Bladder infections are characterized by the urgent desire to urinate to empty the bladder. Urination is frequent and oftentimes painful. Itchiness and a burning sensation may accompany this frequent urge to urinate even when the bladder is empty. Less common symptoms include fevers, a loss of appetite or a change in eating habits, unusual discharge from the urethra, dark, cloudy urine, with an unpleasant odor, or evidence of blood in the urine. If left untreated, it can lead to serious consequences, such as a kidney infection.
Food allergies may mimic some of the symptoms of bladder infections.
A home testing kit is available to determine if you have a bladder/urinary infection. Reagent strips manufactured by various diagnostic companies may be found in drugstores.

Treatment of bladder infections include the use of one of the best herbal remedies, cranberry. Cranberry juice produces hippuric acid in the urine, which acidifies the urine, and inhibits bacterial growth. Other components within cranberry juice prevent the bacteria from adhering to the lining of the bladder. Cranberry juice may be taken in tablets/capsules in a concentrated form. Avoid commercial cranberry juice cocktails as the product contains little cranberry juice and a high fructose syrup or sweeteners. A dandelion supplement acts as a powerful diuretic and liver cleanser, ensuring that infecting bacteria are passed out of the body before they can cause an inflammatory reaction. Birch leaves are also a natural diuretic and reduce some of the pain associated with bladder infections. Diuretics help to cleanse the system by promoting the release of fluids from the tissues. These supplements as well as drinking cranberry juice, are an effective way of flushing the kidneys, and have been shown to be effective in preventing recurrent cystitis. Always consult your doctor if you are suffering recurrent bouts of cystitis or bladder infections, to rule out any underlying cause which might be increasing your risk of infection. Reoccurring or sever bladder infections may need to be treated with antibiotics, and treatment generally lasts one to two weeks. The infection itself may clear up with three to four days of medication, but most doctors prefer a longer period of medication to ensure that the infection does not recur. Goldenseal, a "natural antibiotic" for its antimicrobial properties, is effective in treating bladder infections especially if there is bleeding. Do not take Goldenseal on a regular basis, or for more than one-two weeks at a time, and not at all if you are pregnant or have a history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
Colloidal silver is a broad spectrum antiseptic that fights infection, subdues inflammation and promotes healing. It is taken by mouth, or applied topically.

In the prevention of bladder infections it is recommended to stay hydrated. Drink 6-8 glasses of water daily. Include parsley, watermelon and celery in your diet. These foods act as diuretics, and can be purchased as juices from a health food store.
Remove alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, coffee, refined or processed foods, simple sugars, chemicals in foods, and citrus fruits as they produce alkaline urine. Do not delay in emptying the bladder. Keep genital areas clean and dry. Women should practice good hygiene, washing before and after intercourse, emptying the bladder before and after exercise, wear cotton underwear vs. nylon, do not use feminine hygiene products with fragrance or chemicals that are potentially irritating, use sanitary products rather than tampons, and use mild soaps to cleanse the vaginal area.

The information presented is for informational purposes only. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Consult your doctor or health care practitioner for any health problem and before using any supplements.