Monday, April 15, 2024

Difference Between Urinary Tract And Bladder Infection

Must read

Im Pregnant How Will A Uti Affect My Baby

#23087 Differences in the Incidence of Urinary Tract Infections between Neurogenic and Non-Neuro…

If you have a UTI and it isnt treated, it may lead to a kidney infection. Kidney infections may cause early labor. Fortunately, asymptomatic bacteriuria and bladder infections are usually found and treated before the kidneys become infected. If your doctor treats a urinary tract infection early and properly, it wont hurt your baby.

Are Bladder Infections And Kidney Infections Treated Differently

Both bladder infections and kidney infections are treated with antibiotics. Bladder infections are treated with a short course of antibiotics taken by mouth. In most cases the symptoms start to go away within a couple of days. If a bladder infection is not treated appropriately, however, it may go on to cause a kidney infection.

Some kidney infections can also be treated with antibiotics by mouth, but it depends on how bad your symptoms are and whether or not you have other medical problems. Sometimes kidney infections need to be treated with intravenous antibiotics in the hospital, including infections in pregnant women.

Its important to treat any infection as soon as possible to prevent complications. Be sure to take all of the pills prescribed to you and follow up with your healthcare provider as instructed.

What Should I Do If I Think I Have A Bladder Infection Or Uti

Because UTIs are bacterial infections, youll most likely need a prescription for antibiotics from a doctor. But, when youre running to the bathroom every few minutes in pain, the idea of sitting in trafficor even being stuck in a car for more than a minutesounds not only excruciating but maybe impossible.

Thankfully, Virtuwell can treat you online without a urine sampleand without having to leave the comfort of your home. Research shows that a urine culture isnt necessary to treat common bladder infections. Just fill out a survey about your symptoms and medical history, and one of Virtuwells certified nurse practitioners will review your answers to rule out something more serious, provide you with a diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, and send your prescription to a pharmacy of your choice.

Don’t Miss: Acupuncture Points For Urinary Incontinence

What Is Bladder Infection

Bladder infection is a type of urinary tract infection that affects the bladder of the concerned person. People are more prone to have this type of infection, especially females. Burning of urine, leaking urine, stomach pain infections are common symptoms. Elderly women should get themselves checked regularly.

A bladder infection that is not so serious may disappear on its own. However, if the symptoms still persist, it is advisable to visit a doctor as early as possible. A number of people try to use home remedies. Even though they prove to be beneficial for some, they may not work for everyone.

The medical term that is used for bladder infections is Cystitis. People who are affected by this suffer from inflammation of the bladder. Moreover, if the infection spreads to the kidneys, the problem will worsen. When doctors identify a bladder infection, they usually suggest antibiotics for the patient.

Apart from bacterial infection, such inflammation may be caused because of reactions to certain drugs, using feminine hygiene spray, or even radiation therapy. Sometimes, cystitis may occur in a patient as a symptom of some other illness. Treatment for this type of disease may also depend on the reason due to which It occurred in the first place.

What Is A Bladder Infection

UTI vs. Bladder Infection

A bladder infection is a type of urinary tract infection, but not all UTIs are bladder infections. Bladder infections are the most common type of UTIs. A bladder infection may also be called cystitis and it is usually caused by bacteria.

Symptoms of a UTI can differ depending on what part of the urinary tract is infected. A bladder infection usually causes symptoms such as:

  • Burning when urinating
  • The feeling that you need to pee frequently, but when you go to the toilet very little urine comes out
  • Pain in the pelvic area just above the pubic bone.

Bladder infections are usually considered simple UTIs and treatment is usually with antibiotics for three to five days. Symptoms usually resolve in a couple of days.

Also Check: Best Probiotic For Urinary Tract Infection

Symptoms Of Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection may have one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Pain or burning during urination
  • A strong urge to urinate
  • Cloudy or bad-smelling urine, or urine that is pink or red
  • Pain in the lower belly, in the pelvis , or in the rectum
  • Pain on one side of the back under the ribs
  • Fever and chills
  • Nausea and vomiting.

