Bladder Infection in MS

For patients withĀ multiple sclerosis (MS), bladder infection is a serious health issue that should be reported to a doctor and treated.Ā Also known as a urinary tract infection or cystitis, a bladder infection can be caused by several symptoms and conditions related toĀ MS, such as untreated urinary retention or other bladder dysfunctions. ItĀ is important to have a bladder infection diagnosed and treated because an untreated infectionĀ in the urinary tractĀ can cause a chain reaction of increased spasticity and cognitive (thinking) impairment, which can lead to a relapse.

Bladder Infection in MSIn advanced cases of multiple sclerosis, an untreated urinary tract infection can even lead to sepsis ā€” a dangerous potentially life-threateningĀ infection that attacks the entire body.

Signs of Bladder Infection in MS

Signs of a urinary tract infection in an MS patient can include fatigue or a wide range of bladder symptoms associated with ongoing bladder dysfunction such as urinary incontinence, which is common with MS.Ā Other symptoms include aĀ frequent urge to urinate; aĀ painful, burning sensation whileĀ urinating; pain in the bladder or abdomen; andĀ milky or cloudy looking urine accompanied by a foul smell.

Urinary tract infections are quite common in peopleĀ with MS. One study indicated that 1 in 10 patients will have aĀ bladder infection at some point. Another study suggests that the frequencyĀ of infections may be higher because some patients who were found to beĀ infected were asymptomatic and went previouslyĀ undiagnosed. Patients found to have urinary tract infections while experiencing exacerbations need to be treated differently for the infection compared to patients in remission, but in all cases the infection needs to be addressed clinically as soon as possible.

Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.