Bladder Infections

Bladder Infections and UTIs: To Relieve Symptoms, Visit Emerald Coast Urgent Care Today

Bladder infections are highly uncomfortable, but can be treated easily when addressed early. Here’s what you need to know.

What is a bladder infection?

A bladder infection, also known as cystitis, is a type of infection that affects the bladder. It is caused by bacteria that enter the bladder, most commonly through the urethra.

Symptoms of a bladder infection can include the following:

  • An urgent and frequent need to urinate
  • Pain or burning during urination
  • Cloudy or bloody urine
  • Lower abdominal pain and discomfort

Treatment for a bladder infection typically includes antibiotics, drinking plenty of fluids, and avoiding irritating substances such as coffee, alcohol, and spicy foods. If left untreated, bladder infections can lead to more serious complications, such as kidney damage.

What is a UTI?

A urinary tract infection, also called a UTI, is a bacterial infection of multiple parts of the urinary system. The urinary system includes multiple organs, including the bladder, ureters, urethra, and kidneys. UTIs are most commonly brought on by bacteria introduced into the body via the urethra, the channel that transfers urine from the bladder out of the body. The bacteria can then travel to the bladder, where they can cause an infection.

Symptoms of a UTI include the following:

  • A frequent and powerful urge to urinate
  • Pain or burning sensation during urination
  • Dark, murky, or bloody urine.

Treatment for a UTI typically involves antibiotics, and it is important to complete the full course of antibiotics to ensure the infection is fully cleared. If left untreated, a UTI can cause serious health problems, such as kidney infection.

Is there a difference between a bladder infection and a UTI?

A bladder infection and a UTI are both bacterial infections that affect organs in the urinary system. While they are related and have similar symptoms, there are some key differences between the two.

The main difference between a bladder infection and a UTI is the area of the urinary tract that is affected. A bladder infection only affects the bladder, whereas a UTI can affect any part of the urinary tract. Bladder infections are typically easier to treat, as they are limited to the bladder, whereas UTIs can be more difficult to treat if they spread to other parts of the urinary tract.

How are bladder infections and UTIs treated?

If you believe you have a bladder infection or UTI, drink plenty of fluids to help flush out the bacteria causing the infection. Water is the best choice, but cranberry juice and other fruit juices can also help. You should also avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these can irritate your bladder.

Next, visit Emerald Coast Urgent Care to diagnose the issue. If the cause of your symptoms is a bladder infection or UTI, you may need to take antibiotics to treat the infection. Your doctor can prescribe the right type of antibiotics for you. It is important to take the full course of antibiotics, even if you begin to feel better.

At Emerald Coast Urgent Care, you don’t need to schedule an appointment; we are a walk-in health clinic. To learn more about our facilities and services, please call our helpful representatives at 850-654-8878 for our Destin location, 850-236-8655 for our Panama City Beach location, or 850-588-1843 for our Inlet Beach location.

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Would you like to know more?
Call the location nearest you:

Destin: 850-654-8878
Panama City Beach: 850-236-8655
Inlet Beach: 850-588-1843

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Emerald Coast Urgent Care locations:

12598 Emerald Coast Pkwy.,
Destin, Fl 32550

2704 Thomas Dr.,
Panama City Beach, Fl 32407

13625 US-98, Suite 8-9
Inlet Beach, FL 32413

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