Bladder Infection Treatment Specialist in Smithfield NC

The source of symptoms is not the bladder infection itself; instead, the subsequent inflammation of the bladder; this is termed cystitis. Most patients report the first symptom of their bladder infection as a sharp, burning, or stinging pain when urinating and the need to urinate more frequently. Often, patients with bladder infections will feel a strong urge to urinate but only pass small amounts at a time. Even after going to the bathroom and passing a reasonable amount of urine, patients may still feel the need to pee. Urine may also appear cloudy or foggy and, if more serious, could result in hematuria (blood in the urine).

Many patients report their urine to be foul-smelling as well. Pain may not be felt just in the groin during urination but also in the pelvic and lower abdominal area. This pain is described as a cramping or aching sensation that may be constant or comes in waves. Fever is a common sign of infection and may be present if the condition reaches the kidneys. In older adults, it is imperative to understand the connection between the presentation of mental alterations and the underlying causes of urinary tract infections. Older persons may seem more fatigued than usual in a mild case, though symptoms can escalate to delirium and great agitation.

The most common cause of urinary tract infections, specifically that of the bladder, is caused by bacterial growth. More often than not, the culprit bacteria causing UTI’s is E. coli. This bacterium is found in the digestive tract and is part of our natural flora, the healthy and helpful bacteria naturally found in or on the body. E. coli is passed with bowel movements and can easily be transferred from the anus to the urethra. Women are considerably more likely to develop a urinary tract infection, as the urethra is much shorter in females than males. In females, the urethra, the tube carrying urine from the bladder to the body’s exterior to be expelled, measures about 1.5 inches long.

Opposingly, a male’s urethra measures around 7.5 inches. This extended length provides more protection of the bladder and kidneys, as it takes more effort and time for an infection to travel internally. Further, bacteria can easily migrate to a female urethra during back-to-front wiping, intercourse, tampon use, etc. During pregnancy, the pressure put on the bladder from the growing fetus and uterus disallows complete emptying of the bladder.

If residual urine is stored longer than usual, bacterial growth will increase. Menopause can also lead to an increase in UTIs, as varying hormonal changes affect the state of the vaginal and urethral lining, making it weaker. In men, the cause of bladder infection is more often due to prostate infection. An enlarged prostate, in this case, has the same effect on the bladder as pregnancy does.

UTI is an acronym for “urinary tract infection,” a broad term describing an infection in any part of the urinary system, whether it be the kidneys, bladder, or urethra. A bladder infection, for this reason, is a specific type of UTI.

A mild bladder infection may dissipate on its own within a few days, though antibiotics are usually needed to rid the body of the infection. It is best to schedule an appointment with your doctor when you notice the symptoms and begin a course of oral antibiotic treatments. You will need to take these antibiotics every day for a week or two; stopping antibiotic administration before the prescription’s end date puts you at risk of developing another infection. It is vital that you drink large amounts of fluids when experiencing a bladder infection to help your body flush it out.

Drinking more water can seem daunting to patients, as it means more painful bathroom trips. However, large amounts of water will help your bladder empty more effectively, rather than small, frequent amounts. Cranberry juice is a typical recommendation, as the contents of this fluid decrease the bacteria’s ability to stick to each other and the lining of the bladder. For pain, over-the-counter pain-relieving medications can use as a warm compress or heating pad to apply to the pelvic region.

If you are experiencing a bladder infection, reach out to our team of healthcare professionals today at Mohamed & Associates Urology Center today so that we can help keep your health in check. We serve patients from Smithfield NC, Selma NC, Clayton NC, Princeton NC, Whitley Heights NC, Four Oaks NC, Pine Level NC and Kenly NC.