How to Ease the Discomfort of a Bladder Infection
Bladder infections, or cystitis, occur when normally sterile urine becomes contaminated by bacteria or other microorganisms from the digestive tract. According to the National Kidney Foundation, an estimated 20 percent of women have experienced at least one bladder infection. Symptoms include pain and burning during urination, a frequent and urgent need to urinate and lower abdominal pain. Rarely, a fever is present. An untreated bladder infection may move up through the urinary tract and into the kidneys, where it can become potentially serious.
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Instructions
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How to Ease the Discomfort of a Bladder Infection
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Increase your intake of water to help flush your bladder and reduce the concentration of your urine. This will speed recovery and help ease pain during urination. The Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding caffeinated drinks and citrus juices, as these may increase pain and irritation.
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Take antibiotics to kill the bacteria responsible for your bladder infection. According to the Merck Manual, women typically take antibiotics for three days, unless there is a history of recurrent or persistent infections. Men may require longer treatment with antibiotics, sometimes up to several weeks.
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Ask your doctor for medication to ease the discomfort of a bladder infection. Medications, such as oxybutynin and phenazopyridine, are available to relieve the bladder spasms responsible for the urgent need to urinate and to alleviate burning and soothe inflammation and irritation. Ascorbic acid may also be prescribed to reduce bacterial concentration in the urine, according to the National Institutes of Health.
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Drink 10 or more ounces of cranberry juice every day. Cranberry juice is effective at treating and preventing bladder infections, according to the Merck Manual. Cranberries contain a substance that acidifies the urine, thereby preventing bacteria from attaching to the bladder.
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Soak in a tub full of warm water for 20 minutes at a time, several times each day, until your symptoms disappear. This may help with irritation caused by your infection and from the excessive wiping associated with frequent urination.
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Place a heating pad over your lower abdominal area to reduce bladder pressure and ease discomfort. Use the heating pad as often as necessary to ease the discomfort of a bladder infection.
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