What is the difference between a bladder infection and uti? is a bladder infection the same as a urinary tract infection?

Yes, : Yes, these are two terms for the same thing. Uti(urinary tract infection) is the medical term, while bladder infection is the lay term. Both refer to a bacterial infection of the urinary system that is characterized by some of the follwoing: urinary frequency, burning, hesitancy, cramping, and with ascending infection to the kidney with fevers/chills, sweats and back pain. Uti's need to be treated with antibiotics, so you should call your doctor if you suspect one. Cranberry juice has been shown to help fight certain types of uti.

UTI: "uti" includes all types of infections in the urinary tract. Cystitis is specifically a term describing inflammation of the bladder. Most often cystitis, although quit irritating, does not cause systemic symptoms such as fever, body aches etc. Pyelonephritis (also a uti) on the other hand is an infection of the kidney causing significant systemic symptoms.