Bladder infections -- also referred to as urinary tract infections or UTIs -- are painful, bacterial infections that affect your bladder or other portions of your urinary system -- including your kidneys, ureters and urethra. These infections are relatively common, but do require treatment by a physician. In addition to an antibiotics, the properties of vitamin C may help to reduce your symptoms and fight off infections.
Bladder Infection Symptoms
There are numerous symptoms that can indicate a bladder infection. You may experience pain and burning during urination as well as the constant urge to urinate while voiding little urine at a time. Your urine may appear cloudy or red due to blood. You may also notice foul-smelling urine. Other symptoms of a bladder infection include back pain, abdominal pain, fever, chills, nausea and vomiting. These symptoms should not be ignored. Bladder infections are easily treatable. However, infections left untreated can result in kidney infections.
Risk Factors
Anyone can develop a bladder infection. However, the University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that women are ten times more likely than men to develop a bladder infection. Aside from being female, having a history of bladder infections can make you more prone to reoccurring bladder infections. Other risk factors include pregnancy, diabetes, holding your urine for an extended period of time and being sexually active.
Diagnosis and Treatment
A trip to your doctor is necessary to treat a bladder infection. A medical history, physical exam and urine specimen will confirm your condition. Your doctor will likely prescribe you an antibiotic to clear up your infection. Drink plenty of water and take over-the-counter pain medication to help reduce your symptoms.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a vitamin that is necessary for supporting your immune system. This vitamin can help prevent infections and fight off existing infections. Sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, cantaloupe, berries and kiwis. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and helps prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls off your bladder. Vitamin C can also increase the acidity of your urine. An acid-rich environment makes it difficult for bacteria to flourish.
Dosage
The University of Michigan Health System recommends 5,000 mg of vitamin C daily for individuals who suffer from acute bladder infections and for those who experience reoccurring urinary tract infections. For individuals, who experience an occasional bladder infection, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends 500 mg to 1,000 mg, once or twice per day while receiving treatment for a bladder infection.
