People often use the terms bladder infection and urinary tract infection (UTI) interchangeably. However, they’re not exactly the same. A bladder infection is a specific type of UTI that affects only the bladder. A UTI can occur anywhere in the urinary system, including the kidneys and urethra.
Knowing the difference between a bladder infection vs UTI is important. The symptoms, severity, and treatment can change based on the infection’s location. Here’s how to tell them apart and when you should seek medical care.
Urinary Tract Anatomy
The urinary tract is a system of organs and tubes that work together to remove waste and excess fluids from your body through urine. Each part has a specific role:
- The kidneys are located on either side of your spine just below the ribcage. They filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood, which becomes urine.
- The ureters are thin, muscular tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
- The bladder is a hollow organ that stores urine until it’s time to urinate.
- The urethra is a small tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body during urination. In women, the urethra is shorter and located above the vaginal opening. In men, it runs through the penis and serves as a passage for both urine and semen.
Bladder Infection vs UTI – The Difference
Bladder infections happen more often than infections in other parts of the urinary tract. So, many people use UTI and bladder infection as if they mean the same thing. But bladder infections are just one type of UTI.
Urinary tract infection
A UTI is an infection involving any part of the urinary system, including the:
- Urethra
- Bladder
- Ureters
- Kidneys
The symptoms vary based on which area is affected. For example, an infection in the kidneys can cause flank pain or fever. In contrast, an infection limited to the urethra might present with burning during urination and discomfort at the urethral opening.
Bladder infection
A bladder infection, or cystitis, is a specific form of UTI confined to the bladder. It often presents with symptoms like:
- Increased urgency to urinate
- Burning or pain during urination
- Pelvic or lower abdominal discomfort
Bladder Infection vs UTI Symptoms
Many symptoms overlap across these infections, making it challenging to determine where the infection is located without proper evaluation. Similar symptoms include:
- A strong urge to urinate more often than usual, even if little urine comes out
- A stinging or burning feeling while urinating
- Cloudy urine
- Strong-smelling urine
- A feeling of heaviness, pressure, or dull pain in the lower abdomen
Symptoms specific to a bladder infection: cystitis
When the infection is confined to the bladder, the symptoms are generally localized, and include:
- Lower abdominal pain or cramping
- Increased urgency to urinate.
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Pain during sexual intercourse
Symptoms of a more severe UTI: pyelonephritis
When a UTI spreads beyond the bladder and affects the kidneys, the symptoms become more serious and systemic:
- A sudden spike in temperature above 101°F, often accompanied by chills
- Pain in the back or side, typically just below the ribs, on one or both sides of the body
- Nausea and vomiting
- Feeling unusually tired or weak, even without strenuous activity
- Mental changes, including disorientation or confusion, which can signal a severe or systemic infection
Should I See a Urologist?
A urologist is a physician who specializes in the urinary tract. Seeing a urologist is suggested if you have:
- Recurrent or frequent cystitis or other types of UTIs
- Structural abnormalities of the urinary tract
- Underlying health issues that make you prone to infections
- More complex urinary conditions or complications
If you think you are experiencing bladder infections vs UTI symptoms, don’t risk complications. Call (541) 334-3350 to schedule an appointment right away for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.