Cystitis

About cystitis

Beyond popular opinion, Cystitis is not a sexually transmitted infection. Rather, its a common type of urinary tract infection, as it affects the lower portion of the urinary tract.  Although not a serious health risk, cystitis can be highly inconvenient and cause a great deal of discomfort.  Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder, and is more common in women due to their shorter urethra. Lower UTI do have mild symptoms but can be treated with antibiotics.

The main symptoms of cystitis include a stinging or burning sensation when you pass urine. There is also an urge to urinate more frequently than normal. The urine is always dark or murky in colour or has a strong smell and general pain in the lower stomach.

In most cases, cystitis can cause feverish symptoms. Cystitis symptoms usually go away within 24 hours after you start taking treatment.  However, some people get cystitis often, which is known as "recurrent cystitis" or recurring cystitis". This can lead to a serious kidney infection that will require urgent medical attention. Those who suffer from such occurrences need an ongoing treatment.  

If the condition is yet to resolve within 48 hours, or you have frequent episodes of cystitis, see your GP or visit NHS 111.  Do this, so he can advice you on the best treatment of cystitis. 

What causes cystitis?

The most common cause of cystitis is a bacterial infection in the lower urinary system. Escherichia coli bacterium is the most common cause, accounting for 95% of cases.  

This occurs when bacteria from the bowel or the skin enters into the bladder through the urethra. Sex can cause an episode of cystitis too. While it is not always clear why this happens, there are a number of factors that are thought to be responsible. 

This exposure may occur:

• During anal intercourse
• Among people with poor bladder control
• During vaginal intercourse
• Bacteria in your bladder 
• To men with uncircumcised penises
• Among people who have a catheter inserted into the urethra
• Among people with fecal incontinence or those who don’t fully cleanse themselves after a bowel movement

Others include:

• Wiping your bottom from back to front after using the toilet.
• Using a contraceptive diaphragm
• Inserting a tampon  

Non-bacterial causes of cystitis are medications, chemicals, radiation, foreign bodies, or other medical conditions.

Common symptoms of Cystitis (UTI)

Cystitis (UTI) can cause symptoms such as:

• Lower abdomen pain, 
• burning or stinging sensation when you pee,
• pain and discomfort in the lower stomach,
• the urge to urinate more often, 
• dark and strong-smelling urine,
• a sense of bladder fullness when empty.

In severe cases, the symptoms of a UTI may include the following:

• blood in the urine, 
• side or back pain, 
• high temperature or feeling feverish,
• or a very low temperature. 
• drowsiness or confusion. 

If any of these symptoms occur, seek medical attention right away. 

Treatment options for Cystitis

Cystitis is the inflammation of the bladder. There are different treatment methods for cystitis. In most cases, individuals get better without needing antibiotics. 

Drinking cranberry juice or taking cranberry pills is one of the most common cystitis remedies, and it can help relieve symptoms. Cranberries are thought to have an ingredient that prevents bacteria from attaching to the wall of your bladder. 

Likewise, you can get cystitis sachets. These contain sodium citrate or potassium citrate and helps to relieve the symptoms. The cystitis sachet will reduce stop the burning sensation and reduce the amount of acid in your urine.

 However, if you experience normal to mild symptoms for two days or less, then there are some things you can do to relieve the symptoms while the condition clears up on its own. For instance:  

• You can take over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen to eliminate any pain.
• Avoid sexual intercourse until you feel better. This is because having sex with cystitis can significantly worsen your symptoms.
• Hydrate your body. Drinking plenty of water helps flush out the infection.

Various UTI treatments and other antibiotics online are available to help symptoms improve within 24 hours. Most of these treatments alter the urine's acidity, which relieves cystitis symptoms.

Antibiotics for UTIs

It is essential to start taking antibiotics in cases where the cystitis symptoms persist even after 2 to 3 days. For cystitis, UTI antibiotics in the UK are prescribed for a short amount of time. Antibiotics for cystitis are usually prescribed for about three days. But, they may also be prescribed for a week or longer if the symptoms are severe. 

GPs tend to test the patient's urine to determine the appropriate antibiotic to prescribe. Trimethoprim or nitrofurantoin are the most popular treatments for cystitis. 

It is crucial to note that antibiotics are the most effective form of cystitis treatment. With the help of antibiotics, the symptoms of cystitis improve within a day or two of treatment. In addition, even if your symptoms clear out within two days, it is vital to remember that you must complete the entire prescribed course of the particular antibiotics. On the other hand, if you do not experience any improvement, consult your GP or pharmacist immediately, as you might require the assistance of a different UTI treatment.

How do I prevent Cystitis?

Although you can not prevent cystitis, you can make a few lifestyle changes that will help you lower your chances of getting cystitis. For example:

• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water
• Always wipe from front to back after peeing
• Pee after sex
• Avoid scented products like bubble baths, talcum powder or soap

How does Cystitis treatment work?

Mild cases of cystitis can be treated by drinking enough fluids. It's also important to avoid sexual intercourse and take painkillers to help relieve discomfort. A short course of antibiotics works well in more severe cases of cystitis.

Antibiotics are the best and fastest method used to treat cystitis in women and men. Some common antibiotics prescribed have proven effective in treating cystitis.  The treatment we provide are Trimethoprim 200mg tablets and Nitrofurantoin 100mg capsules. They are now the leading first line treatment.