{"id":955,"date":"2017-06-27T10:31:59","date_gmt":"2017-06-27T10:31:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=955"},"modified":"2021-03-12T16:18:39","modified_gmt":"2021-03-12T16:18:39","slug":"13-common-signs-bladder-infection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/13-common-signs-bladder-infection\/","title":{"rendered":"13 Common Signs of a Bladder Infection"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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A bladder infection is not something that you are likely to miss. They have a way of drawing attention to themselves and are not easily ignored. However, that doesn\u2019t necessarily mean that you will always know instinctively when you are suffering from one. Because while bladder infections are noticeable, they are not one of the common conditions many of us deal with regular like colds and flus, meaning that we might misinterpret the signals or simply be at a loss as to what is going on. In this post then, we will look at some of the most common signs of a bladder infection to help you more quickly identify the cause of the problem correctly and start to look for a treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A bladder infection is of course caused by an infection to the bladder. This is actually a form of urinary tract infection (UTI), which an infection that affect any single part of the urinary tract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Actually, bladder infections are the most common form of UTI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most of the symptoms of bladder infection are caused by cystitis. This means that the bladder has swollen and become irritated, which is a natural reaction of the body to any kind of infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.  Pain During Urination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most common symptoms of cystitis is pain during urination. This can sometimes be felt as a burning sensation and its location in the urinary tract might give some indication as to the location of the infection. However, it can also result in a sharp pain or potentially a more unusual form of general discomfort during urination. This can sometimes be enough to prompt a visit to the doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2.  Passing Frequent Small Quantities of Urine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A bladder infection may also cause the sufferer to pass small amounts of urine<\/a> on a regular basis. This is known as incontinence and can of course be a somewhat stressful and embarrassing condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This shouldn\u2019t be confused with other causes of incontinence. If you find that laughing, coughing, sneezing etc. causes you to leak small amounts of urine, then this could actually be a result of stress incontinence which will require kegel exercises and other methods to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>3.  Blood in the Urine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Those struggling with an infection of the bladder might also notice small amounts of blood<\/a> in their urine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is technically referred to as hematuria and there are actually a number of alternative causes, including damage to the liver, prostate enlargement and cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you notice blood in your urine, it is always a good idea to get yourself checked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>4.  Cloudy or Strong Smelling Urine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Likewise, an infection in the bladder <\/a>might also cause other changes to the appearance of the urine. This might for instance cause it to appear cloudy and to smell very strongly. Keep in mind however that once again, there are various different things that can cause a change in the appearance of your urine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other common causes include changes in your diet, or extreme dehydration. Extreme dehydration prevents the urine from being diluted by the fluid in your diet as it normally would be and in turn, this can leave it looking cloudy and brightly colored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>5.  Low-Grade Fever<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Any infection is likely to cause the body to attempt to drive out the bacteria that is causing it. This causes a number of changes in the body that we associate with being unwell \u2013 including fevers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might feel very hot but also notice that you experience chills. You might find it hard to reach the right temperature and you might also have cold sweats. Make sure to keep drinking lots of fluids to prevent dehydration<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note that a fever in itself is not a bad thing up to a certain point but is intended to make the body less hospitable to the invading bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>6.  Pressure in the Lower Abdomen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You might notice a pressure around the lower abdomen that is difficult to explain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is likely to be caused by inflammation in the surrounding area, which is once again a normal reaction for the body when it is trying to fight the infection<\/a>. Inflammation helps to rush blood and nutrients to the healing area while also halting the progress of the bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s uncomfortable, but once again it is a sign that the body is doing its duty and helping you to overcome the condition!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7.  Pelvic Discomfort<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You might also notice that the pelvic<\/a> region is generally painful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a combination of the effect of the bacteria, as well as the swelling which might reach the point that it places uncomfortable pressure on the surrounding area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might find that changing position helps to treat this problem and that you can likewise get some relief from analgesics or a warm bath. Be careful though \u2013 dirty bath water is one potential cause of a UTI!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>8.  Pain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also common to feel general pain in the region and potentially in the stomach<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While you have a specific condition \u2013 that being a UTI \u2013 you are also generally ill. You are likely to feel more sensitive and to notice that the pain can radiate out from the pelvic region and into the stomach area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is also made worse by dehydration, stress and a suppressed digestive system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>9.  Back or Side Pain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Back and side pain are not normal symptoms of a bladder infection<\/a> though. Rather, these symptoms suggest that the infection has moved and is now infecting other areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That in turn means that you need to get the issue treated as quickly as possible, so it is pertinent that you visit your doctor and they might potentially move you to a stronger dose of antibiotics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>10.  Nausea and Vomiting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you experience nausea and vomiting<\/a> then you might actually be experiencing a stomach infection rather than a bladder infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nausea and vomiting are not normal symptoms of a bladder infection but they can occur if the condition develops and the body has a large reaction. For these reasons, it is a good idea to see a doctor if you do begin to be sick with your illness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>11.  Lethargy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Any infection is likely to cause large amounts of lethargy<\/a> and tiredness and this can make it hard to find the motivation to do basic things. You might find that you struggle to wake up in the mornings and that your usual activities seem a lot more difficult and require a lot more effort than usual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is of course a normal symptom of the body trying to fight the infection: a lot of energy is being spent by your immune system as it tries to drive out the infection. You can also read this as a cue from your body that it is time to rest and to take it easy. Take time off of work, stay in bed and keep drinking lots of fluid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note that this may also cause you to feel somewhat confused and demotivated in yourself as well. This is due to pro-inflammatory cytokines which affect the brain as well and create a feeling of brain fog. Time to crack open a box set and take five.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>12.  Muscle Aches<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Muscle aches are also common with any infection and any fever<\/a>. You might find that your muscles and your joints feel very sore and this can once again make it hard to go about your usual activities. You might struggle to stand and you certainly should stay away from any activity that causes you to exert yourself such as gym sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When reading these symptoms, it is always important to look at them together rather than in an isolated fashion. Of course there are actually many different things that can cause your muscles to ache and it might not be that you are suffering from a bladder infection if you don\u2019t also notice other symptoms such as burning or urgency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>13.  UTI<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are several more symptoms that we haven\u2019t had space to cover here. For instance, it is common to find that after urination, you still feel as though you haven\u2019t completely emptied your bladder. Likewise, you might find that you have pain<\/a> located specifically above the pelvic bone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also possible that you might have contracted a different kind of UTI, rather than a bladder infection. In general, UTIs are slightly more common in women and they can cause slightly different symptoms. When the pain is felt in the back or the side for instance, this might suggest that the infection has moved into the kidneys and this can actually be dangerous if left untreated. A UTI lower down in the tract meanwhile might cause pain during other activities and might also make intercourse difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is always important is that you look into whatever the cause of these conditions might be and find a diagnosis as soon as possible \u2013 even if you think it is likely to be nothing, it\u2019s better to be sure!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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