Bladder Infection Symptoms

Bladder infections cause many different symptoms. Chances are, if you have a bladder infection, you will know right away from the pain and uncomfortable sensations you will feel. For example, you may have pain or burning during urination. You may have to urinate more frequently, or wake up at night to urinate when you normally would not. You may also have the urge to urinate and not be able to hold it, yet when you try to urinate you cannot pass much urine.

If you have a bladder infection, you may also have a mild fever, chills, or generally feel "under the weather." Your urine may have blood in it and be cloudy or foul-smelling. Finally, you may experience some pain in your lower abdomen. If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Not urinating will only make your symptoms worse.

Upper urinary tract infections, such as kidney infections, may or may not include the same symptoms as lower urinary tract infections (bladder infections). In addition, you may have a fairly high fever (higher than 101°F), shaking or chills, nausea or vomiting. If you have pain, it will be in your back or sides rather than in your lower abdomen. Often the pain comes only on one side, the side of the infected kidney.

Bladder infections are quite common, and although anybody can get them, women are the most susceptible. Often, you can prevent bladder infections. Always drink plenty of water to flush out any bacteria that may be in your urinary tract. If you are a woman, wipe from front to back after using the toilet. Also be sure to empty your bladder completely each time you urinate, and urinate before and after sex. These steps will cut down on the number of infections you experience in your lifetime.

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