Guide to cystitis

A burning sensation in the lower abdomen, which becomes more noticeable when urinating, is usually the first sign of a bladder infection. Many people suffer from urinary tract infections. Women are affected much more frequently than men due to their short urethra. Here you can find out what you can do about it yourself and when a visit to the doctor is essential.

Abstract:

• Due to a significantly shorter urethra, women suffer from bladder infections (cystitis) more frequently than men.
• The causes are varied and are favored by certain factors: Anatomy, stress, cold or a weak immune system are common triggers.
• Bladder infections are common and require medical treatment if necessary.
• There are a variety of preventive measures using household remedies and herbal preparations, as well as numerous treatment options using tried and tested household remedies such as adequate hydration, rest and relaxation, herbal preparations or medical treatment in the form of antibiotics, long-term therapies and immunization.

Symptoms

The classic symptoms of cystitis are mainly

• Increased urge to urinate, regardless of how full the bladder is
• Burning sensation when urinating
• Cramps in the abdomen
• Pain in the lower back
• Blood in urine

Causes

There are many causes that lead to cystitis. A distinction is made between

• Bacterial infection: Bacteria enter the bladder via the urethra, multiply there and trigger the inflammation
• Non-bacterial cystitis: An inflammation of the bladder that is not caused by bacteria.

Regardless of whether the cystitis is bacterial or non-bacterial in nature, there are common causes or a combination of several factors that promote and cause cystitis:

• Chills caused by cold feet or wearing wet swimwear after swimming
• Weakened immune system
• Mental and physical stress
• Frequently changing sexual partners
• Increasing age
• Indwelling bladder catheter
• Frequent sexual intercourse
• Use of vaginal creams, lubricants
• Spermicides, diaphragms
• Germs
• Venereal diseases
• Postmenopause
• Former, unhealed and/or untreated infections

The cause can also be of an anatomical nature, due to:

• Scarring
• Congenital malformations

Recurrent cystitis

If a bladder infection occurs more than twice every six months, it is also referred to as recurrent cystitis. It is advisable not only to treat the symptoms, but also to get to the bottom of the cause in order to prevent further inflammation.

When should a doctor be consulted?

If you suffer from an uncomplicated, mild bladder infection, the chances of curing it on your own are good. If the symptoms last longer than four days, become more severe or blood is visible in the urine, you should see a doctor urgently. An untreated bladder infection can lead to a very serious inflammation of the kidneys and pelvis.

Treatment

A distinction is made between complicated and non-complicated forms of cystitis.

• Non-complicated infections are treated with antibiotics and are subsequently cured.
• Complicated infections mainly affect pregnant women, children and men, where risk factors can complicate the course of the disease, consequential damage cannot be ruled out or there is a risk of treatment failure.

Independent treatment:

• Drink enough so that germs can be flushed out via the urine. Unsweetened camomile, bladder and kidney tea soothes the bladder and promotes flushing.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen are suitable for short-term treatment.
• Keep your abdomen and feet warm to relieve cramps.
• Relaxation baths help to relieve cramps.
• Naturopathic preparations such as Aqua Libra, Canephron or Femannose support the bladder, promote the urge to urinate and help to alleviate the symptoms.
• Cranberry juice or a mixture of cranberry and cranberry juice can make it more difficult for bacteria to dock in the bladder.

Medical treatment:

• Urine sample is examined for germs.
• Laboratory findings provide information about which germs trigger the cystitis.
• Ultrasound examination of the abdomen.
• Cystoscopy to rule out anatomical malformations such as a narrowed urethra.
• Prescription of antibiotics for bacterial cystitis.
• Long-term therapies and immunization.

Prevention

Depending on the cause of the infection, there are different ways to prevent cystitis:

• Drink enough, especially water and unsweetened teas. Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol.
• Keep your feet and abdomen warm, use kidney protectors, for example, if you are prone to bladder infections.
• Cranberry juice can prevent the bacteria from docking in the bladder.
• Herbal preparations to support the immune system and the bladder.
• Relaxing baths with soothing extracts such as camomile or birch help.
• Avoid alcohol, coffee and citrus juices as they irritate the bladder.
• Make sure you eat a balanced diet to prevent acidosis.
• Go to the toilet immediately after sexual intercourse to flush any germs out of the urethra.
• Keep your genital area clean and always wipe from the front (starting from the vagina) to the back of the anus after a bowel movement.
• Only use alkaline soaps or lukewarm water for intimate hygiene.
• Cotton underwear reduces the risk of transmitting E. coli bacteria from the anus.
• Always empty your bladder sufficiently.
• Clean sex toys after use.
• Be careful not to have vaginal intercourse after anal intercourse, otherwise bacteria can immediately enter the bladder.

Bladder infections are a serious issue. The symptoms are not only extremely unpleasant and extremely painful, but can also considerably restrict the patient’s quality of life. In order to rule out complications and other illnesses, it is advisable to consult a doctor – especially if the symptoms persist for a long time and are severe or if there is blood in the urine.

Sources

• https://www.apotheken-umschau.de/Blasenentzuendung
• https://www.wobenzym.de/de/entzuendungen/blase/
• https://www.patienten-information.de/kurzinformationen/nieren-und-harnwege/blasenentzuendung