Bladder Infections Treated in Laredo, TX
Bladder infections are the most common type of urinary tract infection (UTI). Also known as cystitis, a bladder infection specifically affects the hollow, muscular organ in the lower pelvis that stores liquid waste (urine). During urination, the bladder squeezes the urine into the urethra and out of the body.
What Can Cause a Bladder Infection?
Most bladder infections are caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, which normally live in the intestines of healthy people. Because the urethra is situated very close to the anus—especially in females—E. coli can easily reach (or be wiped into) the bladder. Although most strains of E. coli do not cause problems in the intestines, they can cause a painful infection in the bladder, where they do not belong.
Some bladder infections clear up on their own. However, if bladder infection symptoms linger for more than two or three days, it is important to seek a professional diagnosis and treatment to help prevent serious complications, such as kidney damage. At VitalMed Urgent Care in Laredo, Texas, you can receive prompt and effective treatment for a bladder infection on a walk-in basis.
What Are the Symptoms of a Bladder Infection?
Some common signs of a bladder infection include:
- Pain when the bladder is filling or full
- Pain in the abdomen, pelvis or vagina during urination or sexual intercourse
- Frequent urination, especially during the night
- An urgent need to urinate, even when the bladder is not full
- Cloudy, blood-tinged or odorous urine
If a bladder infection spreads to the kidneys, additional symptoms may occur, such as fever, chills, back pain, nausea and vomiting.
How Is a Bladder Infection Treated?
Most bladder infections are treated with a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics, which should be started as soon as possible to help prevent the infection from progressing and also provide symptom relief until the diagnostic lab work is complete. When the results of a urinalysis are available, a medical provider may prescribe a stronger antibiotic to more precisely target the infection. It is always important to complete an entire course of antibiotics as prescribed—even if the symptoms go away—to help ensure that the infection is fully resolved and prevent it from recurring.
If you suspect that you have a bladder infection, come to VitalMed Urgent Care today. Our experienced and friendly team provides a full spectrum of non-emergency urgent care services at two convenient locations in the Laredo, TX, area.
