Bladder infections, also known as urinary tract infections (UTIs), are common bacterial infections that can often be treated at home without antibiotics. Mild UTIs may go away on their own within a few days. There are several self-care methods you can try to get rid of a minor bladder infection and relieve painful urinary symptoms.
What is a bladder infection?
A bladder infection occurs when bacteria, usually E. coli from the digestive tract, gets into the urethra and travels up to the bladder. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. Once in the bladder, the bacteria can multiply and cause an infection.
Symptoms of a bladder infection may include:
- Burning feeling when urinating
- Frequent urination
- Urgency to urinate
- Cloudy, bloody, or foul-smelling urine
- Pressure or cramping in the lower abdomen or back
- Low fever
Bladder infections can be quite painful and uncomfortable. However, mild infections may resolve on their own without medication within a few days. More severe infections require antibiotic treatment to clear up the bacteria.
Can I get rid of a bladder infection without antibiotics?
In some cases, you may be able to get rid of a bladder infection on your own using self-care methods. This is more likely with mild infections that cause minor urinary discomfort.
Some things to try at home include:
- Drink plenty of fluids – Drinking water regularly helps flush bacteria out of the urinary tract. Aim for at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses per day. Avoid drinks that can irritate the bladder like alcohol, caffeine, and citrus juices.
- Urinate when needed – Do not try to hold in urine, as that allows bacteria to multiply. Urinate as soon as you feel the need to go.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers – Medications like ibuprofen or phenazopyridine can help relieve discomfort from the infection.
- Try unsweetened cranberry juice – Cranberries contain substances that may prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall. Drink one to two 8-ounce glasses per day.
- Take probiotics – Probiotic supplements may help restore healthy bacteria to the urinary tract to fight infection.
- Practice good hygiene – Wipe from front to back after using the toilet to prevent bacteria spread. Urinate after sex to flush out any bacteria.
Give these home remedies two to three days to work. If symptoms do not start improving, you likely need medical treatment.
When should I see a doctor for a bladder infection?
You should see a doctor if your bladder infection does not get better after a few days of home treatment. Other reasons to seek medical care include:
- Symptoms are severe or getting worse
- You have a high fever
- There is blood in your urine
- You have side and back pain
- You have other medical conditions like diabetes or kidney disease
- You have frequent or recurring UTIs
People at higher risk for complications should also see a doctor right away. This includes pregnant women, men, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
A doctor can determine the cause of your infection and prescribe antibiotics if needed. Most uncomplicated bladder infections are easily treatable with a short course of antibiotics, usually 3-5 days.
What antibiotics are used to treat bladder infections?
Several types of oral antibiotics can be prescribed to treat a bladder infection. Some commonly used ones include:
| Antibiotic | How it Works |
|---|---|
| Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) | Kills many UTI-causing bacteria |
| Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra) | Interferes with bacterial growth |
| Fosfomycin (Monurol) | Disrupts bacterial cell wall formation |
| Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) | Blocks bacterial DNA synthesis |
The type of antibiotic and length of treatment will depend on the severity of infection, type of bacteria, and other individual factors.
What are some home remedies to soothe a bladder infection?
In addition to general self-care measures, there are some home remedies that can help provide soothing relief from bladder infection symptoms:
- Heating pad – Place a heating pad on your lower abdomen or back to ease discomfort.
- Warm bath – Soak in a warm tub to help relax pelvic muscles.
- Tea tree oil – Add a few drops of tea tree oil to a warm bath. It has anti-inflammatory effects.
- Aloe vera – Drink aloe vera juice, which may have antibacterial effects and coat the bladder lining.
- Baking soda – Mix 1/2 tsp baking soda in water and drink to reduce acidity in urine.
- Marshmallow root – Contains anti-inflammatory properties that may soothe bladder tissues.
Always dilute essential oils like tea tree oil before use and test on a small area of skin first to check for allergic reaction.
What foods and drinks help bladder infections?
Certain foods and beverages can help fight bladder infection bacteria and reduce urinary discomfort. Try incorporating more of these into your diet:
- Water – Staying hydrated dilutes urine and flushes out bacteria.
- Greek yogurt – Provides probiotics to promote healthy urinary bacteria.
- Blueberries – Contain compounds that prevent bacteria from binding to the bladder.
- Spinach – High vitamin and mineral content boosts immune function.
- Pineapple – Bromelain enzyme has anti-inflammatory effects.
- Turmeric – Has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Ginger – Soothes inflammation and enhances immune defenses.
- Apple cider vinegar – Creates acidic urine to discourage bacterial growth.
- Cranberry juice – Prevents bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall.
