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Bladder Infection vs. UTI: How To Tell the Difference

Bladder Infection vs. UTI: How To Tell the Difference

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Both bladder infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common and can be treated. The terminology surrounding them can be confusing, however. Understanding the difference between a bladder infection and a UTI and when to seek medical treatment is important.

Amory Urgent Care offers rapid, effective care for bladder infections and UTIs. Our caring providers are available every day of the week from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

What Is a UTI?

Your urinary tract is made up of four main components: urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. A UTI refers to an infection in one or more of these areas. Your urinary tract is typically sterile, but sometimes bacteria (such as E. coli) can invade the urethra and make their way to the bladder. If left untreated, the infection can spread further, up the ureters to the kidneys.

What Is a Bladder Infection?

A bladder infection is simply a type of UTI that involves infection of the bladder. Bladder infections are common and affect females more than males, primarily due to differences in anatomy.

Bladder Infection vs. UTI Symptoms

The symptoms of a UTI vary depending on which parts of the urinary tract are infected.

Urethra

  • Burning with urination.
  • Discharge.

Bladder

  • Frequent urination.
  • Painful urination.
  • Urgent need to urinate.
  • Pelvic discomfort.
  • Lower abdominal pain.
  • Foul-smelling urine.

Kidneys

  • Fever.
  • Chills.
  • Low back pain.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.

Is a Bladder Infection Worse Than a UTI?

Because a UTI can include infection of the ureters and kidneys, it can be more severe than a bladder infection, which is limited to the bladder. Getting treatment for a bladder infection early on is critical to prevent the spread of the infection to your kidneys.

A kidney infection is considered a complicated UTI and is more difficult to treat. Having a kidney infection puts you at greater risk of sepsis, a life-threatening condition.

Can I Go to Urgent Care for a UTI?

Urgent care is an excellent choice for a bladder infection or a UTI. Visiting urgent care when you first notice symptoms is essential, as this enables providers to diagnose and treat your infection most effectively.

Bladder Infection vs. UTI Treatment

At urgent care, your clinical team will discuss your symptoms, check your vital signs, and discuss any important health history. Your provider will typically order a urine test to diagnose a UTI or bladder infection. Amory Urgent Care offers an onsite lab for rapid diagnosis.

Based on your test results and other information gathered by your provider, you may be diagnosed with a bladder infection or UTI and treated with an antibiotic. Antibiotics are the mainstay of UTI treatment and help eliminate invading bacteria to facilitate healing. It is important to take the full course of your antibiotic, even if you feel better. Drinking plenty of fluids can also aid in recovery.

If you need bladder infection treatment at urgent care, visit Amory Urgent Care. Our excellent clinical team will ensure you get the help you need.