What is the difference between urinary tract infection and bladder infection

A person should see a doctor for any symptoms of a UTI, particularly if they are pregnant or have an underlying health condition that affects their immune system. A person with symptoms of a kidney infection should go to the emergency room for immediate medical care. The symptoms of a kidney infection include:. UTIs can affect any part of the urinary tract, including the urethra, ureters, bladder, or in more serious cases, the kidneys.

A bladder infection is a UTI that only affects the bladder. It is not always possible to distinguish what UTI a person has because the symptoms of the different types can overlap.

However, the treatment for most UTIs is the same. A doctor will typically prescribe antibiotics and recommend fluids. The more promptly a person seeks treatment, the quicker they will generally get better.

Early treatment also reduces the chances of a serious infection spreading to the kidneys or other areas of the body. A urinary tract infection can affect the bladder, the kidneys and the tubes that link them. Usually caused by bacteria, urinary tract infections are…. Urinary tract infections UTIs are not contagious, but the bacteria that cause them can travel between people. Learn more about these infections and…. Urinary tract infections UTIs and yeast infections share some similarities, but they have distinct symptoms and treatment options.

Learn about the…. Urinary tract infections can cause pain and other symptoms that can disrupt sleep. Here, learn to ease these symptoms at home before bed. UTI is a general umbrella term used to describe an infection anywhere in the urinary system, most commonly caused by bacterial microorganisms. The different types of UTI can include cystitis, an infection of the bladder; urethritis, an infection of the urethra; or pyelonephritis, an infection of the kidneys.

These infections in different parts of the urinary system may have different symptoms associated with them, so for example:. Infections of the kidneys or ureters are also sometimes referred to as upper UTIs, while infections of the bladder and urethra are called lower UTIs. Another condition you may come across is bacteriuria, which means you have bacteria in your urine — your doctor may have asked you for a urine sample so they can test for bacteria and other micro-organisms if they suspect you have a UTI.

Cystitis is an infection of the bladder specifically, and is the most common type of urinary tract infection UTI. If left untreated, kidney infections due to UTIs can cause infections in the bloodstream.

This can be life-threatening. Treatments for UTIs often depend on the severity of the infection. Doctors can usually treat them with antibiotics over the course of three to five days. Common antibiotics used to treat bladder infections include trimethoprim, ciprofloxacin, and amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium.

If you have an infection, you should always take all of your antibiotics, even if you feel better. This keeps the infection from coming back. Complicated UTIs are harder to treat. Kidney infections usually fall into this category. If you have a complicated UTI, you may require IV antibiotics and have to take antibiotics for a week or more. Doctors may recommend some home remedies along with antibiotics to treat UTIs. These can also help to prevent UTIs too.

Examples of these remedies include:. Applying warm compresses or a cloth-covered heating pad to the pubic area may help to ease some of the discomfort associated with a bladder infection.

If they hold their urine in, the bacteria can collect in the bladder and lead to infection. Try to go to the bathroom at least every two to three hours to keep this from happening.

Risk factors for urethritis include having a sexually transmitted infection or from trauma to the urethra, such as due to the insertion of a urinary catheter.

Often, these terms are used interchangeably. But, there is a distinction to be made between the two. Bladder infections are a type of UTI, but not all urinary tract infections are bladder infections. The symptoms are largely the same:. But, there are some key differences between the two. UTIs and bladder infections are relatively simple to treat, but other kinds of UTIs can have different symptoms:. UTIs happen when bacteria enters the urethra and spreads.

Urinary tract infections are fairly common and can happen to anyone, but the following risk factors can increase your chances of getting one:.

Thankfully, Virtuwell can treat you online without a urine sample—and without having to leave the comfort of your home.