A bladder infection is also called a urinary tract infection (UTI). It is a bacterial infection that affects any part of the urinary tract. Although urine contains a variety of fluids. salts, and waste products, it normally does not have bacteria in it. When bacteria get into the bladder and multiply in the urine, it causes a urinary tract infection.

Symptoms Of A Bladder Infection

- Frequent urination along with the feeling of having to micturate even though little or no urine actually comes out.

- Need to urinate during the night.

- Discomfort or pain at the urethral meatus or a burning sensation throughout the urethra with micturition (dysuria).

- Pain in the midline suprapubic region.

- Pus or blood in urine.

- Mild fever.

- Discharge from the urethra.

- Cloudy and foul-smelling urine.

- Increased confusion and associated falls are common presentations to Emergency Departments for elderly patients with UTI.

Some urinary tract infections are asymptomatic.

The Herbal Approach For Treating a Bladder Infection

Drink lots of fluids, at least eight glasses per day. One beverage to include is cranberry juice.

Urinate often, at least every three hours during the day. If you drink liberally, this should come naturally. The goal is to frequently flush the bladder and urethra, thereby washing out any bacteria.

If you use a diaphram and spermicidal jelly, consider switching to another form of birth control. Discuss these options with your doctor.

Echinacea. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory echinacea also revs up the immune system, which can be helpful to people with a recurrent bladder infection.

Foods To Avoid With A Bladder Infection

Spices

Chilies

Coffee

Soft drinks

Sugars