Effective Ways to Treat Bladder Infections
Bladder infections are the most common type of urinary tract infection, and they can be quite serious when not treated correctly.
Our team at AFC Urgent Care Monroe Road highlights some effective ways to treat your bladder infection below.
Here’s what to do: Make sure, before trying any treatment tactics, that you are, in fact, dealing with a bladder infection. If you are experiencing pain when you urinate, pain in your bladder or pelvis, feelings of frequent urination and/or cloudy and smelly urine, you likely have a bladder infection. Talk to your doctor first.
What to do next: See your doctor for an antibiotic. Antibiotics work by getting rid of the bacteria that is causing your bladder infection.
An effective home remedy: Start by drinking lots of water to help the infection. Water helps flush out bacteria in your bladder, which will help get rid of the infection faster. It also dilutes your urine, which will make urinating less painful if you have a bladder infection.
What to do after: Don’t hold your urine. Although it’s inconvenient, frequently urinating helps prevent bacteria buildup in your urinary tract.
Another great remedy: Use a heating pad. Putting low heat across your abdominal region or back may soothe the constant ache and discomfort that sometimes occurs during bladder infections.
Something else that can help: Consider over-the-counter pain relievers, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Bladder infections can cause lots of pain in the pelvic region, and these medicines are effective in working to relieve the pain.
Doctor’s recommendations: If your home treatments haven’t worked to reduce pain or symptoms within the first two days, contact your doctor. If an infection lingers for too long, you risk the bacterial infection traveling to other parts of your body, including your kidneys.
Action steps to take for the long run: Try changing up your wardrobe a bit if you deal with frequent bladder infections. Bacteria thrive in warm and moist environments, so wear cotton underwear and loose pants or skirts to promote air circulation and reduce bacterial growth.
Bladder infections can be serious, so don’t hesitate to contact our team at AFC Urgent Care Monroe Road with any questions or concerns!