Bladder inflammation is the most common type of urinary tract infection (UTI). They can develop when bacteria enter the urinary tract and enter the bladder.
The urethra is a tube that drains urine from the body. Once bacteria enter the urethra, they can attach to the walls of the bladder and multiply rapidly.
The resulting inflammation can cause unpleasant symptoms, such as a sudden urge to urinate. It can also cause pain during urination and abdominal cramps.
A combination of home natural treatments can relieve these symptoms.
If inflammation of the urinary bladder is not treated, it can become chronic and even life-threatening. This is because the infection can spread to the kidneys or blood.
Here are seven effective natural remedies for bladder inflammation in men and women.
The best home remedies for bladder inflammation
1. Drink more water
Water flushes bacteria from the bladder. This helps the inflammation to resolve faster. It also dilutes your urine, so urination can be less painful.
Urine is made of waste products from your body. Concentrated, dark urine can be irritating and more painful to pass when you have a bladder infection.
Diluted urine is lighter in color and usually less irritating.
2. Go to urinate more often
Frequent urination helps clear the infection by displacing bacteria from the bladder. “Holding in,” or going to the bathroom when you need to, allows time for bacteria to continue multiplying in the bladder.
It can also be useful to urinate after intercourse. Sexual activity can push bacteria deeper into the urethra in both men and women.
Urinating after sex can help flush bacteria from the urinary tract. This prevents germs from settling in and causing inflammation.
3. Cranberry juice
Cranberry has been used for generations as a natural treatment to prevent inflammation of the bladder.
According to one study, cranberry juice and cranberry pills show some promise as a treatment for women who get frequent bladder infections.
But it’s not clear whether cranberry juice really works to prevent bladder infections in the larger population.
4. D-mannose
Cranberries are not the only natural solution for protecting the walls of the urinary tract from bacteria. There is a natural supplement called D-mannose that accomplishes this.
However, D-mannose serves as a cure, not just a preventative measure. You can buy D-mannose commercially at a health food store. Taken together with water, it effectively flushes bacteria from the urinary tract.
5. Garlic
Who would have thought that foods that cause bad breath have health benefits? It turns out that garlic naturally clears the bacteria that cause UTIs.
6. Probiotics
Probiotics are another natural remedy for bladder infections. There are natural healthy bacteria in our digestive system. These good bacteria are called probiotics.
Probiotics help fight against bacteria in the urinary system. You can find probiotics in many over-the-counter foods, such as yogurt.
7. Marshmallow tea
There are several other foods that can help calm bladder inflammation. One of them is Althaea officinalis, which is an anti-inflammatory herb.
It can be found in health food stores as a tea or supplement powder.
8. Appropriate clothing
Bacteria thrive in a warm and moist environment. For women, tight jeans and other tight clothing can trap moisture in sensitive areas.
This creates a breeding ground for vaginal bacteria.
9. Heating pads
Heating pads are used to relieve abdominal pain during cystitis. This buys time for other natural remedies such as fluids to work.
Generally, heaters are applied to the abdominal area. There are cases when the pain spreads to the lower back, in which you can also apply a heating pad.
10. Antibiotics
Antibiotics kill the bacteria that cause bladder infections. If you have a UTI, you usually need medication to get rid of the germs that are causing the infection. Experts recommend treating UTIs with antibiotics.
If you have symptoms of a UTI, see your doctor. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), vaginal infections, and certain vaginal conditions can mimic the symptoms of a UTI. Therefore, it is essential to get the right treatment for your condition.
11. Pain relievers
Severe bladder infections can cause pain in the pelvic area, even when you are not urinating. Antibiotics will treat the infection.
Keep in mind that it may take a day or two before the medication starts to help. Taking pain medication can relieve abdominal cramps, back pain, and any discomfort.
How to prevent future bladder infections
The following lifestyle changes can help reduce the occurrence of bladder inflammation:
- Drink six to eight glasses of water a day.
- Urinate as soon as you feel the need.
- Take a shower instead of a bath.
- Wear cotton underwear.
- Change your underwear every day.
- Urinate before and after sexual activity.
- Men: Use non-spermicidal lubricated condoms.
- Women: Wipe from front to back after urinating.
- Women: Do not use douches or vaginal sprays.
Your doctor may recommend preventive treatment if you have had repeated bladder infections. This may consist of taking antibiotics in small daily doses to prevent or control future inflammations.
Takeaway message
Bladder infections, including recurrent infections, require medical attention.
When treated quickly and effectively, the risk of serious complications is low.