Inflamed bladder: causes, symptoms, treatment and remedies

Like any other organ, the bladder can become inflamed or swollen. This occurs after infectious processes typical of this organ or the urinary tract, becoming a severe problem if the infection persists and affects other organs like the kidneys. The bladder can also become inflamed by adverse drug or irritant reactions in some cases. Regardless of the cause, the symptoms are pretty bothersome and include fever, painful urination, and sometimes blood in the urine. Treatment aims to eliminate the symptoms and end the underlying infection, so it requires antibiotic therapy in most cases, and some home remedies can also be effective.

If you suffer from this problem or think you may suffer from it, we recommend you go to the doctor. If you want more information, we invite you to continue reading this FastlyHealarticle in which we talk about an inflamed bladder, its causes, symptoms, treatment, and remedies.

Table of Contents

Inflamed bladder: causes

The bladder is part of the pelvic organs that make up the urinary system. It acts as a fluid (urine) collection bag that can store up to 300 or 350 ccs. At this time, when it fills up, the impending sensation of urination begins. However, this storage capacity decreases when the bladder becomes inflamed and can be reduced to almost 50 ccs.

Reasons defined as causes of bladder inflammation include:

Bacterial infection is where bacteria or microorganisms outside the body enter the urinary tract through the urethra, where they later increase or grow. This occurs with bacteria such as E. coli. In this case, the inflammation of the bladder is called bacterial cystitis. Many related factors in this particular cause revolve around unprotected sex.
Secondary bladder inflammation due to medications is an adverse drug reaction, especially with chemotherapeutics such as ifosfamide or cyclophosphamide.
Radiation treatment: Also, radiation treatments can cause an adverse reaction causing inflammation of the bladder, among many other symptoms and secondary problems.
Foreign bodies: for example, prolonged use of the urinary catheter is a common predisposing factor for bladder inflammation.
Chemical reactions: Being a sensitive area, exposure to chemicals such as bubble baths or spermicides can cause bladder inflammation.
Painful bladder syndrome: finally, there is a chronic inflammatory process of the bladder of which the origin is not yet clear, which, if it is true, is that it is difficult to diagnose and, therefore, complicated to treat. It is medically known as painful bladder syndrome.
Other causes of the inflamed bladder: it is worth mentioning cases of bladder inflammation related to different reasons such as diabetes mellitus, benign prostate hyperplasia, and the presence of kidney stones.

Some people are more likely to have bladder inflammation, such as those with these risk factors:

Being female, the urethra is much shorter than in men, so access to the bladder is shorter.
The use of barrier contraceptives with chemicals such as spermicides.
Pregnancy is a common factor related to bladder infection and inflammation.
We were having unprotected sex.
Hormonal changes in the stages of women, such as menopause.
The weak immune system, especially when it is the product of other diseases, such as HIV.

Symptoms of an inflamed bladder

These are the main symptoms of an inflamed bladder :

Constant urge to urinate

This is considered one of the main symptoms of bladder inflammation. It is nothing more than the constant sensation of urinating but with a volume that is less and less with each urination. Indeed, the bladder no longer has stored urine, but its inflammation suggests otherwise.

Pain when urinating

It is also known as dysuria. This symptom is common when talking about cystitis or inflammation of the bladder. In addition to the pain, you can perceive burning, burning, or uncomfortable feelings when urinating. This other article will tell you more about Pain when urinating or dysuria, its causes, and treatment.

Blood in the urine

Medically known as hematuria, the presence of blood in the urine can be visible to the human eye, that is, macroscopically, or it can only be visible under the microscope, that is, microscopically. This is one of the most alarming symptoms in people with bladder inflammation, but it does not always indicate severity.

If this is your case, we recommend reading this other FastlyHealpost about Blood in urine: causes.

Fever

Fever is the product of infection and inflammation in the bladder, primarily if the problem has led to kidney infection, an issue that is usually related to said swelling in the bladder. In this case, they may also have chills. It should be clarified that bladder inflammations do not always cause fever, only when urethritis or pyelonephritis (inflammation and infection in the urethra or kidneys, respectively).

