What is a bladder infection?
A bladder infection is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI). The urinary tract is the system that produces, stores and gets rid of urine from your body. It’s anatomically divided into the upper urinary tract (kidneys and ureters) and lower urinary tract (bladder and urethra).
Who usually gets bladder infections?
Since around one in three women will have at least one bout of
cystitis before they are 24, we tend to think that bladder infections mainly affect females. And although they’re less likely to affect younger men, it can be a common problem in older male adults. In fact, between two in 10 and five in 10 men over the age of 50 are affected by a UTI. This seems like quite a lot, but is because bladder infections in men can be caused by a number of different things. Examples include an underlying bladder infection or blockage in the urinary tract (as a result of having an enlarged prostate).
How can I tell if I have a bladder infection?
The symptoms of cystitis usually develop quickly - over several hours or a day. They can be slightly different for men and women, though some common things to look out for include:
-pain when passing urine, which can feel like burning or stinging
-needing to urinate urgently and frequent, but only passing small amounts
-cloudy, dark or strong smelling urine - it may also contain traces of blood
-pain in your lower back or abdomen (tummy)
-generally feeling unwell and lethargic
The good news is, a mild bout of cystitis usually clears up within about four to nine days. And it can be treated at home by drinking plenty of water - around 1.2 litres, or six to eight glasses, every day. You might also want to take over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, to help ease the symptoms.
More severe cystitis may need a course of antibiotics and for Prince Philip, at such a grand age, a short stay in hospital is likely to be the best bet.
Can bladder infections be prevented?
By keeping hydrated and limiting your intake of alcohol and caffeine in tea and coffee (because these can irritate your bladder), you can help prevent cystitis. And interestingly, some research has shown that taking high doses of cranberry concentrate reduces your risk. If you’re prone to getting infections repeatedly, your GP may advise you to take a low dose antibiotic to keep the bacteria at bay.
So, just remember that bladder infections can affect us all. But by spotting the signs early and getting the right treatment, you’ll be able to see the back of them in no time.
