Fluids intake may prevent bladder infections - Health - Medicine

Bladder infection is a disease of an inflammation of the bladder that is considered second only to respiratory infections in terms of occurrences in men and women. Though it is not a serious ailment if treated on time or else it can have serious repercussions over kidneys and other parts.

Bladder infection is a bacterial infection on any part of urinary tract. They are a specific kind of urinary tract infection (UTI) also known as cystitis. It is a disease of an inflammation of the bladder that is considered second only to respiratory infections in terms of occurrences in men and women. Though it is not a serious ailment if treated on time or else it can have serious repercussions over kidneys and other parts.Women are more prone to this disease than men. Though the actual reason is not known but figures by National Kidney Foundation say about 10-20% of women get affected with this bacterial infection at least once in their lives while 80% of them have to face its reoccurrence frequently.Bladder infection is commonly caused by Escherichia coli, one of several kinds of bacteria. However in some cases it is due to virus or fungus also. If not treated on time it can spread towards kidney leading to serious problems.

SymptomsThe symptoms may vary with age, affected part of urinary system and gender. Symptoms in children can be diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and fever. Though doctors diagnose on the basis of symptoms, but usually urine test is prescribed. The treatment can be done through antibiotic drugs. Drug therapy should be completely followed as directed by the physician otherwise bacteria that remain in the prostate will infect the bladder again and again. Some common symptoms of bladder infection are: Burning sensation while urination Increase frequency of urination Blood in urine Inability to urinate despite the urge Cloudy urine Stinking urination Lower abdomen discomfort Causes of bladder infectionAs said above cystitis or bladder infection is common in women, particularly during their early years of age. There are various reasons deemed by researchers for this frequent occurrences in women such as their short length of the urethra where bacte ria commonly resides, sexual intercourse, pregnancy or drooping uterus or bladder etc.Though not so common in men, cystitis affects the urethra and then moves into the prostate and bladder of men. The common cause of recurring bladder infection in them is a persistent bacterial infection in the prostate. Stones in the bladder and a bladder out pouching also lead to cystitis. Bladder infections can be hereditary also. Diabetics, persons affected by sickle-cell disease, or anatomical malformations of the urinary tract such as prostate enlargement are at risk to it.Doctors usually diagnose this infection on basis of its typical symptoms and various kinds of urine tests and treat it through antibiotics. Drinking plenty of fluids will help to flush out the bacteria out of the body and may help to prevent this bladder infection.