Bladder Infection (cont.)

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What are the signs and symptoms of a bladder infection in men?

In men, signs and symptoms of probable bladder infection (cystitis) are:

  • Dysuria (painful urination)
  • Urinary frequency
  • Urinary urgency
  • Suprapubic pain (pain above the pelvic bone in lower abdomen)
  • Hematuria (blood in urine)

What are the signs and symptoms of a bladder infection in children?

Signs and symptoms of bladder and urinary infection in young children and infants may be more vague and can include:

How is a bladder infection diagnosed?

Bladder infection is generally diagnosed by a urinalysis (UA). This is a simple test which analyzes a urine sample collected from a patient suspected of having a bladder infection or any other form of urinary infection. This test along with signs and symptoms of bladder infection is used to diagnose or rule out cystitis.

The presence of white blood cells (WBC) or leukocyte esterase (released from WBCs) in urinalysis indicates an infection. Blood in urine (hematuria) can sometimes also be seen in the setting of bladder infection. Nitrates are chemicals produces by some bacteria and their presence in a urinalysis can also be indicative of an infection in the urine.

Urine culture is another helpful test for diagnosis of bladder infection. This test can determine the organism that may be causing urine infection. In general, urine culture is not done independent of a UA. It is generally recommended to perform a urine culture if urinalysis (UA) confirms the diagnosis of a urinary infection.

Reviewed by William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR on 3/20/2013

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Bladder Infection - Children Question: If your child had a bladder infection, please describe the symptoms that led to a diagnosis.
Bladder Infection - Prevention Question: If you've had a bladder infection, what do you do to prevent another one?
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