Bladder infections are common bacterial infections of the bladder that can affect individuals of all ages. However, the University of Maryland Medical Center indicates infections are 10 times more likely to occur in females than in males. Bladder infections have may causes, but onions are not among them. However, onions can serve as an irritant for a condition known as interstitial cystitis -- a condition commonly mistaken for bladder and urinary tract infections.
Bladder Infections
Bladder infections, also referred to as cystitis or a urinary tract infection, are painful infections of the bladder as well as other portions of your urinary system, including the kidneys, urethra and ureters. Symptoms of a bladder infection include the frequent urge to urinate while urinating little at a time, along with pain and burning during urination. You may also notice foul-smelling or blood-colored or cloudy urine. Other symptoms include back pain, abdominal pain, chills, vomiting and nausea. Bladder infections are rarely dangerous, unless left untreated, when they can spread to your kidneys. Treatment for a bladder infection includes a course of antibiotics. Your doctor may also recommend pain medication and drinking plenty of fluids.
Causes and Risk Factors
There are a number of factors that increase your chances of developing a bladder infection. Factors include pregnancy, diabetes, being female, being sexually active, holding urine for an extended period of time, using irritating cleansers, birth control pills, tumors or masses in the urinary system and a history of frequent bladder infections. Bladder infections are caused by bacteria entering the urinary system, especially staphylococcus saprophyticus ad Escherichia coli, or E. coli.
Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis, or IC, is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the bladder wall tissues. The exact cause of this condition is unknown. IC is commonly misdiagnosed as a bladder infection or urinary tract infection. Patients are often misdiagnosed for years. According to the National Institutes of Health, it takes about four years from the onset of symptoms to diagnose this condition. Symptoms include pelvic pain, painful intercourse, urinary urgency, the frequent urge to urinate and discomfort during urination. There is no cure for IC. Treatment is centered around pain relief and often occurs on a trial-and-error basis. Treatment may include painkillers, antidepressants, antihistamines and bladder-training therapies.
Diet Modification
Some patients with IC are able to control symptoms by modifying their diet. The National Institutes of Health indicates the concept of diet modification is to avoid bladder-irritating foods. Bladder-irritating foods may vary from person to person, and finding irritants is largely a process of trial and error. Foods may include onions, aged cheese, alcohol, chocolate, coffee, cranberry juice, lima beans, citrus fruits, artificial sweeteners, fruits, rye bread, nuts and sour cream.
