by 
The Curious Bag
-
A bladder infection, also known as cystitis, can occur in men and women of all ages. According to The New York Times (NYT) Health Guide, bacteria that reside in the digestive tract, vagina or urethra can travel to the bladder, causing an infection.
Burning
The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) says a burning feeling when you urinate may accompany a bladder infection.
Cloudy Urine
Your urine may be discolored, blood tinged or cloudy, or have a strong, unpleasant odor as a symptom of cystitis.
Urge to Urinate
According to the NKUDIC, a bladder infection may cause you to feel a strong need to urinate even though your bladder is empty.
Cramping
Bladder infections may also cause include lower abdominal cramping or back pain, reports the NYT.
Fever
Sometimes cystitis causes a low-grade fever. A higher fever and chills or night sweats may indicate the infection has spread to your kidneys, according to the NYT.
Prevention/Solution
Drink plenty of fluids, such as cranberry juice, urinate often and use proper hygiene to help prevent cystitis, the NYT says. If you suspect you have a bladder infection, see your doctor, who may prescribe a course of antibiotics to keep the infection from spreading.
Source:
New York Times Health Guide: Urinary Tract Infection - Adults
National Institutes of Health: Urinary Tract Infections
More Information:
RELATED QUESTIONS
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC