What is a Bladder Infection?

A bladder infection is also known as cystitis, and is commonly referred to as a
urinary tract infection (UTI). When bacteria enters the urinary tract via the
urethra, sometimes it moves up into the bladder, where it can multiply and cause
an infection.

Although generally very uncomfortable, treating a bladder infection is not
difficult. Most bladder infections or UTI’s are caused by the bacterium Escherichia
coli (E.coli).

Types of Bladder Infection

There are two main types of urinary tract infections: lower tract and upper tract
infections. An infection found in the lower tract involves the urethra and/or the
bladder. Infection of the urethra (tube that carries urine from the bladder to the
outside) is called urethritis, while infection of the bladder is called cystitis. Upper
tract infections involve the kidneys and can be caused either by bacteria entering
the kidneys from the bloodstream or by bacteria ascending up from the bladder via
the ureters to the kidneys. An infection of the kidneys is known as pyelonephritis,
and this is a serious medical condition.

Diagnosing a Bladder Infection

The doctor will perform a physical examination, check the patient’s medical
history, and inquire about symptoms presented. During the physical examination,
the doctor may examine the patient’s pelvic area, abdomen and lower
back to determine whether the bladder or kidney is enlarged.

Tests to Diagnose Bladder Infection

Urine test by using a dipstick in the urine sample
● By urine culture where a specimen is sent to the laboratory to grow and
identify the causative bacteria
● Ultrasound scan

Symptoms of Bladder Infections

● Urgent need to urinate
● Frequent urination
● Burning or pain during urination (dysuria)
● Bladder spasms
● Cloudy, bloody, or foul-smelling urine
● Pain in lower back or abdomen
● Pain above the pubic bone
● Shakiness and fatigue
● Mild fever

What Causes a Bladder Infection?

The most common cause of bladder infections is infection by bacteria which have
spread from the rectal area into the urethra. Approximately eighty percent of
bladder infections are caused by Escherichia coli (E.coli). Other bacteria
that may also cause bladder infection include Staphylococcus saprophyticus,
Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and Proteus species.

Contributing Causes of Bladder Infection

● A short urethra makes women more prone to developing infections
● Sexual intercourse
● Use of a diaphragm for birth control
● Inadequate personal hygiene
● Sexually transmitted diseases
● Enlarged prostate in men
● Pregnancy
● Medical conditions such as diabetes or HIV

Help for Bladder Infections

The symptoms of bladder infections can be alleviated with a number of effective
treatment options including drug therapy, complementary therapy, or
natural remedies. Certain preventative measures can also help to reduce
symptoms.

Drug Therapy

● Over-the-counter drugs such as painkillers, anti-inflammatories or
antispasmodics are commonly prescribed to relieve pain and discomfort.
● Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to treat the infection.

It is important to note that treatment of a bladder infection with
antibiotics may contribute to recurring bladder infections, and continued
antibiotic use weakens the immune system. Antibiotic use is also associated
with an increased risk of developing thrush and other yeast infections. Pregnant
women should consult their doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication.

Natural Remedies

Natural treatments such as herbal and homeopathic remedies can be effective in
relieving the pain and discomfort of bladder infections as well as treating the
infection, without the problems associated with OTC drugs and antibiotics.

Herbal and homeopathic remedies have been traditionally used for centuries to
effectively address both the symptoms of bladder infections as well as the
underlying causes, thereby providing a more holistic and longer-lasting solution.
Natural remedies are also safe to use regularly without the harmful side effects of
conventional medicine. Using these remedies will not only treat the symptoms
successfully, but also enhance your overall health and well-being. A combination of
carefully selected herbs such as Agothosma betulina (buchu), Arctostaphylos uvaursi,
Melissa officinalis (lemon balm), Avena sativa , Hypericum perforatum (St.
John’s Wort), Vaccinium myrtillus (billberry) and Echinacea angustifolia prevent
further infection by providing antibacterial action, supporting the immune system,
and creating a urinary tract climate which is not conducive to bacteria. Consult a
herbalist or homeopath about a treatment most suited to your symptoms.

Complementary therapy can offer a holistic and effective approach to
treatmenting a bladder infection and prevention and can include:

● Acupuncture
● Naturopathy
● Nutritional therapies
● Pelvic floor treatments (to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles)
● Massage
● Biofeedback

Use these therapies as part of your broader treatment plan to reduce discomfort,
pain and to strengthen the urinary tract system.

Tips to Help Prevent Bladder Infection

● Drink plenty of water, at least eight glasses a day, to flush out your system
● Do not resist the urge to urinate
● When visiting the bathroom, women should wipe from front to back after
urinating
● Avoid using products that may irritate the genital area such as scented soap,
bubble bath, talc or spray
● Wear cotton instead of nylon underwear
● Avoid wearing tight jeans or trousers and wet swimsuits
● Wash before and after sexual intercourse
● Change tampons and sanitary towels frequently when menstruating
● Drink lots of pure cranberry juice
● Avoid excessive caffeine and sugar in the diet

The Natural Approach

Related Natural Remedies:

UT-Tonic: For natural urinary tract and bladder support.
Triple Complex UT-Tonic is a combination of three cellular-supporting
tissue salts selected for their positive effects on urinary tract and bladder health

This combination of tissue salts can be used regularly in a general capacity to
promote systemic balance in the urinary system as well as in conjunction
with other remedies to maintain therapeutic effectiveness.

Tissue salts, also called cell salts or biochemic salts, are composed of minerals that
occur naturally at a cellular level in our bodies and all organic matter on earth
(plants, rocks, and soil).

In in the system of biochemistry, there have been twelve essential tissue salts
identified as important components of all body cells. Without this combination,
true health is unattainable, as each tissue salt plays a different yet vital role in
maintaining cellular health in the organs and systems of the body.

Cell salts, or biochemic tissue salts help to maximize health efforts, and enhance
the bioavailability of all supplements, remedies, and nutrients in your
diet to ensure that all the cells of your body and urinary system are functioning
effectively.

Our tissue salts are manufactured to ensure safe yet optimum potency, and they
are safe to use for all ages, as well as during pregnancy and nursing.

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