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Drink more water Water flushes out the bacteria in your bladder, which helps get rid of the infection faster. It also dilutes your urine, so urinating may be less painful.
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Read More »Bladder infections can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Using a combination of medical treatments and home remedies may provide relief. Bladder infections are the most common type of urinary tract infection (UTI). They can develop when bacteria enter the urethra and travel into the bladder. The urethra is the tube that takes urine out of the body. Once bacteria go into the urethra, they can attach to the walls of the bladder and multiply quickly. The resulting infection can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as the sudden urge to urinate. It may also cause pain while urinating and abdominal cramping. A combination of medical and home treatments may ease these symptoms, but treatment from a healthcare professional is also necessary. If left untreated, bladder infections can spread to the kidneys or blood and become life-threatening. Here are 9 effective bladder infection remedies. 1. Drink more water Water flushes out the bacteria in your bladder, which helps get rid of the infection faster. It also dilutes your urine, so urinating may be less painful. Urine is made of waste products from your body. Concentrated, dark urine may be more irritating and painful to pass when you have a bladder infection. Meanwhile, diluted urine is lighter in color and usually doesn’t irritate as much. Try this Drink at least eight glasses of water per day. Limit caffeinated drinks, including coffee, tea, and soda. Caffeine can irritate your bladder even more when you don’t have an infection. 2. Frequent urination Frequent urination helps eliminate the infection by moving bacteria out of the bladder. “Holding it,” or not going to the bathroom when you need to, allows time for the bacteria to continue multiplying in the bladder. It may also be helpful to urinate after having sex. Sexual activity can push bacteria deeper into the urethra in both men and women. Urinating after sex may help flush bacteria away from your urinary tract. This prevents germs from settling and causing an infection. Try this Drink plenty of fluids so you can urinate and go to the bathroom as soon as you can. 3. Antibiotics Antibiotics kill the bacteria causing the bladder infection. If you have a UTI, you usually need medication to get rid of the germ causing the infection. Experts recommend treating UTIs with antibiotics. If you have symptoms of a UTI, see your doctor. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), vaginal infections, and certain vaginal conditions can mimic symptoms of a UTI. For this reason, it’s essential to get the right treatment for your condition. Try this Call a doctor if your symptoms last longer than 2 days or become worse. You’ll likely need antibiotics to treat your bladder infection. If you’re older, pregnant, or have other serious health conditions, like diabetes, call a doctor right away.
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Read More »The length of treatment might vary, depending on the drug your doctor prescribes and your overall health. It’s important to take your medication for the full course, even if you feel better before it’s done. Taking the full dose will make sure all the harmful bacteria are out of your system. 4. Pain relievers Severe bladder infections can cause pain in the pelvic region, even when you’re not urinating. Antibiotics will treat the infection. Keep in mind it may take a day or two before the drugs start to help. Taking pain medications may relieve abdominal cramps, back pain, and any discomfort you may feel. Try this Ask a doctor if it’s safe to take over-the-counter pain relievers. Taking acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB), or phenazopyridine (Pyridium) can ease pain while you wait for the antibiotics to start working. 5. Heating pads Putting low heat across your abdominal region or back may soothe the dull ache that sometimes occurs during bladder infections. This can be especially helpful when used together with your medications. Try this You can buy a heating pad at a local drugstore or online. Make sure to follow the directions on the package carefully to avoid burning yourself. You can also make a warm, moist compress at home by soaking a small towel in warm water and placing it over your bladder or abdomen. 6. Appropriate dress Bacteria thrive in warm and moist environments. For women, tight jeans and other tight clothes can trap moisture in delicate areas. This creates a breeding ground for vaginal bacteria. Try this Wear cotton underwear, loose pants, or skirts to promote air circulation and reduce bacterial growth. 7. Cranberry juice Cranberry has been used as a natural treatment for preventing bladder infections for generations. According to a 2021 review , cranberry juice and cranberry tablets show some promise as a remedy for women who frequently get bladder infections when used alongside medical treatment. However, more research is needed to determine whether cranberry juice really works for preventing bladder infections in the larger population. Try this Talk to a doctor about cranberry juice as a way to prevent bladder infections. 8. Probiotics Some research suggests that probiotic supplements could help improve the concentration of beneficial bacteria in the urinary tract and genitals to protect against recurrent bladder infections. Lactobacilli, in particular, can help block the adherence and growth of harmful bacteria that cause infection. Furthermore, taking probiotics may also prevent certain side effects commonly associated with antibiotics, such as diarrhea. Try this Consult with a doctor to determine whether taking probiotics may be a good option for you. 9. Vitamin C Vitamin C can help increase the acidity of urine to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, which may aid in the prevention of recurrent bladder infections. Additionally, vitamin C possesses antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, which could be beneficial for preventing infection. However, more research is needed to understand how vitamin C foods or supplements may impact bladder infections. Try this Try adding more foods rich in vitamin C to your diet, such as fruits or vegetables, to increase your intake of vitamin C. If you’re interested in trying supplementation, be sure to consult with a medical professional first.
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Read More »Preventing future bladder infections The following lifestyle changes may help reduce the occurrence of bladder infections: Drink six to eight glasses of water per day.
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