Other health conditions also could cause some of these symptoms. A person who has a kidney infection will probably have more severe symptoms.

What Women Should Know

When it comes to self-diagnosis, Chapa advises women to be smart and use discretion. Many women are familiar with the symptoms of UTIs and yeast infections, but if you are unsure, you should contact your health care provider to determine the cause of your symptoms.

Additionally, although these two particular conditions are not sexually transmitted, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that all sexually active men and women under the age of 26 should be screened for sexually transmitted infections at least once a year.

At the very least, visiting your physician can help put your mind at ease. Its human nature to jump to worst-case scenario conclusions, Chapa said, but these infections are very common and treatable. The best course of action to relieve uncomfortable symptoms from each of these infections is to seek treatment as soon as symptoms arise.

Article written by Ava English

Christina Sumners

You May Like: Can Apple Cider Vinegar Cause Urinary Tract Infections

Differences Between Pyelonephritis And Uti

Categorized under Disease | Differences between pyelonephritis and UTI

Pyelonephritis vs UTI

UTI or urinary tract infections are one of the common infections affecting human beings. Since the urinary system is in constant proximity to metabolic waste from the body, it is more prone to infections than other systems of the body.

UTIs can be classified as upper and lower based on the site of infection. Infections of the kidney and ureter are called as upper UTI while those of the urinary bladder, prostate and urethra are termed as lower UTI. Colloquially speaking, when not specified, a UTI means a lower UTI, more specifically a bladder infection . Pyelonephritis is an infection of the renal pelvis, the region of the kidneys from where the urine drains into the ureters and is carried away to the urinary bladder. It is relatively rarer than UTI as it higher up and chances of the bodys immune system eradicating the infection by then are high.

Children and elderly are more prone to UTIs. In adults, women are more prone to UTIs than men especially during pregnancy, sexual intercourse and menopause. Use of spermicides also increases the risk of UTI. At least 50% of women have suffered from a UTI at some point in their lives. In men, UTIs are rarer and when present, commonly complicated with another underlying condition like an enlarged prostate etc. Catheterisation is a frequent cause for developing a UTI.

Take Home Points:

What Antibiotics Treat Sepsis

Difference between Macrobid & Macrodantin? Urinary Tract Infection Treatment (UTI) | Nitrofurantoin

The majority of broad-spectrum agents administered for sepsis have activity against Gram-positive organisms such as methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, or MSSA, and Streptococcal species. This includes the antibiotics piperacillin/tazobactam, ceftriaxone, cefepime, meropenem, and imipenem/cilastatin.

Recommended Reading: What Can I Do To Prevent Urinary Tract Infections

What Is The Difference Between Urosepsis And Sepsis

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response to infection that can lead to multi-organ dysfunction, failure, and even death. Urosepsis is sepsis caused by infections of the urinary tract, including cystitis, or lower urinary tract and bladder infections, and pyelonephritis, or upper urinary tract and kidney infections.

How do I know if my UTI has turned into sepsis?

  • Respiratory rate is equal to 22 breaths per minute or higher.
  • Systolic blood pressure is equal to or less than 100 millimeters of mercury
  • Abnormal white blood cell count
  • What does Urosepsis mean? Urosepsis is defined as . Urosepsis in adults comprises approximately 25% of all sepsis cases, and is in most cases due to complicated urinary tract infections. The urinary tract is the infection site of severe sepsis or septic shock in approximately 1030% of cases.

    What is Urosepsis What is the prognosis?

    The prognosis of urosepsis is more favorable, with reported mortality rates of 2040% for severe urosepsis . In general, sepsis is more common in men than in women .

    What’s The Difference Between A Bladder Infection And Uti

    As the name suggest, a urinary tract infection affects your urinary tract, which is made up of two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder, and a urethra, according to the US National Library of Medicine . A UTI happens when bacteria get into the urethra and begin multiplying. Most commonly, it’s a strain of bacteria called Escherichia coli , which normally lives in the intestines and anus .

