A bladder infection is also known to be a urinary tract infection (UTI). It is an infection that occurs anywhere in the urinary tract, and bacteria are the cause of a bladder infection. The number of people who get bladder infections total in the millions. Females and older males and females have a higher incidence of bladder infections. The cure for a bladder infection should be started as soon as symptoms are recognized.
Step 1
See your doctor. If you feel as if you are urinating more often than usual, or that you urgently need to urinate and only have a small amount of urine to excrete, have your doctor examine you as you may have a bladder infection. Other signs to watch out for are back pain, low abdominal pain, urine that is dark in color or not clear, blood in your urine, chills or an elevation in temperature.
Step 2
Give the doctor accurate information. Be prepared to answer a few questions the doctor may ask you when you get to his office. He may what to know the amount of fluid you drink each day, as well as if you are experiencing any other symptoms. Know what type of birth control you are on if you are a woman on birth control, in case the doctor asks you for that information.
Step 3
Expect to take tests. Be aware you will have to give a urine sample that will be analyzed. X-rays, ultrasound or a CT scan may also be needed to reveal any stones, a blockage or swelling. Another procedure that may be part of the testing is the insertion of a cystoscope into the urinary tract via the urethra for a microscopic viewing of the inside of the bladder.
Step 4
Take your medication. Before taking any medication your doctor gives you, let him know if you are allergic to drugs of any kind. Take the prescription medication your doctor gives you without fail. Most often you will be given an antibiotic to take to destroy the bacteria. Make sure you read the instructions given for taking the prescription and follow them accordingly. Expect to take the antibiotic for at least 3 days if your bladder infection is not severe. If your bladder infection cannot be easily cured, you may have to take the medication for at least a week or more.
Step 5
Eliminate foods containing yeast from your diet while you are in the healing stage. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of unsweetened and diluted cranberry juice a day. Drink more fluids, such as distilled water, unsweetened fruit juice and caffeine-free tea to flush out the bladder. While the bladder infection is severe, drink a glass of water to which you have added 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar and honey in the morning. Eat yogurt for lunch and have one glass of white wine in the evening during the severe stage as well. Do not consume foods that contain caffeine, tomatoes or cooked spinach. Decrease meat consumption. Eat celery, watermelon and blueberries. Avoid the use of colored toilet tissue, as the dye in the paper may be partly responsible for bladder infections.
References
- Urinary Tract Infections in Adults
- What You Need to Know About Urinary Tract Infections
- Healthy Healing, 11th Edition; Linda Page, Ph.D.; 2001.
