Cystitis is an infection of the bladder that is very common amongst women. The first line of treatment for cystitis includes the use of antibiotics. In some cases, this health condition improves without the need for antibacterial treatment. Additionally, it is immediately treated without significant complications.
What are the symptoms of cystitis?
Typical symptoms of cystitis in women include:
- Pain upon voiding
- Frequent passage of urine
- Pain on your lower tummy
- Fever
- Blood in your urine
- Smelly and cloudy urine
The bacteria on your anus cause most urine infections. These bacteria sometimes travel towards the direction of your urethra further going into your bladder. Other causes of cystitis include chemotherapy and certain chemicals.
Who are at risk of developing cystitis?
Women are eight times more likely to develop cystitis than men do. This is because the tube where the urine passes (urethra) is shorter and nearer to the anus in women as compared to men. Other risk factors include pregnancy, sexual engagement and diabetes mellitus.
How would I know that I am suffering from cystitis?
If you are suffering from any of the abovementioned symptoms, you can seek your doctor’s advice. Your doctor may ask you to collect a urine sample that will be sent to the laboratory. Urine analysis test will help in identifying the type of bacteria that is causing your infection.
Treatment for cystitis
Treatment for cystitis includes the following:
- Antibiotics – If you are already diagnosed with cystitis, your doctor will prescribe you with antibiotic medication to be taken for three to five days. However, if you have other health condition or if you are pregnant, your doctor may not prescribe you any medication. Oftentimes, your immune system can clear mild cystitis.
- Ibuprofen or Paracetamol – Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help in relieving the pain as well as lower your temperature if you have fever.
Your doctor may also advise you to drink lots of water to “flush out” the bacteria. Nonetheless, there is no evidence that it can help. Other treatment methods also include drinking cranberry juice or any alkalinizing products such as bicarbonate or potassium citrate.
If your symptoms worsen or if you develop fever and flank pain, you should immediately consult your doctor.
Cystitis is considered a mild illness. Majority of women who develop cystitis improve within the next few days even without undergoing antibiotic therapy. Nonetheless, if your symptoms do not improve despite using antibiotics, you may need to see your doctor and use other types of antibacterial agents. You should also visit your doctor if you are experiencing recurring cystitis.
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