Uppermill pharmacist IAN STRACHAN examines: Cystitis and its treatments
Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by bacteria entering via the urethra, which is the tube that transports urine from the bladder and out of the body. It can also be triggered by irritation or bruising of the urinary tract caused by sexual intercourse.
The condition is more common in women, as one in three will experience at least one bout before they are 24 years old. Cystitis is less common in men because they have a longer urethra and so bacteria have further to travel to reach the bladder.
SYMPTOMS
Developing over several hours or a day, symptoms include
- Pain when you pass urine or straight afterwards. This is usually a burning sensation but typically clears in four to nine days without treatment.
- An urgent need to urinate although you may pass just small amounts of urine
- Cloudy dark or strong smelling urine
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Discomfort in lower back or tummy
- Occasional fever or feeling of unwell
CAUSES OF CYSTITIS
Usually it is caused by a bacterial infection known as E.coli which lives harmlessly in your bowel. This is responsible for around eight out of 10 bouts of cystitis. The bacteria can access your urinary tract in a number of ways:
- Through sexual intercourse
- Poor hygiene: women have unfortunately shorter urethra than men so shorter distance for bacteria to travel up the bladder. The urethra is also closer to the back passage making it easier for bacteria to access
- Bubble baths and fragranced products irritate the urethra and bladder
- Pregnancy can create extra pressure on the womb so it fails to empty completely leading to cystitis
- After the menopause women can have less of certain hormones, which lower normal defences of the urethra permitting bacteria to grow
As a pharmacist I would advise sufferers to visit their doctor in cases affecting men or children. Women experiencing cystitis for the first time should be referred to exclude other causes.
TREATMENT
Symptoms can be eased by drinking plenty of water – around six to eight glasses a day – and traditional painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen. Increase fluid intake to flush out and dilute urine. Discuss these options with your pharmacist.
You can also purchase potassium and sodium based remedies from your pharmacy which make urine less acidic and so reduces discomfort.
A cheaper, traditional remedy would be to take one teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda dissolved in half glass water two to three times a day. Once again check the suitability of these remedies with your pharmacist, particularly if you are taking any other medication.
Finally, you may find discomfort from lower back pain may be relieved by using a hot water bottle and resting as much as possible. If symptoms continue for longer than two to three days see your doctor.
Care at the chemist
Saddleworth pharmacies are all commissioned to provide more effective treatments for a range of minor ailments which may be more convenient than arranging an appointment at the surgery. Discuss your eligibility with your pharmacist.
PREVENTION
- Make sure to drink enough fluid
- Limit your intake of alcohol, caffeine and fruit juices as these can irritate your bladder
- Avoid perfumed bubble bath, soap and talcum powder around genitals
- Have showers rather than baths
- Always empty your bladder fully when using the toilet
- Don’t resist the urge to urinate. Delaying can place extra stress on your bladder and make you more liable to infection
- Wear underwear made from natural fibres such as cotton or linen
- Avoid tight jeans and trousers
- Wipe from front to back when using the toilet
CRANBERRY PRODUCTS
Although cranberry products are not effective when treating cystitis they may help to prevent recurring attacks. High strength cranberry capsules containing 200mg of extract may be more effective than drinking cranberry juice. Cranberry capsules are not appropriate with certain medications so once again, check with your pharmacist.
Next time: Men and losing their hair… something I’m all too familiar with!
