Caffeine is not recommended while you have a bladder infection, according to MayoClinic.com. Caffeine has a variety of effects on the bladder, all of which worsen bladder infections. If you believe you have a bladder infection, seek treatment from your physician. Bladder infections typically require antibiotic treatment to clear the infection and prevent the infection from spreading further into your urinary system, such as your kidneys.
Bladder Infection
Bladder infections are typically the result of a urinary tract or kidney infection. The main culprit is bacteria, which travels to various parts of the urinary system. A bladder infection can make it difficult to empty your bladder, and creates a sense of urgency to urinate frequently. You may only pass small amounts of urine --- if any at all --- or your bladder could leak trace amounts of urine due to the contracting of the organ.
Causes
If you're a woman, wiping the wrong way after using the restroom can cause bacteria to spread from your behind to your vaginal area, which allows the bacteria to enter your urethra. This allows the bacteria to travel from your urethra to your bladder, creating a bladder infection. Consuming certain foods and drinks, such as soda, tea, coffee and spicy and acidic foods, can lead to excess inflammation and irritation. This can worsen an existing bladder infection. The use of catheters, diaphragms and medications that compromise your immune system can also cause you to become more prone to bladder infections.
What to Avoid
Since caffeine can irritate your bladder, it's imperative that you avoid it until your infection has cleared. Caffeine can also cause bladder stimulation, which can lead to further irritation from bladder spasms, and it has a diuretic effect. Diuretics are bad for bladder infections because they cause you to urinate more frequently than you would without them. When you add to the stress of the bladder, it makes the infection much worse.
Considerations
Drink plenty of water. Water can help keep you hydrated and push bacteria out of your system each time you use the bathroom. Flushing out bacteria can help reduce symptoms and ease bladder contraction and it can help you get over the bladder infection faster than just taking antibiotics alone. Water is a natural substance that your body relies on, unlike products with caffeine that can overstimulate your bladder.