    Once the bacteria makes its way into your urethra, anywhere in your urinary tracts becomes fair game for an infection. If the bacteria infect your urethra, for example, it’s called urethritis if it makes its way to your ureters or kidneys, it’s called pyelonephiritis.

    The most common type of a UTI, however, is a bladder infection , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . In fact, “a bladder infection is what most people think of when they hear about a UTIthat’s the easiest way to interpret a bladder infection,”Michael Herman, MD, urologist and director of urologic oncology at Mount Sinai South Nassau, tells Health.

    RELATED: 5 UTI Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore, According to Doctors

    Also Check: Urinary Tract Infection After Period

    How Do You Get A Bladder Infection Or Uti

    UTIs happen when bacteria enters the urethra and spreads. Urinary tract infections are fairly common and can happen to anyone, but the following risk factors can increase your chances of getting one:

    • The sex you’re assigned at birthpeople assigned female at birth have shorter urethras than those assigned male at birth, making it easier for bacteria to travel to the bladder and kidneys.
    • Hormone changesmenopause, pregnancy, or just that time of the month can increase your risk of infection.
    • Diaphragms and spermicidesthese forms of contraception can kill off good bacteria, increasing the bad bacteria which can find its way to the urethra.
    • Genetic predispositionThats right! It could just be a genetic thing. Genetics play a role in the shape and size of your urinary tract making some individuals more prone to infections.
    • Sexual activityPee as soon as possible after sex to prevent UTIs.
    • Hygiene habitsBubble baths and scented feminine products might feel like self-care, but they can cause irritation that leads to UTIs. Also, always make sure youre wiping front to back!
    • Chronic illnessIllness that causes changes to your immune system, like diabetes, can make you more prone to UTIs.
    • Holding itNo need to be a hero. When you have to go to the bathroom, you should go.
    • Not drinking enough waterAdd it to the list of reasons you should drink more water! Staying hydrated can help stave off infections.

    Symptoms Of Bladder Cancer

    15 of Symptoms of a Bladder Infection Never to Ignore

    Common symptoms of bladder cancer, on the other hand, are slightly more complex.

    The most common symptom of bladder cancer is a change in the color of your urine. Your urine may become orange, pink, rusty brown, dark red, or bright red in color, which would indicate theres blood in your urine.

    Blood in the urine is also a common symptom of a bladder infection, so it is one that is often misdiagnosed in women presenting with bladder cancer.

    Other symptoms common in cases of bladder cancer include:

    • The need to urinate more frequently, even when your bladder isnt full
    • Painincluding burning, or general discomfortwhen you urinate
    • Pain in the lower back, mid-back, or side
    • Urinating when youre not meaning to
    • Trouble getting the urine stream started
    • Feeling like something is blocking the flow of urine

    Recommended Reading: Z Pack Urinary Tract Infection

    What Are The Treatments For A Bladder Infection Vs A Uti

    How a doctor deals with a patient’s UTI depends on where it’s located, what caused it, how severe the infection is, and whether there are other complicating factors to consider.

    An uncomplicated bladder infection can sometimes clear up on its own. But given that it can turn into a more severe infection, you might be better off with a prescription for some oral antibiotics to kill off the bacteria. Per the American Urological Association , treatment for uncomplicated bladder infections typically involves taking one of the following:

    • A single dose of Fosfomycin.
    • Nitrofurantoin for five days.
    • Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole DS for three days.

    If you have a more complicated bladder infection, you may need to rely on other types of antibiotics and take them for up to 14 days to clear out the infection. Either way, you should start to feel better within a couple of days of taking the meds but be sure to finish the full course of antibiotics. Otherwise, resistant bacteria could grow and create a new infection that’s harder to cure.

    Doctors may also give you additional fluids through the IV. And that’s assuming you don’t get a complication, such as sepsis. Once the IV antibiotics help you feel better, you can generally go home and finish treating the UTI with more antibiotics for a total of 14 days, per the AUA.

