Today I noticed that I have either a bladder infection or a urinary tract infection, but can't tell which...

Question

There's an over- the- counter drug for bladder infections, I heard, and sounds perfect for the timing. And even better because of the fact that I don't have insurance. When I looked up the symptoms, it's all the same for both infections. Does anyone happen to know off hand if there are any distinct differences between the two? Thanx.

Answer 1

Hi Just Me, Don't believe these ill informed knuckleheads that say cranberry doesn't help. Read this article before you decide....
http://www.sciencentral.com/articles/view.php3?language=english&type=&article_id=218392874

Also, UTI stands for Urinary Tract Infection which includes the bladder and urethra. So, for all intents, they're the same. Most of the information posted, so far, is pretty good.

Please keep in mind that antibiotics often cause more problems than they solve. Investigate this issue on your own and read, read, read. I like to say, "You can't know too much when it comes to your health." Pretty soon, you'll learn that the body can heal almost anything... provided it's given the proper nutrients (hint: antibiotics are not a nutrient).

Here's another tip. Bladder/UTI infections are caused by the e. coli bacteria. That comes from another nearby exit. No, I'm not saying your hygiene isn't good, but it is food for thought.

Please research this as much as you can before you decide which type of treatment you follow. I hope you'll choose the best way.

My good friend, SWSunflower is right next to you in my contacts list. She is a whiz on this kind of stuff. I'm pretty good, but she blows my doors off. Email her asking about UTIs and tell her I sent you. Go through her answers. She answered one like this several months ago. She'll respond with the absolute truth. Don't be shy, you deserve to know from someone who's been there and fixed it naturally.

Here's a link to one of her answers dealing with UTI:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=ApnVdKQ4Ciuzju8VvTCYTAnty6IX?qid=20061025111512AAkoru1&show=7#profile-info-61a919c424ed3a51840dbd07f77260d6aa

The following answer provoked this thought.... You can do as that answerer suggests and see a doctor, get some antibiotics, and continue to have "numerous" infections or strengthen your body's immune system and let this one be the last. My friend can tell you more. She survived one of the worst infections around, MRSA. She knows what she's talking about. Both she and I have been exposed to both mainstream medicine and alternative medicine. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. I'll let you decide which is better overall.

Answer 2

The difference between the two is that a bladder infection involves only the bladder, and a urinary tract infection generally involves the ureters as well. The symptoms and treatment are the same for both. A bladder infection can escalate to a UTI, and a UTI can escalate to a kidney infection.

Drink plenty of fluids to help flush the infection out. Drinking 8-16 ounces of cranberry juice daily also helps. If the infection lasts more than a week, please see a doctor because you'll need antibiotics. Your county's public health district or your local community clinc will cost less than a regular doctor's visit. Also, there are places like Wal-Mart that offer perscription discount plans where you can get most antibiotics for $5 or less.

Answer 3

The terms are basically interchangeable. Your bladder is part of your urinary tract. A urinary tract infection could describe an infection of your bladder, urethra, etc. If you think you have one, over the counter medication may relieve the symptoms but not kill the bacteria that actually causes the infection. Often it comes back even worse. I know that you do not have insurance, but you should try to go to the doctor, or even a walk-in clinic. They can test your urine to confirm that you have a UTI and prescribe the appropriate antibiotics. Feel better.

Answer 4

It's a matter of the location, for the most part. Bladder is localized, UTI refers to an infection that is more widespread. Unsweetened cranberry juice and uva-ursi are good for either. Drink lots of water to help flush it through. Also cut out sugar until you're cleared up, it just feeds the bacteria.

I tried this when I had a UTI, and the first appointment my doctor had available was a week away. By the time I got there, it had cleared up. If the symptoms don't clear within that time frame, or are getting worse, get medical attention! If an infection gets bad enough, it can cause permanent damage.

