The most common type of urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bladder infection. They develop when bacteria enter the urethra and then travel into the bladder. The urethra is the tube that takes urine out of the body as excretion. Once bacteria go into the urethra, they can attach to the walls of the bladder and quickly multiply.
The resulting infection can cause uncomfortable symptoms like a sudden urge to urinate, pain while urinating and abdominal cramping. A combination of medical and home treatments may ease these signs and symptoms. If left untreated, a bladder infection can become life-threatening. This is because the infection can spread to the kidneys and blood.
In this article:
7 Effective Natural Remedies for Bladder Infection
Other Remedies
7 Effective Natural Remedies for Bladder Infection
Drink More Water
Water flushes out the bacteria in the bladder. This helps get rid of the infection faster and effectively. It also dilutes the urine, so urinating may be less painful. Urine is made of waste products from the body. Concentrated, dark urine may be more irritating and painful to pass when having a bladder infection. Diluted urine is lighter in color and usually doesn’t irritate as much.
Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. Limit caffeinated drinks, including coffee, tea, and soda. Caffeine can irritate the bladder, even more, when not having an infection.
Frequent Urination
It helps eliminate the infection by moving bacteria out of the bladder. Holding it or not going to the bathroom when need to, allows time for the bacteria to continue multiplying in the bladder. It can also be helpful to urinate after having sex. Sexual activity can push bacteria deeper into the urethra in both men and women and be harmful. Urinating after sex may help flush bacteria away from the urinary tract. This prevents germs from settling and leading to an infection.
Drink plenty of fluids so urination can be done. Go to the bathroom as soon as possible.
Heating Pads
Putting low heat across the abdominal region or back may help to soothe the dull ache that sometimes occurs during bladder infections. This can be especially helpful when used together with the medications.
Buy a heating pad at a local drugstore or online. Make sure to follow the directions on the package carefully to avoid burning the body. Try making a warm, moist compress at home. Simply soak a small towel in warm water and place it over the bladder or abdomen.
Appropriate Dress
Bacteria thrive in warm and moist environments. For women, tight jeans and other tight clothes can trap moisture in delicate areas and should be avoided as this creates a breeding ground for vaginal bacteria.
Wear cotton underwear, loose pants or skirts to promote air circulation and reduce bacterial growth and infection.
Unsweetened Cranberry Juice
It has been used as a natural remedy for preventing bladder infections for generations. According to a 2012 study, cranberry juice and cranberry tablets show some promise as a remedy for women who frequently suffer from bladder infections. Some studies show that cranberry juice help reduces the risk of bladder infections by preventing bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract.
Increase Vitamin C Intake
It protects against bladder infection. It increases the acidity of the urine, thereby killing off the bacteria that cause infection.
Fruits and vegetables are especially high in vitamin c and are a good way to increase the intake.
Take a Probiotic
These are beneficial microorganisms that are consumed through food or supplements. They can promote a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut and are available in supplement form or can be found in fermented foods such as kefir, kimchi, kombucha, and probiotic yogurt.
Other Remedies
- Natural Supplements – d-mannose, bearberry leaf, cranberry extract, and garlic extract are natural supplements that prevent bladder infections.
- Antibiotics – these kill the bacteria causing the bladder infection. During a UTI, take a medication to get rid of the germ causing the infection. Experts suggest treating UTIs with antibiotics. If there are symptoms of UTI, contact the doctor. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), vaginal infections and certain vaginal conditions can mimic symptoms of a UTI, so it is essential to get right and proper treatment for the condition.
Call the doctor if symptoms last longer than two days or become worse. Take antibiotics to treat a bladder infection. If older, pregnant or serious health conditions like diabetes, call the doctor right away. The length of treatment might vary, depending on the drug the doctor prescribes and the overall health. It’s important to take the medication for the full course, even if feeling better before it’s done. Taking the full dose will make sure all the harmful bacteria are out of the system.
- Pain Relievers – severe bladder infections can cause pain in the pelvic region, even when 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.
Ask the doctor if it’s safe to take over-the-counter pain relievers. Taking acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil) or phenazopyridine (Pyridium) can ease the pain while waiting for the antibiotics to start working.
Conclusion
Bladder infections including recurring infections require medical attention but natural remedies can also be effective and used. When treated promptly and effectively, the risk of serious complications is reduced.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3749018/
- Https://www.healthline.com/health/bladder-infection-treatments#prevention
- Https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/uti-home-remedies#section7
