Cystitis is a common urinary tract infection that occurs when the bladder and urethra become inflamed. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection and is easy to treat. Women are very susceptible to cystitis as their urethra is close to the bowel opening, so contamination of the urinary tract is more likely than it is with men. In fact, women are thirty times more likely to develop cystitis than men and around 20% of women will experience cystitis as some point during their lifetime.
Cystitis occurs most often in sexually active women between the ages of twenty to fifty.
Cystitis is almost always caused by a bacterial infection, contracted from the bowel which is full of digestive bacteria from the intestines. Most bowel bacteria are harmless, but when it enters the urinary tract the bacteria can cause problems.
Usually the process of urination washes away the germs that enter the bladder, but when bacteria enter the urinary tract and multiply faster than the body’s natural defense systems can remove them, cystitis can occur.
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Painful, burning urination
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Excessive urge to urinate
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Pain in your sides, lower pelvic area and back
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Cloudy urine (may be blood speckled)
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Bad smelling urine
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Painful sex
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Fatigue
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Vomiting
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Feelings of confusion or slower thinking
Older women may have none of the symptoms listed above, but they feel generally unwell, weak and feverish.
Women who have cystitis frequently (more than 3 times in 12 months) should see their doctor.
Men and children with cystitis should always see their doctor.
Homeopathy has been traditionally used to relieve the symptoms of cystitis, and useful remedies include the homeopathic remedies, Cantharis, Staphisagria and Apis mel. (Always read the label.)
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Drink plenty of water and unsweetened cranberry juice as this can help.
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Eat natural diuretics such as parsley, celery and watermelon, but avoid citrus fruits.
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Stay clear of caffeine, sodas, chocolate and overly processed foods.
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Take extra vitamin supplements* such as vitamin c, calcium, magnesium, potassium and vitamin a supplements but avoid iron supplements.
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Make your urine less acidic by drinking a glass of water with half a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda dissolved in it
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If cystitis persists, you should consult your GP.
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Apply warm compresses to the skin to relieve pain and cold compresses to relieve pelvic congestion.
*A vitamin supplement must not be used as a substitute for a balanced diet and health lifestyle.
USA 