Bladder infection

A bladder infection is most often caused by a bacterial infection within the bladder. For people with weakened immune systems, yeast can cause bladder infections as well.

A bladder infection is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI). This refers to an infection anywhere in the urinary tract, such as the bladder, kidneys, ureters, or urethra.

Most cases of bladder infections are acute, meaning they occur suddenly. Other cases may be chronic, meaning they recur over the long term. Early treatment is key to preventing the spread of the infection.

Bacteria that enter through the urethra and move into the bladder cause bladder infections. Normally, the body removes the bacteria by flushing them out during urination.

Bacteria can sometimes attach to the walls of the bladder and multiply quickly. This overwhelms the body’s ability to destroy them, resulting in a bladder infection.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), most bladder infections are caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli). This type of bacteria is naturally present in the large intestines.

An infection can occur when bacteria from the stool get onto the skin and enter the urethra. In women, the urethra is short and the outside opening is not far from the anus, so bacteria can easily move from one body system to another.

The symptoms of a bladder infection vary depending on the severity. You’ll immediately notice changes during urination. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• pain or burning when urinating
• cloudy or bloody urine
• urinating more often than usual, which is called “frequency”
• foul-smelling urine
• a frequent sensation of having to urinate, which is called “urgency”
• cramping or pressure in the lower abdomen or lower back

When bladder infections spread, they can also cause mid-back pain. This pain is associated with infection in the kidneys. Unlike muscular back pain, this pain will be persistent regardless of your position or activity.

A kidney infection will often cause fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting. You’ll typically feel quite ill. Kidney infections are more serious than bladder infections and require urgent medical attention.

Anyone can get bladder infections, but women are more prone to getting them than men. This is because women have shorter urethras, making the path to the bladder easier for bacteria to reach.

Females’ urethras are also located closer to the rectum than men’s urethras. This means there is a shorter distance for bacteria to travel.

As men age, the prostate can enlarge. This can cause blockages to the flow of urine and increase the likelihood of a man developing a UTI. UTIs tend to increase in men as they age.

Other factors can increase the risk of bladder infections for both men and women. These include:

• advanced age
• immobility
• insufficient fluid intake
• surgical procedure within the urinary tract
• urinary catheter
• urinary obstruction, which is a blockage in the bladder or urethra
• urinary tract abnormality, which is caused by birth defects or injuries
• urinary retention, which means difficulty emptying the bladder
• narrowed urethra
• enlarged prostate
• bowel incontinence
• pregnancy
• diabetes
• nervous system conditions that affect bladder function, like multiple sclerosis
• weakened immune system