We Treat Bladder Infections at Our Tampa Walk-in Clinic
The most common type of urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bladder infection, which occurs in the hollow, muscular organ that stores liquid waste (urine) in the pelvis, then squeezes the urine into the urethra and out of the body during urination. Also known as cystitis, bladder infections are primarily caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, which are normally found in the intestines of healthy people. Due to the proximity of the urethra to the anus, E. coli can easily reach the bladder (especially in females). Although most strains live uneventfully in the intestines, E. coli bacteria can cause a painful infection in the bladder.
If you think you have symptoms of a UTI that don’t go away after 24 hours, seek evaluation right away to prevent possible progression to a kidney infection. Kidney infections can be life threatening. At South Tampa Immediate Care in Tampa, Florida, you can receive prompt and effective treatment for a bladder infection without an appointment.
What Are the Symptoms of a Bladder Infection?
Some common signs of a bladder infection include:
- Pain when the bladder is filling or full
- Bladder spasms or cramping
- Urinary urgency, even when the bladder is not full
- Pain in the abdomen, pelvis, or vagina during urination or sexual intercourse
- Urinary frequency, especially during the night
- Cloudy, blood-tinged, or odorous urine
If a bladder infection spreads to the kidneys, other symptoms may occur, such as nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, and lower back pain.
How Is a Bladder Infection Treated?
Most bladder infections can be treated with a broad-spectrum antibiotic medication, which should be started as soon as possible to relieve the symptoms and stop the infection from progressing while the diagnostic lab work is being processed. When the results of a urinalysis are available, a stronger antibiotic may be prescribed to more precisely target the infection. To help ensure that a bladder infection is fully resolved—and also to prevent a recurrence—it is important to complete the entire course of antibiotics as directed, even if the symptoms clear up.
If you think you might have a bladder infection, come to South Tampa Immediate Care today. Our capable and compassionate team provides a full spectrum of non-emergency urgent care services at our walk-in clinic in Tampa, FL.
