Bladder infection pain is caused by bacteria build up in the urinary tract, and results in a burning sensation during urination. It's important to treat a bladder infection in its early stages because the bacteria can eventually spread to other areas like the kidneys. This can lead to further discomfort and more serious health problems. While it's recommended to consult a physician, there are a few ways to effectively manage bladder infection pain until then. Some helpful methods include drinking plenty of water, drinking cranberry juice, taking anti-inflammatory medication and avoiding certain substances and behaviors.
One of the best ways to manage bladder infection pain is to simply increase one's water intake. It's recommended that people consume at least eight glasses of water a day anyway, but this practice should definitely be continued during a bladder infection. Drinking water helps to break down bacteria which are then removed from the body upon urination. In addition, water will help flush out many of the harmful toxins that the body has acquired.
Cranberry juice is another way to cope with bladder infection pain. It also works by reducing bacteria, which helps to ease the discomfort. Be sure to only consume cranberry juice that is 100 percent juice for optimal results. It's even more ideal if the juice is organic. If a person has an aversion to cranberry juice, then cranberry capsules from a health food store can be used instead.
Anti-inflammatory medications specifically for bladder infections are also beneficial for treating pain and help reduce inflammation. Generally available over-the-counter, these medications work effectively to keep the pain level under control. They are also a good option because they tend to work quickly. In addition, taking a vitamin C tablet daily can help reduce the symptoms and speed up recovery time.
Another way to lessen bladder infection pain is to simply avoid a few substances and behaviors. The primary substances to avoid are drinks that contain caffeine like coffee and energy drinks. Alcohol should also be avoided during a bladder infection. This is because these substances can cause flare ups and additional pain. It's also a good idea to eat as healthy a diet as possible and to minimize consumption of sweets and junk food.
Sexual intercourse should also be avoided when experiencing bladder infection pain. Engaging in intercourse is likely to only cause more irritation and worsen the problem. Once the bladder infection has completely cleared up, it should be fine to resume intercourse.