The bladder is part of the urinary tract, and bladder infections fall under the category of urinary tract infections. These infections occur when bacteria from outside the body enters the urinary tract through the urethra. Women are more susceptible to bladder infections because they have shorter urethras than men. The elderly and people with bladder control issues are also more susceptible, as are people with diabetes and suppressed immune systems. In severe cases, the infection may travel up the bladder to the kidneys.
Symptoms
The most common symptom is painful urination, often characterized as a burning sensation in the bladder and along the urinary tract. You may also experience urinary frequency and urgency, but only pass a small amount of urine. Women may have tenderness or pressure above the pubic bone, in the area of the bladder. If the infection travels to the kidneys, you may also experience a fever, nausea and vomiting. Home remedies, such as cranberry juice, may relieve the symptoms but doctor-prescribed medications are the most effective.
Antibiotic Medications
Doctors prescribe several different oral antibiotic medications for mild and uncomplicated urinary and bladder infections. They type of antibiotic depends on the type of bacteria, but the most common drugs are amoxicillin, trimethoprim, ampicillin, nitrofurantoin and a trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole blend. Doctors usually prescribe these medications for a week to 10 days. If the infection is caused by chlamydia or mycoplasma, doctors prescribe tetracycline and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole or doxycycline. Patients with severe infections may be hospitalized and administered intravenous antibiotics.
Pain Medications
Doctors may prescribe painkillers to treat the pain associated with a bladder and urinary tract infection. These drugs vary by doctor and with the patient's individual needs. The doctor may also advise that you take an over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen, for the pain.
Considerations
People who experience recurring infections may develop a resistance to one type of antibiotic and need to take different types of antibiotics to effectively fight the infections. Antibiotics also have gastrointestinal side effects, such as diarrhea, upset stomach and inflammation of the colon, because the medication kills both bad and beneficial bacteria in the body. Women are more susceptible to vaginal yeast infections, and some antibiotics may interfere with birth control pills. Antibiotics also carry the risk of allergic reaction including itching and rashes. Severe reactions may be life-threatening and include swelling of the throat, tongue and airways that obstruct breathing. Pain medication side effects vary by medication but they include the drowsiness, gastrointestinal upset and the potential for dependency.
