What causes a bladder infection?

Bladder or urinary tract infections can be uncomfortable, annoying and have you running to the bathroom every few minutes. Common in both men and women, a variety of things can cause them. What's more, left untreated they can lead to more serious issues.

The urinary system consists of kidneys, bladder and a set of tubes that connect the two. Typically, urinary tract infections (UTIs) refer to bacterial overgrowth anywhere along that path. However, most commonly it is the bladder that is infected. The infection manifests in the usual symptoms of inflammation: pain and swelling.

The bladder is made of elastic tissue, which allows it to stretch as it slowly fills with urine so that you don’t have to run to the bathroom all the time. An infection actually causes the bladder to stiffen, and some of the more common symptoms you may experience include:

1. Excessive need to urinate.
2. Low urine output, which means little urine comes out even though you use the bathroom frequently.
3. Pain in your lower belly.
4. Burning when you urinate

The infection can be harmless if treated right away. Usually a course of antibiotics is prescribed. But be sure to visit your doctor as soon as you start to notice any symptoms listed above.

• If ignored, the infection can travel up the tubes that connect the bladder with the kidneys, which can lead to serious trouble.
• Kidney function focuses not just around urine production. In fact, urine is technically a by-product of what kidneys really do.
• The kidneys control fluid balance in your body and affect the blood pressure, while also maintaining electrolyte balance. In turn, this affects the function of all organs.

Electrolyte levels in your body are important for many everyday functions at both the organ and cellular levels.

• For example, your heart needs a proper balance of sodium to beat, just like the rest of your muscles do.

You may have a more serious situation on your hands if you experience the following symptoms:

1. One-sided pain on the back under your ribs, where your kidneys are
2. Fever and chills
3. Nausea and vomiting

Call your doctor and/or seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the above symptoms, especially if you are over 65, have diabetes, autoimmune diseases or are pregnant.