What is cystitis and what can I do about it?

Cystitis is the inflammation of the bladder. The condition primarily affects women, but can affect either sex and all age groups.


Types

There are several types of cystitis:

bacterial cystitis, the most common type, which is most often caused by coliform bacteria being transferred from the bowel through the urethra into the bladder
interstitial cystitis, which is rare, difficult to diagnose, and does not involve foreign organisms
hemorrhagic cystitis

Bacterial cystitis: prevention and treatment
Drinking cranberry juice is widely recommended to treat or prevent cystitis. There is some evidence that it is effective in prevention[1], but no good evidence for treatment[2]. Although the mechanism is not well-understood, apparently a metabolite of cranberry juice inhibits the adherence of certain pathogens to the epithelium of the urinary bladder. The element found in cranberry juice is the sugar d-mannose, a white, non-sweet, powder. This substance, when mixed with a glass of water and drunk, is more effective as a treatment since most cranberry juices contain sucrose (table sugar) which serves as food for the bacteria. D-mannose, on the other hand, supposedly serves to make the bladder wall too slippery for the bacteria to hold on to and they are expelled with the urine.

An antibiotic is the initial treatment for bacterial cystitis (see also in urinary tract infection). Drinking lots of water will usually result in the removal of the bacteria from the bladder, and the cystitis will clear after a week or so. Natural remedies and some drugs which counteract the acidity of urine, such as Cystopurin (potassium citrate), can help to relieve symptoms, but will not clear up the infection. The old remedy was barley water.

swelling of a cyst go to the doctor for pro advice

Cystitis is the inflammation of the bladder. The condition primarily affects women, but can affect either sex and all age groups.

Drinking cranberry juice is widely recommended to treat or prevent cystitis. There is some evidence that it is effective in prevention[1], but no good evidence for treatment[2]. Although the mechanism is not well-understood, apparently a metabolite of cranberry juice inhibits the adherence of certain pathogens to the epithelium of the urinary bladder. The element found in cranberry juice is the sugar d-mannose, a white, non-sweet, powder. This substance, when mixed with a glass of water and drunk, is more effective as a treatment since most cranberry juices contain sucrose (table sugar) which serves as food for the bacteria. D-mannose, on the other hand, supposedly serves to make the bladder wall too slippery for the bacteria to hold on to and they are expelled with the urine.

An antibiotic is the initial treatment for bacterial cystitis (see also in urinary tract infection). Drinking lots of water will usually result in the removal of the bacteria from the bladder, and the cystitis will clear after a week or so. Natural remedies and some drugs which counteract the acidity of urine, such as Cystopurin (potassium citrate), can help to relieve symptoms, but will not clear up the infection. The old remedy was barley water.

hope that helps
/kevin

It''s caused by irritation to the urinary tract, usually from too much sex! It used to be called the " honeymoon disease ". Needless to say, lay off intercourse for a while, drink cranberry juice (straight juice, not cocktail) If it doesn't clear up in a week, see your dr. for medication.

What is cystitis?

Cystitis is an infection of the bladder, but the term is often used indiscriminately and covers a range of infections and irritations in the lower urinary system. It causes burning sensations during urination and a frequent need to urinate.

What treatments are available?

There are a number of products available from your pharmacist to treat cystitis. These can be used unless a woman is vomiting or if there is blood in the urine or if a woman is pregnant in which case she should consult her doctor. Usually, a single course of treatment clears up the problem, but if symptoms persist after trying an over-the-counter remedy then you should consult your doctor.

How does a doctor diagnose cystitis?

The most important examination of urine is done by chemical testing (dipstick test), which is very quick, and by urine culture where the specimen is sent to a hospital laboratory to grow and examine the bacteria. The specimen must be fresh. It is also important that the woman has separated her labia (lips) during urination, to avoid bacteria from the skin and vagina contaminating the specimen. If there is inflammation, the doctor will identify bacteria and red and white blood cells in the urine.

In the case of repeated, inexplicable, infections of the urinary system, a referral should be made to a hospital for tests such as ultrasound scanning or X-rays of the urinary system and cystoscopy (telescopic examination of the bladder).