At-home treatment for bladder infection, also known as cystits or UTI (urinary tract infection), can be initiated at the first signs of symptoms. If you're overly sensitive to antibiotics, have allergies, or other reasons to not seek treatment for bladder infection, home remedies might help. If a bladder infection does not respond to home treatment within 24 hours; if symptoms worsen; or if you develop chills, fever, back pain, blood in the urine or malaise, see your physician. Normal treatment for bladder infection is with antibiotics, and is recommended in combination with at-home treatment. Bladder infections can cause serious complications and illness if bacteria spreads to the kidneys.
Drink Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice makes it difficult for bacteria to adhere to the bladder wall. Drinking cranberry juice at the first sign of a bladder infection (urgency to urinate and burning) is an acceptable home treatment that could eliminate a mild bladder infection. Drinking cranberry juice regularly can help prevent recurring bladder infection. It acidifies the urine, making the environment in the bladder less friendly for bacterial growth. It's suggested to drink 10 oz. cranberry juice daily. You can also take a cranberry pill or drink 2 oz. cranberry juice extract daily. A caution: Cranberry juice can interfere with the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin).
Urinate Frequently
Frequent urination helps rid the bladder of harmful bacteria. At-home treatment for bladder infection should be combined with prescribed antibiotics.
Heating Pad or Hot Water Bottle for Pain
A heating pad or hot water bottle applied to the lower abdomen can help alleviate pain. These treatments don't rid the body of the bacteria causing the bladder infection but can be used for comfort until the infection is resolved. Do not fall asleep with a heating pad in place, and always follow instructions for safe use.
Increase Water Intake
Unless instructed by your doctor to restrict fluids because of heart disease (particularly congestive heart failure or kidney disease), it's important to increase fluid intake to help flush bacteria from the bladder. Avoid fluids that dehydrate and irritate the bladder, especially caffeine and alcohol. Increase your intake of water as part of your home treatment for bladder infection.
Avoid Spicy Foods
Avoid spicy foods, which can aggravate symptoms. Foods do not contribute to bladder infection or help eliminate bacteria, but they can make the symptoms worse.
Take Showers, Not Baths
Soaking in the bathtub can reintroduce bacteria into the bladder. Take showers, and avoid using soaps that could irritate. Do not use feminine hygiene products.
Prevent Bacterial Spread
Women are cautioned to always wipe front to back following a bowel movement. Antibiotics and other home treatments are futile if bacteria from the intestine are consistently reintroduced into the bladder by improper wiping. E.coli, bacteria found in the intestine, are a common cause of bladder infection in women. Intestinal bacteria are easily spread from the anal area to the urethra (where urine comes out), then spreads to the bladder. Bladder infections that spread to the kidneys can cause widespread systemic infection. Consult your doctor about symptoms of bladder infection. Home treatment of bladder infection should be combined with physician guidance.
