Page 132 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

130 COMMON CONDITIONS: WOMEN’S PROBLEMS

Cystitis

Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder, usually as a result of an infection. If you have an episode of cystitis,
you will probably feel a burning pain when you urinate and have the urge to urinate frequently, even when
your bladder is empty. The urine may be cloudy and foul smelling, and you may have pain in your lower
abdomen. Episodes are sometimes triggered by sexual intercourse. Cystitis is a common condition in
women, but is much less common in men and children.

See your doctor first
DRUG REMEDIES
Make an appointment to see your doctor if:
Cystitis pain relief preparations
● You are pregnant
(see p.181) usually contain phenazopyridine to help
● There is blood in your urine
relieve pain and the burning sensation associated
● You have pain in your back, or in your sides
with cystitis, as well as the feeling of needing to
just below your ribs; high fever; or shivering urinate urgently.
● Your symptoms are not relieved within
48 hours using the measures below Analgesics, such as acetaminophen (see p.177),
can help relieve some of the discomfort of cystitis.
Men and children with symptoms of cystitis
should always see a doctor.
NATURAL REMEDIES
What you can do yourself Cranberry juice is a useful
Using these simple measures promptly may treatment that helps to fight infection
be enough to clear up a mild episode of cystitis. and may prevent recurrences of
However, antibiotics may be necessary. cystitis by reducing levels of bacteria
in the bladder.
● Drink plenty of fluids to wash away bacteria and
keep the urine dilute. This will help make your Drinking cranberry juice
urine less irritating to the bladder. Choose a juice with a high
proportion of cranberry, and
● Avoid citrus fruits, tomatoes, spicy foods, caffeine,
drink 1–2 glasses a day.
alcohol, and nicotine. All of these substances can
irritate the bladder.
● Take a cystitis pain relief preparation (see DRUG
REMEDIES, right) to help relieve the symptoms of PREVENTION
cystitis, in conjunction with any treatment provided
by your doctor. Avoiding recurrences The following
measures can help to prevent attacks of cystitis.
● Hold a covered hot-water bottle over your
● Drink 8 glasses (2–3 quarts) of fluids each day,
lower abdomen to relieve any pain, and/or take including 1–2 glasses of cranberry juice.
an analgesic (see DRUG REMEDIES, right). ● Empty your bladder frequently and completely.
● After a bowel movement, wipe from front to back
● Cranberry juice may help to relieve symptoms or
to avoid spreading bacteria.
even prevent cystitis (see NATURAL REMEDIES, right).
● Urinate before and after sexual intercourse.
● Try to urinate immediately before and after ● Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight pants.
sexual intercourse, to help flush out any bacteria. ● Don’t use vaginal deodorants.
● Take showers instead of baths, if possible.