A bladder infection affects the urinary bladder and, in some cases, can spread to the kidney or prostate. In some people, a bladder infection is acute, which means it comes on suddenly and consists of only a single episode. For others, the bladder infection is chronic, or recurring, and the person may experience brief periods without infection.
Women between the ages of 20 and 50 are most likely to experience bladder infection. Others likely to develop a bladder infection are pregnant women and the elderly. A woman whose mother experienced bladder infections is also more likely to develop one herself. Individuals with urinary obstructions, such as those caused by a kidney stone or an enlarged prostate, are also more likely to develop a bladder infection.
Those who use spermicidal agents or contraceptive diaphragms are also more likely to develop a bladder infection. Similarly, individuals with medical conditions affecting the nerve supply of the bladder, such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and spinal cord injuries, are also at a greater risk. Men who have Human Immunodeficincy Virus (HIV), engage in anal intercourse, or are not circumcised also have an increased likelihood of bladder infection.
While the most common bladder infection treatment is the use of antibiotics, there are several remedies a person can use at home. One effective method is to drink several large glasses of water each day, which helps flush out infection.
Consuming large amounts of acidophilus bifidus can also help eliminate bladder infection. Acidophilus bifidus are tiny live organisms found in yogurt. They can also be purchased in a condensed over-the-counter tablet form from the supermarket or drug store.
For those interested in an herbal remedy, a capsule called Juni-Pars can be helpful. This herbal capsule contains parsley root, juniper berries, goldenseal root, marshmallow root, lobelia herb, uva ursi leaf, and ginger root. Each of these herbs is known for its ability to cleanse the body.
Soaking in a bath with apple cider vinegar added to the water can also be beneficial. It can help treat the bladder infection, while reducing symptoms and bringing relief from the burning sensation typically associated with the infection.
|
anon185383
Post 10 |
I have found that D-Mannose has been the best remedy for me. I have suffered from UTIs for years and finally found D-Mannose. You can pick it up at any health food store. All it is is a simple sugar that is found in cranberries, grapefruit, and bark from a birch tree in Europe. It is safe for pregnant women and also diabetics. Any time I feel a twinge of a uti coming on I use it and it clears up quickly. It only costs around 30.00, which is a heck of a lot better than a doctor visit and the medicine cost. Plus it is shown to be totally safe. Hope this helps all of you who suffer like I do. |
|
anon152759
Post 7 |
I am with the above poster! My husband has lost two jobs in the past year and my job doesn't offer medical insurance. There is no way that we can afford a doctor visit right now, but I am suffering so badly right now. From all the research I've done, it seems like I've been lucky not to have ever had this before as a woman since they are apparently so common! The bladder infection/UTI hit me literally out of the blue yesterday morning and drinking a ton of water seemed to help, but now at 5 a.m., I am up and suffering horribly again. I am going to have to try the oil of oregano thing! |
|
anon109713
Post 5 |
I had an infection that just wouldn't go away about a yr ago and went through three different antibiotics that wouldn't help. So I went to a health food store and pleaded for some help. With that the lady suggested oil of oregano. Not only did this work but I have never used antibiotics for any cold/flu or anything else as the oil of oregano kills all the germs that antibiotics do without all the side effects and becoming immune to the benefits. This is now our main germ killer. |
|
anon82738
Post 3 |
Isn't it the case though that these things are great for alleviating symptoms but don't actually cure the infection? So you still need antibiotics to be assured that the infection is gone. |
|
anon71870
Post 2 |
I just wanted to say thank you to the helpful and gracious people who have entered the information on this web page. During this difficult time in our economy, many families whom have always had medical insurance find ourselves without it. Normally I would have simply popped into the doctor's office for a culture and been given a prescription for antibiotics as well as medicine for the horrible symptoms associated with a bladder infection. As my family has found themselves without medical insurance, we simply cannot afford an office visit. I thank you again for your help. |
|
bigmetal
Post 1 |
lots and lots of water and cranberry juice seems to always do the trick in my family! if you have an infant or young child, you should have them checked by their pediatrician for a congenital issue that may interfere with the drainage of the urine. they usually grow out of it, but some kids are more prone to UTIs, which can lead to kidney infection. |
