Several cures for a bladder infection are available, with the most effective being antibiotics. Some patients may experience success with alternative cures for a bladder infection like over-the-counter herbal remedies or drinking high volumes of cranberry juice to increase acidity and hopefully flush out the causative organism. People who try home remedies and find them ineffective after several days should seek treatment, as a bladder infection can spread to the kidneys and may cause severe complications.
The most standard treatment for bladder infection is an administration of antibiotics. The patient usually takes a several day course, although injections may be offered for rapid relief of a severe bladder infection, with medications to take at home for several days to mop up lingering bacteria. If an antibiotic is not effective, a doctor may request a urine culture to see if the patient has a resistant organism, or to check for other pathogens in the bladder that might be causing the infection.
Herbal medicines, treatment with Acidophilus bacteria, and cranberry juice can sometimes be effective cures for a bladder infection, especially if it is mild. In other cases, a patient may mistake minor inflammation for infection, and responds to these treatments because the bladder is healing anyway. Drinking lots of fluid will help patients stay hydrated and can assist with clearing out the bladder, but fluids alone will not have a curative effect on a bladder infection.
People interested in alternative cures for a bladder infection can usually find preparations at health food stores and some large supermarkets. Signs the preparation is not effective can include bloody urine, increased pain while urinating, abdominal tenderness, or the development of new symptoms indicative of spreading infection. The patient should see a doctor and provide a complete history, including how long symptoms have been occurring and what was done to treat the infection at home.
For people who experience recurrent bladder infections, a doctor may provide a standing prescription for antibiotics, allowing the patient to pick up a new batch of medicine when the signs of a bladder infection develop. This can cut costs associated with doctor visits and allow patients to treat infections quickly. It is important to follow the dosage and administration directions to avoid propagating antibiotic-resistant bacteria. If regular antibiotic cures for a bladder infection do not work, medical evaluation to check for other causes of painful urination may be required.