CYSTITIS
Cystitis is a common condition in women with approximately 50% of women suffering from it at some point in their lives. It is an inflammation of the bladder, which in most cases is caused by the patient's own bacteria ascending the urethra and reaching the bladder where it multiplies. This is a tube that allows urine to travel out of the bladder and the body. The urethra is shorter in women than men, which is why cystitis is much more common in females than males. Cystitis can also be as a result of non-bacterial causes such as perfumed bubble baths and soaps, insufficient water intake and it can also be triggered by sexual intercourse.
Symptoms
- Passing water more frequently.
- A sharp stinging pain when passing water.
- An urge to pass water even though there is little to pass.
- Being woken at night to pass urine.
TREATMENT
The best treatment for cystitis is to drink plenty of fluids. Drinking will wash out any bacteria in the bladder and will in time relieve the symptoms. Water and natural cranberry juice are best. Cranberries contain substances called proanthocyanidins, which are thought to prevent bacteria from sticking to the wall of the bladder.
Other fruit juices (especially concentrates), tea, coffee and alcohol should be avoided.
Potassium citrate: is an alkalinising agent that reduces the acidity of the urine and returns the pH to normal. It therefore relieves the burning pain associated with urination.
Treatments are usually in a sachet that should be mixed with water. The patient should take the entire course even if the symptoms improve. It is important to your GP if symptoms have not improved within 2 days.
Visit your pharmacist or doctor:
- If the patient is male.
- Children under 12.
- Diabetic patients.
- Elderly women.
- If the patient is pregnant or breast feeding.
- If the patient has a fever, nausea or vomiting.
- Severe pain around the stomach or groin area.
- If there is a vaginal discharge.
- If blood is present in the urine.
- If the symptoms are there longer than 7 days.
- Patients on any medication.
Helpful Tips from Mulligans Pharmacy:
- At Mulligans Pharmacy, we understand that our customers may need treatment for symptoms of a personal or sensitive nature. Our pharmacists are always available for a discreet chat in our private consultation room at your request, or you can ask a Mulligans Pharmacist a question in confidence here.
- High fluid intake will help flush out the bacteria.
- Always wipe from front to back.
- Do not ignore the urge to urinate.
- Urinating after sexual intercourse can help prevent re-occurrence.
- Symptoms over 7 days should be referred to a doctor.
- Wear looser clotheing and avoid certain soaps or bubble baths.
- Cranberry capsules can be taken on an on-going basis as a preventative measure or can be used in conjunction with the above treatments to help clear up an existing infection. Cranberries contain substances called proanthocyanidins, which are thought to prevent bacteria from sticking to the wall of the bladder.
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