body.
Other risk factors for developing a urinary tract infection (UTI) or bladder infection include:
- Having a urinary catheter
- Frequent antibiotic use
- Pregnancy
Older men are also prone to urinary tract infections and bladder infections. They are more susceptible because of an enlarged prostate that happens as a man ages.
This prostate enlargement puts pressure on the male urethra. This makes it harder for the body to urinate and get rid of any germs. In addition, the flow of pee is obstructed. The residual urine is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.
An infection can also spread to the kidneys. A kidney infection is much more severe and often needs antibiotic treatment.
Kidney infection symptoms include extreme low back pain, fever, nausea and vomiting. However, it is not the same as kidney stones. Those often present with much more acute, spasming pain.
To check for a kidney infection, some doctors might use an ultrasound or CT scan in addition to urine tests.
When should you see a doctor?
A medical check-up is always vital if there is blood in the urine. Also, if the urine is cloudy, a fever occurs, or if symptoms are very severe or return frequently.
It may be necessary to take medications such as antibiotics. The main goal of the therapy is to stop the infection from moving further up towards the renal pelvis.
Anything that makes it easier for germs to enter the reproductive tract can increase the risk of UTIs. But also anything that makes it harder for germs to leave. This can include tight clothing or wearing a wet bathing suit.
Proper hygiene of the genital area as well as giving the area space to breathe is vital for preventing a UTI.
In addition, supporting the immune system through diet and lifestyle can help the body fight off an infection.
Here are some home remedies and tips:
- When washing the genitals: wipe from the front to the back!
- Drink plenty to flush bacteria out before they can settle in! Also, drinking cranberry juice can help prevent bacteria from clinging to the walls of the bladder and urinary tract.
- Avoid the use of scented personal care products in the genital area.
- Use breathable underwear made from cotton.
- Avoid tampons or constant use of panty liners.
- Try to pass urine within 15 minutes of having sex.
- Keep your feet warm and dress your lumbar region according to the weather.
For recurrent urinary tract infections and bladder infections:
Have your bacterial flora tested by a doctor if you are prone to urinary tract infections. Again, there is a close relationship between vaginal and intestinal flora. A healthy intestinal and vaginal flora provide good protection against infections.
There are also many herbal and homeopathic remedies available that can help reduce inflammation in the urinary tract.
Symptoms in the urinary area can also have a psychological component. Recurring UTIs are commonly associated with stress. Learn and practice relaxation techniques!
