Bladder Infection Treatment Doctor in El Paso, and Horizon City, TX

Bladder infections are also known as cystitis (the medical definition). A bladder infection is an inflammation that is usually caused by a bacterial infection. E. coli is the most common cause of bacteria that causes bladder infections. Other bacteria can also cause bladder infections. Bladder infections can be very painful and annoying. It can become a serious health concern if the infection spreads to other parts of the body, in particular the kidneys.

In less common cases, bladder infections can be caused by a reaction to some drugs, radiation therapy, feminine hygiene products, spermicidal jellies, or long-term catheter use. Sometimes bladder infections happen as a complication of another illness.

Bladder infections happen when bacteria get into the urethra and make their way into the bladder. The reason that bladder infections are more common in women is because of the shorter distance between the urethra and the anus.

There are risk factors associated with bladder infections in women if the woman has a history of urinary tract infections or conditions involving the kidneys. wiping incorrectly after having a bowel movement, frequent sexual intercourse, the use of spermicide, spermicide-coated condoms, or diaphragms can be frequent causes of bladder infections. Diabetes can complicate matters, or a genetic predisposition can be a cause. Physical problems like urinary tract abnormalities or a catheter are also risk factors.

The normal treatment for a bladder infection is antibiotics. The cause of the bladder infection will dictate what treatment is required.

Unfortunately, females will get bladder infections more often than men will. So, it is helpful to know what symptoms to look for. Symptoms in females include:

• Pain or burning sensation while urinating
• An urgent need to urinate
• The frequent need to urinate
• Incontinence
• Blood in the urine
• Urine that is dark, cloudy, or strong-smelling
• Pelvic pain or discomfort
• Fever or chills
• Shakiness
• Tiredness
• Confusion

The terms “UTI” and “bladder infection” are frequently used interchangeably. Bladder infections are a kind of UTI. But, not all UTIs are bladder infections. A UTI is an infection of the urinary tract and can be an infection of the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and/or urethra. A bladder infection is confined to the bladder and no other areas of the urinary tract.

The reason that people use the terms “bladder infection” and “UTI” interchangeably is that the symptoms are much the same. A burning sensation while urinating, an urgency to urinate, and pelvic pain are common with bladder infections and other UTIs. A bladder infection is by far the most common type of UTI. Therefore, if you feel that you may have a UTI, it is highly likely that it is a bladder infection in the section. The good news is that bladder infections are fairly easy to treat.

Indicators that your UTI isn’t a bladder infection are chills, a fever, nausea and/or vomiting, and lower back pain that is more severe than what comes with a bladder infection, infection, or pinkish or reddish urine. If you feel that you might have a UTI, see a doctor quickly to prevent the spread of the infection.

Bladder infections that are treated properly rarely lead to complications. Left untreated, however, that can have serious complications.

A bladder infection that isn’t treated can lead to a kidney infection. Kidney infections can do permanent damage to your kidneys. Older adults and young children are at a much greater risk of kidney damage from a bladder infection. This is because their symptoms are often mistaken for other health concerns.

Blood in the urine is usually resolved with treatment of the bladder infection. The blood cells can not normally be seen without a microscope. If blood cells are present after treatment, it can indicate another health concern and may be referred to a specialist to diagnose the problem.

Our specialists can help at UCare Urgent Care. For more information about treatment options available or to make an appointment with our specialist at UCare Urgent Care, please call us or schedule an appointment through our website. We hope to hear from you soon! We serve patients from El Paso TX, Horizon City TX, Lee Trevino Drive TX, Fort Bliss TX, Mission Valley TX, Resler Canyon TX, Alfalfa TX, Montwood TX, and BEYOND.