Everything You Need to Know About Bladder Infections
Are you experiencing a bladder infection? If so, you know good and well how painful they can be. Don’t fret, though, because there are ways to treat these terrible infections!
Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Smyrna lists some effective remedies for bladder infections.
Here’s what to do: Drink more water. Water helps flush out bacteria in your bladder, which will help get rid of the infection faster. It also dilutes your urine, which will make urinating less painful if you have a bladder infection.
A tried-and-true remedy: Frequent urination. Frequent urination helps eliminate the infection by moving bacteria out of the bladder. “Holding it” won’t do you any good when dealing with this infection, as it will allow time for the bacteria to continue multiplying in the bladder.
Another great remedy: Unsweetened cranberry juice. For generations, cranberry juice has been used as a bladder infection treatment, and it’s especially helpful for those that deal with frequent bladder infections.
Something else that can help: Use a heating pad. Putting low heat across your abdominal region or back may soothe the constant ache and discomfort that sometimes occurs during bladder infections.
What to do next: Consider over-the-counter pain relievers, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Bladder infections can cause lots of pain in the pelvic region, and these medicines are effective in working to relieve the pain.
What to do after: If none of these things work, call your doctor if your symptoms last longer than two days. You’ll likely need antibiotics to treat your bladder infection.
Doctor recommendations: If you have been prescribed antibiotics, it’s important to take your medication for the full course, even if you feel better before it’s done. Taking the full dose will make sure all the harmful bacteria are out of your system.
Action steps to take for the long run: Try changing up your wardrobe a bit if you deal with frequent bladder infections. Bacteria thrive in warm and moist environments, so wear cotton underwear and loose pants or skirts to promote air circulation and reduce bacterial growth.
We hope you stay healthy and well this year! If you do find yourself with a bladder infection or have any other questions, don’t hesitate to visit us at AFC Urgent Care Smyrna.