Bladder infections are the worst. They’re painful and can be very serious if not treated effectively and quickly. Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Chapman Highway lists some effective at-home and medical remedies for bladder infections.

• The best remedy: Drink more water. Water helps flush out bacteria in your bladder, which will help get rid of the infection faster. It also dilutes your urine, which will make urinating less painful if you have a bladder infection.
• A tried-and-true remedy: Unsweetened cranberry juice. Cranberry has been used as a natural treatment for preventing bladder infections for generations. Cranberries work by preventing harmful bacteria from entering the urinary tract, thus lowering the risk of infection.
• Another great remedy: Don’t hold your urine. Although it’s inconvenient, frequently urinating helps prevent bacteria buildup in your urinary tract.
• Something else that can help: Use a heating pad. Putting low heat across your abdominal region or back may soothe the constant ache and discomfort that sometimes occurs during bladder infections.
• What to do next: Consider over-the-counter pain relievers, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Bladder infections can cause lots of pain in the pelvic region, and these medicines are effective in working to relieve the pain.
• What to do after: If none of these things work, call your doctor or primary care physician if your symptoms last longer than two days. You’ll likely need antibiotics to treat your bladder infection.
• Doctor recommendations: If you have been prescribed antibiotics, it’s important to take your medication for the full course, even if you feel better before it’s done. Taking the full dose will make sure all the harmful bacteria are out of your system.
• Action steps to take for the long run: Try changing up your wardrobe a bit if you deal with frequent bladder infections. Bacteria thrive in warm and moist environments, so wear cotton underwear and loose pants or skirts to promote air circulation and reduce bacterial growth.

We hope you’ve found this helpful! If you do find yourself with a bladder infection or have any other questions, don’t hesitate to visit us at AFC Urgent Care Chapman Highway.