    Care For Pregnant Women

    The hormonal and anatomical changes of pregnancy mean that being pregnant increases the risk for both urinary tract infections and yeast infections. Not only this but pregnant people and their unborn babies may experience more health complications with even simple infections. UTIs and yeast infections during pregnancy can lead to a higher risk of preeclampsia, premature labor, and low birth weight.

    Pregnant women who think they have a UTI or a yeast infection should see their healthcare provider without delay, as these infections should be treated right away to prevent serious complications to both the mother and the child. Your healthcare provider can also help you pick the safest treatments, since some antibiotics and antifungals are not suitable for pregnant women.

    Read Also: Urinary Tract Infection Men Home Treatment

    Causes Of Cystitis And Urinary Tract Infections

    Causes of cystitis

    Cystitis can affect anyone, but women are at a much higher risk. The most common cause of cystitis is a bacterial infection, but it can also occur if the bladder gets damaged or irritated in another way.

    Other causes of cystitis include:

    • Friction from sexual intercourse
    • Irritation from chemicals found in perfumed soap or bubble bath
    • Damage from a catheter or bladder surgery
    • Medical treatments such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy medications

    Some people may be at increased risk of cystitis, including people who have diabetes, people nearing menopause, and people with a history of difficulty emptying their bladders.

    Causes of urinary tract infections

    Anyone can get a urinary tract infection, although women and girls are at a higher risk than men and boys. This is because the urethra is shorter and closer to the anus.

    Other causes include:

    Does Cranberry Juice Prevent A Urinary Tract Infection

    UTI Vs STI |Know the Similarities and Differences

    Many people say that cranberry juice can help treat, or even prevent, a UTI. Researchers are currently looking into the topic, but havent found a definitive answer yet. Healthcare providers recommend drinking lots of fluids if you have, or have a history of getting, a UTI. Adding a glass of unsweetened cranberry juice to your diet isnt a proven way to prevent a UTI, but it typically wont hurt you either.

    You May Like: Can Baking Soda Cure Urinary Tract Infection

    Is Dying Of Sepsis Painful

    Between 15 and 30 percent of people treated for sepsis die of the condition, but 30 years ago, it was fatal in 80 percent of cases. It remains the main cause of death from infection. Long-term effects include sleeping difficulties, pain, problems with thinking, and problems with organs such as the lungs or kidneys.

    When Should I Call My Healthcare Provider

    • Fever.
    • Back pain.
    • Vomiting.

    If you have any of these symptoms, or your other symptoms continue after treatment, call your healthcare provider. A UTI can spread throughout your urinary tract and into other parts of your body. However, treatment is very effective and can quickly relieve your symptoms.

    Recommended Reading: Can You Get Urinary Tract Infection From Sex

    Bladder Infection Vs Uti

    The difference between bladder infection and UTI is that a bladder infection can only occur in the bladder while a UTI spotted in any of the parts of a urinary tract. This includes your urethra, kidneys, ureters, and ever your bladder.

    A bladder infection is something that affects the bladder of a person adversely. Bacteria gets through to the bladder and starts spreading, causing pain, burning sensations while urinating, fever, and even pain in the back. A person should visit an emergency room immediately after having any of these symptoms.

    A UTI is an infection that may affect any part of a persons urinary tract. This occurs more commonly in females than in males. The symptoms of a UTI overlap those of a bladder infection. Often, it is hard to distinguish which part of the tract is infected. However, the treatment for all is the same.

    Is Urinary Tract Same As Bladder Infection

    What is the difference between a Bladder infection and a ...

    UTIs can affect any part of the urinary tract, including the urethra, ureters, bladder, or in more serious cases, the kidneys. A bladder infection is a UTI that only affects the bladder. It is not always possible to distinguish what UTI a person has because the symptoms of the different types can overlap.

    Also Check: Urinary Tract Infection Blood In Pee

    More articles

    Popular Articles