Avoid spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and sugary drinks as these can irritate the bladder. Also drink less milk, which contains lactose that bacteria feed on.
What foods should I avoid with a bladder infection?
Certain foods and beverages can worsen bladder infection symptoms. Limit your intake of these as they may irritate the urinary tract:
- Coffee and caffeinated drinks
- Alcohol
- Citrus fruits and juices
- Tomato-based products
- Refined sugars
- Artificial sweeteners
- Spicy foods
- High-fat foods
- Carbonated beverages
- Dairy products
Avoiding these foods for a few days can help reduce inflammation while your bladder heals. Once symptoms improve, you can gradually reintroduce them back into your diet.
What are some tips for preventing bladder infections?
You can take steps to prevent bladder infections from recurring. Try these bladder infection prevention tips:
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water
- Urinate frequently and do not hold it in
- Wipe front to back after using the toilet
- Urinate before and after sex
- Avoid feminine hygiene sprays and douches
- Wear cotton underwear and loose pants
- Take showers instead of baths
- Get prompt treatment for diabetes if present
- Take probiotic supplements
- Consider low-dose antibiotic prophylaxis if recommended
Practicing good hygiene, staying hydrated, and urinating regularly can help prevent bacteria from accumulating in the bladder. Your doctor may also have you take a low dose of antibiotics daily or after sex if you have frequent recurrent UTIs.
When should I go to the ER for a bladder infection?
Most bladder infections can be treated with self-care or a doctor’s prescription for oral antibiotics. However, some severe infections may require emergency care. Go to the ER if you have:
- A high fever over 102°F
- Signs of a kidney infection like back/side pain, nausea, vomiting
- Inability to urinate or produce any urine
- Abnormally high or low blood pressure
- Shaking, chills, rapid heart rate, confusion
A kidney infection, or pyelonephritis, is a severe complication that can occur if a bladder infection spreads to the kidneys. This requires prompt emergency treatment such as IV antibiotics and fluids to prevent permanent kidney damage.
Also go to the ER if you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system, diabetes, or are otherwise at high risk for complications. Signs the infection may be spreading beyond the bladder require urgent evaluation.
Can cranberry juice get rid of a bladder infection?
There is some evidence that cranberry juice may help prevent and treat bladder infections. Cranberries contain substances called proanthocyanidins (PACs). These compounds may prevent bacteria like E. coli from adhering to bladder cells, which can stop infection from taking hold.
To use cranberry juice for a bladder infection:
- Drink 1-2 glasses of unsweetened cranberry juice daily. Avoid cranberry juice cocktail high in sugar.
- Start drinking it at the first sign of UTI symptoms as prevention.
- Cranberry capsules or tablets are another option if you dislike the tart juice.
- Give it 2-3 days to take effect, along with other self-care measures.
- See a doctor if symptoms do not start to improve.
Cranberry juice is more effective for preventing UTIs than treating an existing infection. But it may help flush the bacteria out if used at the very beginning of symptoms along with plenty of water.
Can I take AZO for a bladder infection?
AZO is an over-the-counter medication used to treat symptoms of bladder infections like painful urination, urgency, and frequency. It contains the active ingredient phenazopyridine.
Phenazopyridine works by:
- Numbing and soothing the lining of the urinary tract
- Relieving pain, burning, urgency, and discomfort
- Turning urine orange-red to mask any blood
Take AZO according to package directions up to 2-3 times per day as needed for symptom relief. It begins working within an hour.
While AZO can temporarily relieve symptoms, it does NOT cure the infection itself. Make sure to also drink plenty of water and see a doctor if symptoms persist beyond 2-3 days.
Precautions When Taking AZO
- Avoid taking for longer than 2 days to prevent rare side effects
- Stop use if you develop a skin rash or itching
- Do not take if you have kidney disease or are on dialysis
- Check with doctor before use if pregnant or breastfeeding
Check with your doctor before taking AZO if you take certain medications like blood thinners, methotrexate, or antibiotics. The phenazopyridine can interact with some other drugs.
Conclusion
Mild bladder infections may get better on their own using conservative home treatment methods. Try increasing your fluid intake, urinating frequently, taking over-the-counter pain medication, and drinking unsweetened cranberry juice. If symptoms persist beyond 2-3 days or get worse, antibiotics prescribed by a doctor are necessary to clear up the infection.
See a doctor promptly if you have risk factors like pregnancy, diabetes, or a weakened immune system. Rarely, a kidney infection or other complications can develop that require emergency treatment.
Practicing good hygiene and urinating habits can help prevent recurrent bladder infections. But some women may need daily preventive antibiotics if UTIs keep returning. Getting prompt treatment can relieve discomfort and prevent the infection from spreading.