What is a Bladder Infection?

A bladder infection, or cystitis, is a common type of urinary tract infection (UTI). It occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract and multiply in the bladder, leading to inflammation. These infections can happen suddenly or recur over time as chronic cases [1, 2].

What Causes Bladder Infections?

Bladder infections are most commonly caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), a type of bacteria naturally found in the large intestine [3, 4, 5, 6]. These infections occur when bacteria from stool come into contact with the skin and enter the urethra. In women, the shorter urethra and its close proximity to the anus make it easier for bacteria to move between systems [4].

Sexual intercourse can increase the risk of bladder infections by helping bacteria enter the urinary tract. Other contributing factors include poor hygiene, incomplete bladder emptying, urinary stones, and conditions like neurogenic bladder [4, 6].

Bladder infections can sometimes be caused by yeast, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems [1]. Certain medications and hygiene products may also trigger inflammation that leads to cystitis [2].

Prevention

Preventing bladder infections often requires a mix of lifestyle adjustments and, when necessary, medical interventions. Staying well-hydrated is one of the most effective prevention methods. Drinking six to eight glasses of water daily helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract, lowering the risk of infection [1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9].

Urinating as soon as you feel the need is another important preventive measure. Holding in urine can encourage bacterial growth, so it's best not to delay using the toilet [1, 4, 6, 7, 8].

Good hygiene plays an important role in preventing bladder infections. Wiping from front to back after using the toilet helps stop bacteria from spreading to the urethra. It’s also wise to avoid feminine products that can irritate the urinary tract, such as douches, scented pads or tampons, scented powders, and deodorant sprays [6, 7, 8, 9].

Making simple lifestyle changes can help lower the risk of bladder infections. Opting for showers instead of baths, wearing cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes, and changing your underwear daily are all effective preventive measures [1, 6, 7].

If you frequently experience bladder infections, your doctor might suggest prophylactic treatment. This involves taking low-dose antibiotics daily to prevent or reduce the risk of future infections [1, 7, 8].

Some studies suggest drinking cranberry juice daily and taking probiotics could help prevent bladder infections. However, more research is needed to fully confirm their effectiveness [1, 8].

Treatment

Medications: Bladder infections, or cystitis, are usually treated with prescription medications designed to eliminate the bacteria causing the infection. These typically include antibiotics and medicines to ease pain and burning sensations [1]. Common antibiotics for bladder infections include nitrofurantoin, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (SMX-TMP), fosfomycin, and amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium [10, 3].

Natural remedies: Along with antibiotics, certain home remedies can support bladder infection treatment. Drinking fluids, especially water, helps flush bacteria from your bladder and may speed up recovery [1, 7].

Some natural remedies could help with bladder infections. Concentrated cranberry solutions, juices, and extracts might help prevent infections but shouldn’t be used as the only treatment for an active one [1, 2]. D-mannose, a natural sugar found in fruits like cranberries and blueberries, has also been shown to prevent UTIs at rates similar to antibiotics [1].

Pain relief: To ease pain, your doctor may prescribe phenazopyridine (Pyridium) [1, 7]. Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), which are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can also provide relief [7].

Bladder instillations: Bladder instillations with antibiotic or antiseptic solutions can be an effective option for people with recurrent or relapsing UTIs. This treatment is often used for those with conditions like renal failure, oliguria, pyocystis, or frequent infections, especially if they’re already doing intermittent self-catheterization [11, 3].

Can bladder infection cause dizzines?

Other causes of dizzines

Dizziness can have many possible causes, one of the most common being Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), responsible for about 31% of cases [12].

Medications: BB$ Certain medications can also cause dizziness. For example, Dicyclomine, used to treat gastrointestinal conditions, lists dizziness as a possible side effect [13]. Likewise, Dizzika, a drug prescribed for vertigo, can cause dizziness and sleepiness [14].

Hyponatremia: Severe hyponatremia, a condition where sodium levels in the blood are too low, can also cause dizziness. Diuretics, which are medications that help the body eliminate excess water and salt, are among the most common triggers of severe hyponatremia [15].

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC): DIC a condition that disrupts the blood's ability to clot properly, can also lead to dizziness. It is most often triggered by severe sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection [16, 17].

Drug-induced stuttering (DIS): DIS is a form of neurogenic stuttering and can sometimes be associated with dizziness. This condition is most often linked to antipsychotics, central nervous system agents, and anticonvulsants [18].