Answer 5

Of direction it is dangerous! And it is getting worse. The bleeding would point out that it is visiting as much as your kidneys. It can do everlasting harm in one of these case. There are many causes for bladder infections, and intercourse is only one of them--they may be able to be induced effectively on the grounds that micro organism obtained into your urethra, that is effortless to have occur. For instance, for those who wipe after pooping from again to entrance, then you're wiping the poop into your entrance and it could actually get into your vagina and reason an illness. Nothing to do with intercourse. You have got to cross on your mom instantly and inform her your signs so you'll be able to get handled.

Answer 6

Of direction it is dangerous! And it can be getting worse. The bleeding would point out that it is traveling up to your kidneys. It will probably do permanent damage in such a case. There are various factors for bladder infections, and intercourse is only one of them--they may be able to be induced conveniently on account that bacteria received into your urethra, which is convenient to have occur. For example, in case you wipe after pooping from again to entrance, then you are wiping the poop into your front and it will probably get into your vagina and purpose an illness. Nothing to do with sex. You ought to go to your mom instantly and tell her your symptoms so you could get dealt with.

Answer 7

Hi Just Me

Causes of Bladder Infection
The primary cause of bladder infection is bacteria that are unable to be eliminated from the urinary tract. The problem is not due to bacteria getting in to the urinary tract, but to bacteria not being able to get out.

Menopause can increase the risk of bladder infection developing because, during menopause, levels of the hormone estrogen decline in the body, making it easier for bacteria to stick to the lining of the urinary tract.

Preventing Bladder Infection
In order to prevent bladder infection, women should do the following:

Avoid urinating after intercourse until necessary. Full urination enables the body to more effectively eliminate bacteria from the urinary tract.

Consider your choice of contraceptive. Women should avoid the use of overly large fitted diaphragms, as these prevent effective voiding of the bladder, especially after intercourse. Contraceptive sponges can cause similar problems. Better birth control options are to wear a cervical cap, or to have your partner wear a condom.


Quick Action Steps for Bladder Infection

1. Avoid urinating after intercourse until necessary. Full urination enables the body to more effectively eliminate bacteria from the urinary tract.

2. During intercourse, avoid using overly large fitted diaphragms and contraceptive sponges, which can prevent effective voiding of the bladder. It is better to wear a cervical cap, or to have your partner wear a condom.

3. Avoid all sugars, refined carbohydrates, sodas, processed foods, preservatives, artificial sweeteners (especially aspartame), corn syrup, alcohol, white bread and white flour products, pastries, and hydrogenated and trans-fatty oils, as well as all foods to which your are allergic.

4. Emphasize organic, fresh vegetables and non-citrus fruits, organic grains, as well as organic, free-range meats and poultry and wild-caught fish.

5. Drink plenty of pure, filtered water throughout the day.

6. Drink 16 ounces of organic, unsweetened blueberry or cranberry juice.

7. Useful nutrients for treating bladder infection include vitamin A, beta carotene, vitamin, C, zinc, and acidophilus.

8. Adding half a teaspoon of mannose powder to pure filtered water and drinking it every one to two hours can speed recovery.

9. The herbs buchu, corn silk, couch grass, goldenseal, marshmallow leaf, and uva ursi can also be helpful, as can fresh parsley.

10. To relieve symptoms, take alternating hot and cold sitz baths.
Consult with a homeopathic physician to determine an appropriate homeopathic remedy.

Best of health to you

Answer 8

Sorry, but you will need antibiotics to kill the bacteria.
UTI and bladder infection is the sme thing.
The infection can go asymptomatic, but can cause you some very serious problems.

Answer 9

The OTC medication for UTI is to relieve discomfort. You need a prescription for antibiotics in the US.

Answer 10

A bladder infection and a UTI are the same thing. There is NO over the counter product that really works for this. They are caused by bacteria in the bladder so the only way to get rid of the bacteria is with antibiotics. Left untreated it can spread to your kidneys or your blood stream. You need to see a doc and get your urine tested and treated if it shows you do have an infection.