Bladder infections can be painful and very annoying, but as long as they are limited to your bladder they aren't too dangerous. If it spreads to your kidneys, then it can be very dangerous. It's very important to control and stop a bladder infection before it spreads to other vital organs. For this reason, you need to know the bladder infection symptoms so that you can get treatment promptly to avoid complications.
If you think you might be suffering from a bladder infection, take a look at the following bladder infection symptoms.
Key Points
- Moderate to severe discomfort in your lower abdomen can be a sign of a bladder infection.
- Painful or abnormally frequent urination can also be a symptom of a bladder infection.
- Do not hesitate to go to the doctor or to urgent care if you think you have a bladder infection.
Bladder Infection Symptoms
If you are experiencing an infection in your bladder, you may experience moderate to severe discomfort in your lower abdominal area. This pain can be sharp and is not relieved with typical pain treatments. You may also feel a lot of pressure in your pelvic area. The pressure can be enough to be painful.
Another bladder infection symptom is a burning sensation when you urinate. It will be very painful when you urinate and your urine will have a strong smell. Your urine may also contain blood or have a cloudy appearance from the waste products of the infection. You may also be unable to fully urinate, so you might have the need to frequently urinate and may produce small amounts when you do.
Prognosis for a Bladder Infection
If your bladder infection is left untreated, it may spread to other body organs, including your kidneys. If the bladder infection spreads to your kidneys, it can become very serious very rapidly and leave you in a very risky situation. That's why it's important to seek medical treatment as soon as you experience bladder infection symptoms.
A bladder infection is treated with antibiotics. How long you need to take the antibiotics for and what type of antibiotics you take will depend on the severity of your infection. Generally, your bladder infection will clear up without any lasting issues. If the infection spread to other organs, recovery may be more complicated.
Preventing future bladder infections is important. Getting frequent bladder infections will not only impact your health, but your quality of life. Make sure you drink enough water every day. Drinking a lot of water will help flush your bladder, keeping it free from bacteria. In addition, practice good hygiene. Shower regularly, and change your underwear if you've soiled it or sweat a lot. If you're still menstruating, change your pad or tampon regularly.
If your symptoms continue despite being on antibiotics, talk to your doctor. This could be indicative of another problem. Your symptoms should start to improve after a few days of taking antibiotics. Follow your doctor's instructions, and try not to miss a dose.
Do not take the content of this article as professional medical advice. It's important to exercise due diligence when obtaining relevant information in matters pertaining to your health. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.