Bladder Infections - Causes, Symptoms and Treatments For This Common Infection.

Bladder or urinary tract infections are also known as UTI or Cystitis.

The most common type of urinary tract infection is cystitis or inflammation of the bladder. A sever bladder infection is often refereed to as a pyelonephritis (this kind of infection can be very serious).

Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infections include but are not limited to.

An urgent desire to empty the bladder.

Frequent urination

Discomfort, burning or pain while urinating (dysuria).

Bladder spasms

The feeling of having to urinate although little or no urine is actually expelled.

In some cases bloody or foul smelling urine and mild fever.

A need to urinate at night (nocturia).

Specific symptoms of urethritis appears as burning on urination. This often occurs mainly when you start to urinate.

Symptoms of cystitis may show up as burning on urination, often in the middle of urination. However it may have no symptoms other than fever and lower abdominal pain just above the pubic bone. Urine may also have a funny color, foul smell or odd appearance (cloudy, dark, even blood tinged or what's commonly called hematuria)

Symptoms of pyelonephritis may appear as pain in your back or flanks or in the abdominal region. Fever usually but not always. If the kidneys are severely affected you may also start seeing some of the complications of kidney failure or malfunction.

Bladder infections among children may cause new episodes of bed wetting as the only symptom.

Causes of bladder and urinary tract infections.

Just to dispel a common myth, you can not get urinary tract infection from someone else, although girls and women that are sexually active often get UTI's with in a few days after sexual activities.

Bladder infections are caused by bacteria found on or around the the rectum and vaginal areas. Most UTI's are caused by the bacteria Escherichia coli or E. Coli for short. Because of anatomical differences between men and women, women are more prone to contracting urinary tract infection.

There are several ways bacteria can get into the urethra.

During sexual intercourse.

Bacteria in and around the vaginal area can be pushed into the urethra which causes irritation in the bladder. Anytime the vaginal area is rubbed bacteria can be pushed into the urethra this also includes oral sex.

Wearing tight clothing or underwear that exposes the genital area to moisture i.e. nylon underwear or wet swimsuits.

Not changing diapers promptly.

Preventing urinary tract infections.

Prevention of UTI's or bladder infections can be as simple as common sense.

After urination women should wipe from front to back.

After Bowel movements sure to wipe from the back to prevent spreading bacteria.

Avoid holding urine and empty your bladder frequently.

Keep the genital area clean and dry.

Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture in the genital area i.e. avoid wearing nylon underwear or wet swimsuits longer then necessary. Underwear with cotton crotches can be helpful.

Urinate after intercourse and wash the genital area before and after.

Use only water soluble lubricants.

Treatment for urinary tract infections.

I recommend to everyone that they should seek the council and advise of a health care professional.

Now having said that.

I also believe in my personal opinion that when ever possible a person should look to mother nature and non-prescription alternatives before running to the drug store.

Fist of all its important to drink lots of water during and after treatment because each time you urinate the bladder cleanses itself of bacteria.

Cranberry juice has been found to have a positive effect on UTI. By all means avoid juices labeled as "cocktail" or "juice cocktail" as these contain large amounts of sugar and often not enough cranberry, make sure your cranberry juice is 100% juice. Quality cranberry juice produces hippuric acid in the urine. Which acidifies the urine and prevents bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder. If pure cranberry juice is not available cranberry supplements can be substituted.

The following is a list of herbs and berries that work similar to cranberry and are used by natural healers through out the world to treat many disorders including urinary tract infections, bladder infections, reoccurring UTI's, cystitis and pyelonephritis.

Saw palmetto berries - treatment and prevention aid.

Juniper berries often used as a stomach tonic, can act as an appetite and digestion enhancer as well as a diuretic and disinfectant of the urinary tract.

Olive leaf extract is an ancient treatment for a variety of ills that is being rediscovered by modern healers.

Olive leaf extract contains a biologically active compound known as phenolic acid which has strong antibacterial and anti fungal properties.

In his new book olive leaf extract by James R. Privatera, M.D., Olive leaf extract is effective against herpes, bladder and fungal infections.

Damiana, Historically used as a treatment for men to treat both premature ejaculation and urinary tract infection. Routinely prescribed for bladder infection, whose symptoms include burning or pain during urination.

Jatoba tree teas or formulas. The bark of the jatoba tree is well known treatment for candida albicans or fungal infections as well as for respiratory and urinary infections.

DISCLAIMER: This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for
educational and informational purposes only.  The content is not intended to be a
substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always seek
the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions
you may have regarding a medical condition.  Never disregard professional medical
advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.

Since natural and/or dietary supplements are not FDA approved they must be
accompanied by a two-part disclaimer on the product label: that the statement
has not been evaluated by FDA and that the product is not intended to "diagnose,
treat, cure or prevent any disease."
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