Difference between Bladder Infection and Urinary Tract Infection
By Theydiffer - July 16, 2015

The urinary tract is a system composed of the bladder, ureters, urethra, and the kidneys. It is responsible for cleansing blood by eliminating metabolic waste that is passed out of the body in the form of urine. This article talks about the difference between a urinary tract infection and a bladder infection.

Definitions


Urinary Tract Infection is generally caused by the presence of bacteria in the urinary tract.  Common bacteria that cause urinary tract infection include staphylococcus saprophyticus and E. coli.

Bladder Infection is caused by the presence of bacteria in the bladder. It is an infection in the lower part of the urinary tract. Common causes include sexual activity, menopause, certain diseases and conditions, or failure to completely drain the bladder. Commonly, a bladder infection is treated by administering antibiotics.

Comparison Chart

Bladder InfectionUrinary Tract Infection
Affects the lower urinary systemAffects any part of the urinary system
Pain in urinating, accompanied by strong odorPain in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting and fever

Bladder Infection vs Urinary Tract Infection

What is the difference between bladder infection and urinary tract infection? The difference lies in the location of the infection and their symptoms.

A bladder infection is a urinary tract infection, but a urinary tract infection is not necessarily a bladder infection. Generally, a bladder infection means that there is inflammation in the bladder, while a urinary tract infection is an inflammation affecting any part of the urinary system, including the bladder.

A urinary tract infection will usually lead to nausea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. Sometimes the urine may be bloody or cloudy or contain a pus-like substance. An upper urinary tract infection is mostly more severe that a lower urinary tract infection. A bladder infection may also involve cloudy urine accompanied by strong odor. In addition, a patient suffering from a bladder infection may have a mild fever, feels pain while urinating, as well as the urgency to urinate – even immediately after doing so.