• Bactrim DS is used to treat several different bacterial infections.pills and pill bottle image by Effie White from Fotolia.com
  
  Bactrim DS is an antibiotic made from a combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole. This antibiotic is used to treat several different bacterial infections. This medication is only available by prescription and it must be taken exactly as directed in order to be most effective in treating bacterial infections. Patients must be sure to consume plenty of fluids when taking this antibiotic to help prevent the formation of kidney stones, says RxList.
  
  

Middle Ear Infection

• This type of infection, also referred to as otitis media, is one of the most common illnesses in young children, says the Mayo Clinic. Children with this type of ear infection can experience ear pain and headaches; they may pull at their ears; a clear fluid can drain from their ears; they may cry more often; they can have a fever higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit; and they may have difficulty sleeping, be abnormally irritable and not respond to sounds. Adults with this ear infection can experience an earache, temporary loss of hearing, a fever higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit and feel like they have a blockage in their ear. The infection in adults and children can be treated by Bactrim DS.
  
  

Urinary Tract Infection

• This type of infection can be treated by Bactrim DS and begins in, and affects, the urinary system. The urinary system consists of the ureters, urethra, kidneys and bladder. Most urinary tract infections affect the bladder and urethra. According to the Mayo Clinic, general symptoms include a persistent and strong urge to urinate, bacteria in urine, burning during urination, blood in urine, passing little urine often, cloudy urine and urine with a strong smell.
  
  If the kidneys are infected, also referred to as acute pyelonephritis, patients can experience pain in the side and upper back, vomiting, high fever, nausea, chills and shaking.
  
  If the bladder is infected, also referred to as cystitis, patients can experience pelvic pressure, painful and frequent urination, discomfort in the lower abdomen and low-grade fever.
  
  If the urethra is infected, also referred to as urethritis, patients can experience burning during urination.
  
  

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

• This infection, also treatable with Bactrim DS, can affect any part of the upper respiratory tract, including the nose, bronchi, paranasal sinuses, larynx, trachea and pharynx. There are certain symptoms that patients can experience regardless of the part of the upper respiratory tract affected, including nasal congestion, sore throat and sneezing. According to the Cleveland Clinic, other symptoms can include fever, nasal discharge, facial pain, headache, toothache cough (sometimes with sputum), fatigue and low-grade fever.
  
  

Intestinal Infection

• This type of infection, also referred to as a bacterial digestive infection, can be caused by a number of bacterias, including shigella enteritis, salmonelle enteritis and E. coli enteritis, says Wrong Diagnosis. Certain symptoms can occur regardless of the type of bacteria causing the infection, including vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, increased heart rate, nausea, abdominal pain and abdominal cramps.