Likewise, more symptoms of bladder inflammation may occur, such as:

Pus coming out of the urethra is usually associated with a sexually transmitted disease such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.
Low back pain: this is usually a common symptom of inflammation and infection of the kidneys. However, mildly it usually manifests itself in case of inflammation of the bladder.
Bad-smelling urine: this is caused by bacteria in the bladder.
Loss of urine: other times, those who have inflammation in the bladder may have difficulty retaining it, even if the amount of urine retained in the bladder is tiny.
Cloudy urine with a pungent smell is another characteristic with which an inflamed bladder usually manifests itself.

All the symptoms are significant; however, when you notice low back pain, fever and chills, and nausea or vomiting, do not hesitate to go to the specialist.

Dysuria has been described as the primary symptom in at least 96% of cases, according to the Cad Aten Primaria in an article published concerning acute cystitis and the clinical efficacy of treatment with fosfomycin, another of the frequent symptoms is the frequency that does not it is more than the increase in urinary frequency in at least 91% of the 36 patients evaluated in this study.

Diagnosis and treatment of inflamed bladder

Before talking about medical treatment, it is good to know the typical methods used to diagnose inflammation of the bladder. Usually, it will require:

Complete physical exam.
Urine or urine culture examination.
Culture and antibiogram of vaginal discharge or urethral fluid.
Cystoscopy, where a camera shows the inside of the urethra or bladder.
Abdominopelvic ultrasound.

The medical treatment for bladder inflammation seeks to eliminate bacteria that have stayed there and are causing inflammation. In this sense, antibiotics will be necessary depending on the result of the urine culture and antibiogram. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ampicillin, amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, and ofloxacin are commonly used. The prior medical evaluation will be necessary to define the drug and the dose for each patient individually and depending on the associated risk factors. In addition to the use of antibiotics, typically, the specialist recommends:

Consume a good amount of water a day.
Avoid cigarette smoking.
Reduce the consumption of alcohol and coffee.
Avoid very spicy or spicy foods.
Urinate as soon as you feel the need, and do not hold back.
Dry the intimate area from front to back.
Avoid taking very long baths.
Gently wash the skin of the vagina, perineum, and anus, usually using personal soap or with a neutral pH.
Urinate as soon as possible after sexual intercourse.

Natural remedies for bladder inflammation

There are alternative natural options that allow you to act against the infection that causes inflammation in this organ in most cases. The most recommended natural remedies for an inflamed bladder are:

Manzanilla

This is the most used when acting against urinary system infections. You have to use 20 grams of chamomile in 200 ccs of water. Boil the water with the chamomile for a couple of minutes and let it rest, and then drink. It works satisfactorily as an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and soothing and can be taken several times a day.

Parsley for inflamed bladder

Parsley tea accelerates the healing of bladder inflammation because it stimulates blood circulation in general but is notable in the urinary and genital areas. It is recommended to boil water with dried parsley for a couple of minutes, then let it rest and drink. It is not advisable to take this remedy more than twice a day, nor can it be taken if pregnant.

Cucumber with lemon

This delicious juice has antibacterial properties that promote recovery from any infection, including bacterial infection in the bladder. Use one cucumber, a little lemon juice, and water, mix in a blender, and drink. It can be consumed 2-3 times a day to be effective.

Garlic tea

As unpleasant as garlic tea may seem, it works to kill harmful bacteria. You must use several peeled and crushed garlic cloves, put them in warm water for 15 minutes and then ingest this liquid between 1 and 3 times a day.

Cranberry juice

Cranberry juice has always been used to treat urinary system infections, as they have an expansive capacity to destroy harmful bacteria, especially those located in the bladder. One large glass of cranberry juice without added sugar is recommended between 1 and 4 times a day as a treatment.

We tell you all about Cranberry Juice for urinary infections in this other article.

Baking soda and lemon

Lastly, this preparation helps relieve urethra, bladder, and kidney infections. One tablespoon of baking soda, a little lemon juice, and water are the ingredients to mix for 1 cup. Taken on an empty stomach, this natural remedy will significantly benefit the health of your bladder.

The bladder’s health and the entire urinary system are vital for the body. Therefore, in the event of any symptoms described, do not hesitate to go to the doctor immediately. Do not substitute one of the remedies prescribed by your doctor for one of the remedies described, but it is best to use these remedies as a support or reinforcement of treatment.

This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Inflamed bladder: causes, symptoms, treatment, and remedies, we recommend entering our Kidneys and urinary system category.

Alivia Nyhan

I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.