Antibiotics Used to Treat a Bladder Infection

Bladder infections (also known as urinary tract infections) are common, and most people will experience at least one in their lifetime. Although bladder infections are not serious, they can be painful and inconvenient. If left untreated, these minor infections can lead to other more serious infections that cause irreparable damage in the kidneys. Treatment is generally done through several antibiotics, depending on the seriousness of the infection.

Bladder Infection

A bladder infection (also known as a urinary tract infection) is an inflammation of your body's urine-producing system, including your kidneys, bladder and urethra. Bladder infections normally affect your bladder or your urethra but can spread to the kidneys if left untreated. As a rule, the higher up the infection has traveled, the more serious it has become. Kidney infections usually require hospitalization and can do irreparable damage to your renal system.

Causes

Bladder infections occur when bacteria find their way from the intestinal tract into the urinary systems. Once inside, the bacteria begin to multiply, causing pain and irritation. There are several ways for the bacteria to get inside your urinary tract. It can happen through normal sexual intercourse because the urethra is so close to the anal area. Pregnant women are especially prone to bladder infections because an enlarged uterus blocking the urinary passage could prevent urine from being emptied from the bladder. The urine sits in the bladder, providing a breeding ground for bacteria and infection.

Symptoms

The first sign of a bladder infection is often dysuria, a painful burning sensation when urinating. The burning comes from an irritated urethra, the tube through which urine is passed through the body. Dysuria is not limited to bladder infections, and having that burning while urinating does not necessarily mean you have one. You could have an STD or bladder tumors. If urinating is painful, consult a physician for a proper diagnosis.

Painful urination is not the only symptom of a bladder infection. Other symptoms of a bladder infection include an increased need to urinate or a sudden difficulty urinating. You may also experience intense cramps in your lower back or lower abdomen. Bloody, cloudy or smelly urine also indicates that something may be wrong. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your physician immediately.

Treatment

Most physicians will treat a bladder infection with antibiotics. Uncomplicated bladder infections may be treated with Bactrim, Ciprofloxacin or Augmentin. Bladder infections with obstructions are more complicated and may be treated with Ampicillin, Imipenem or Piperacillin-tazobactam. Most antibiotics will be prescribed for a week to 10 days, but there are some that work in one to three days. Short-term treatments are usually reserved for women because men tend to respond better to long-term treatment. Either type should be taken for the entire prescribed time, even if your symptoms start to disappear. Always consult your physician before taking any prescription medication and follow his instructions.

Prevention

You can avoid bladder infections or speed up recovery by drinking lots of water to flush the bacteria from your urinary tract. You can also fight off all types of infections by taking a daily multivitamin that contains vitamin C and zinc. Cranberries and other foods with high concentrations of antioxidants also prevent bacteria from attaching to the walls of the bladder and urethra. The bacteria are then flushed out of the urinary system with lots of fluids.

Always wipe front to back after a bowel movement to prevent bacteria from finding its way into your urinary tract. Clean your genitals thoroughly with warm water and mild soap at least once a day and after sexual intercourse. Also, urinate as soon as you feel the need, to avoid a buildup of urine in your bladder.

References

• Bladder Infections
• An Overview to Bladder Infection Treatment