In most cases, bladder infection treatment involves antibiotics taken under the supervision of a doctor. But there are a few self care measures that can be taken at home to speed up the recovery, and relieve the symptoms.
Bladder infection is more common in women as compared to men. The symptoms of the infection are inability to fully empty the bladder, burning sensation during urination and constant urge to urinate, experience of bladder spasms and nocturia. Abdominal pain or pain in the lower back is also experienced by the affected person. In some but rare cases, a tinge of blood may also appear in the urine. Urine may appear cloudy, accompanied by a foul or unpleasant odor. Tiredness, shakiness and feeling of being washed are the other symptoms that are associated with bladder infection.
How to Manage Bladder Infection at Home
» The first measure that any doctor recommends for the patient is to drink plenty of water on a daily basis. Water helps increase the amount of urination, thereby flushing out the bacteria every time you urinate.
» Drinking cranberry juice may be helpful. The juice contains hippuric acid that increases the acidity of the urine. This in turn prevents the bacteria from attaching themselves to the bladder and colonizing. Due to this, the chances of multiplication becomes less and so does the spread of infection. 2 to 4 glasses of cranberry juice, if consumed daily, is helpful to relieve the symptoms.
» An evergreen shrub, known by the name ‘Uva ursi‘ has been used to treat bladder infection since agelong. Also known as bearberry, its leaves can be made into tea. However, the dosage is more precise when taken as supplements. The consumption of this shrub must be stopped after the symptoms have subsided, as there are probable chances of side-effects to occur in the long run. Expecting mothers are not advised to administer uva ursi as it may lead to uterine contractions. For other important details or precautions before using the shrub, it is wise to seek for advise from a naturopath or an osteopath.
» Adequate doses of Vitamin C has also promising results in managing bladder infection. Vitamin C increases the acidity level in the urine and this creates an unfavorable environment for the bacteria to thrive and spread infection. However, as consumption of Vitamin C may lead to diarrhea, it is advisable to lessen the intake if it causes so.
» Aromatherapy is another natural treatment of bladder infection. Prepare a massage oil or a compress using sandalwood, chamomile, pine, tea tree and bergamot. Apply it over the bladder once or twice on a daily basis. The same oils, when added to a bath also help in treating active infection and reducing the possibility of any future infections. Soaking in a bath with apple cider vinegar also helps.
» For reducing the pain caused due to the infection, you can place a hot water bag or a bottle wrapped with a towel or a cloth on the lower abdomen. Sexual intercourse should be avoided, as it may intensify the symptoms and spread the infection. Consumption of alcohol, caffeine and carbonated drinks must be refrained from. Such drinks tend to irritate the bladder and delay recovery.
The above methods when combined with prescribed medicines, ensure speedy recovery from a bladder infection. However, to be on a safer side, always consult a doctor before inculcating such alternative methods. This is because the course and length of these remedies will depend upon the complexity of the infection and that would differ from person to person.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.
