The burning and painful sensation of a urinary tract infection -- also known as a bladder infection or cystitis -- is something no one wants to experience. Unfortunately, over 50 percent of women will experience a urinary tract infection at some point in time, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Fortunately, there are means of easing the discomfort of an infection. One way is to avoid your regular cup of tea as you recover -- tea is a stimulant that can cause bladder irritation.
Bladder Infections
Bladder infections, UTIs and cystitis are common bacterial infections that can affect your kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra. Most commonly affecting women, bladder infections have a variety of symptoms. Symptoms can include the frequent need to urinate, pain or a burning sensation while urinating, passing minimal urine at a time, abdominal pain, cloudy urine, foul smelling urine, pink or blood-colored urine, fever, chills, nausea and vomiting. Bladder infections are not dangerous, but can spread to your kidneys causing severe pain and permanent damage if not treated. If you suspect you have a bladder infection, visit with your doctor or an urgent care facility. A doctor will ask you about your symptoms, take your medical history and perform a physical examination. A urine specimen will be collected and analyzed for bacteria. The normal course of treatment for a bladder infection is antibiotics.
Causes and Risk Factors
Bladder infections are the result of bacteria entering any portion of your urinary system -- including your bladder, ureters, kidneys and urethra. There are a number of factors that increase your chances of developing a bladder infection -- tea, food and beverage consumption are not among the causes. Women are more likely to develop bladder infections than men. Those who are pregnant or have diabetes are more prone to infections. Being sexually active, having intercourse with a new sexual partner or engaging in intercourse with multiple partners can increase your chances of developing a bladder infection. Holding your urine for long periods of time can also cause infection.
Tea and Bladder Irritation
Tea -- just like coffee and soda -- contains caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant that can irritate the lining and tissue that compose your bladder. When the lining of your bladder is irritated, you are more prone to infections and it may be be more difficult to fight off infections of the bladder. Caffeine can also lead to dehydration. Dehydration can lead to bladder infections, according to MayoClinic.com. If you must drink tea while dealing with a bladder infection, stick with decaf and drink it in small quantities.
Alternative Drinks
Staying hydrated is important in preventing bladder irritation and helping to reduce symptoms associated with bladder infections. Drinking plenty of water can help to prevent dehydration -- which can can to infections. Drinking plenty of fluids can also help flush the kidneys out naturally through means of urinating. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends six to eight glasses of water per day. When possible, try to drink filtered water. Drinks that contain antioxidants -- such as cranberry juice or cherry juice -- can help in preventing bacteria from sticking to the walls of your bladder.
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