By Marcia Carr (RN,BN,MS,GNC(C),NCA,FCAN)

What is a Bladder Infection (Urinary Tract Infection)?

What is a Bladder Infection (Urinary Tract Infection)?
A bladder infection, also called as a urinary tract infection (UTI), is an infection that is caused by bacteria travelling up the urethra (tube that empties urine from bladder) into the bladder.

Signs and symptoms to watch for are:

  • Stinging, burning, or painful feeling when you pee
  • Sudden increase in urge to pee
  • Feeling pressure or pain in the lower belly, sides, or back
  • Chills and a fever over 38.0 C
  • Sudden onset of “brain confusion”
  • Feeling very weak

See your doctor or nurse practitioner to get a special urine test to get a diagnosis and appropriate treatment

Ways to prevent bladder infections

  • Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day
  • Take showers instead of baths. Avoid bubble bath or bath oils.
  • Empty your bladder as soon as you feel the need to pee. Do not hold your urine for a long time period.
  • For women, wipe yourself from front to back after going to the toilet. Use soap and water to clean ONLY ONCE a day.
  • If you wear an incontinence pad, change as soon as it feels damp

How to prevent Bladder Infections (UTI)

Always…

✓ Wash your hands

✓ Use clean toilet paper

✓ Wipe front to back

✓ Wash the area between your legs (your privates or
    perineum) in the morning and at night

If you need any assistance, call a nurse on duty

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