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what is it?
The term cystitis is used to describe inflammation of the bladder causing burning, stinging pain on passing urine, and/or urgency (desperate need to pass urine). Urine may be cloudy and unpleasant smelling, and may contain blood. There may be fever, backache and pain in the abdomen. In this case you should consult your doctor as soon as possible in case the infection has ascended to your kidneys.
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Always seek medical advice if cystitis persists. You should take a clean mid-stream urine sample to the surgery to be tested for bacteria as you may need an antibiotic.
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what causes it?
Infection is a major cause. It may be triggered by bruising from sex causing the tissues to swell and/or poor personal hygeine (wiping your bottom from behind forwards so that bacteria get into the urethra).
Not drinking enough (you should aim for one and a half to two litres a day) will make you more prone to develop cystitis as will putting off passing urine, for instance because you are too busy.
Intolerance to chemicals and perfumes used in bath and other products may be a factor, although this would be unusual.
Some practitioners believe that the yeast infection candida that causes thrush may be a cause in some instances of recurrent cystitis. This has not been well researched. However the condition can be triggered off by and/or co-exist with attacks of thrush. Structural problems such as a prolapsed uterus can trigger the condition in some women. Pressure from the contraceptive cap (diaphragm) may also spark an attack. As with so many conditions stress increases the likelihood of succumbing to cystitis and can exacerbate symptoms.
how complementary therapies may help
Each therapy has been coded from 1 to 5 depending on the amount of scientific evidence there is for its effectiveness. The higher the number the stronger the evidence, so 5 = definitely, 4 = probably, 3 = possibly, 2 = opinion, and 1 = rumour. (There is more detail about these in the 'does it work?' section of 'before you start'.)
Having said this, the codes aren't meant to be cast in stone or to put you off trying a particular therapy or therapies if you feel they might be helpful to you.
Go to therapies for a full description of each individual treatment, plus information on how to find practitioners.
herbal medicine
(code 3)
A wide number of herbal treatments are prescribed but remedies will be suggested for you on an individual basis after the practitioner has taken a full and detailed history. Unsweetened cranberry juice or freeze dried cranberry power has been shown to help prevent recurrent urinary tract infection. It contains hippuric acid which is thought to work by preventing bacteria from 'sticking' to the lining of the bladder. Sweetened cranberry juice should be avoided as research shows sugar can depress the immune system and therefore may be counterproductive.
acupuncture
(code 2)
Practitioners will work to free blockages of chi that may be affecting the bladder. In an Norwegian study stimulating the Bladder, Kidney, Spleen, Liver and Conception Vessel acupoints twice a week for a month resulted in curing recurrent cystitis in 85% of those treated.
homeopathy
(code 2)
A homeopathic practitioner will take a detailed history, especially if you are subject to recurrent attacks, and will prescribe remedies tailored to your individual constitution. Certain remedies are commonly recommended. These include cantharis, to treat burning pain when passing urine; apis, for sharp, stinging pain like a bee sting (apis is derived from bee stings); staphysagria, for cystitis caused by bruising or injury; and sarsaparilla, when pain is experienced after urination.
naturopathy
(code 2)
Sitz baths, a traditional hydrotherapy technique that is part of naturopathic treatment, may be recommended alongside a number of dietary measures. It involves sitting alternatively in two baths, one filled with hot water one with cold. This is soothing and can help improve circulation to the bladder area and in this way may aid healing.
nutritional therapies
(code 2)
Treatment will usually consist of improving your diet generally by putting you on a wholefood and possibly organic diet, rich in plant foods and raw fruit and vegetables. Garlic may be recommended for its antibacterial and antiseptic actions.
If food allergy or intolerance is thought to be a factor in some cases of cystitis, the therapist may put you on an exclusion diet to try and identify any foods that may be sparking off symptoms. You may be put on an anti-candida (yeast and sugar free) diet.
The therapist might also suggest cranberry juice or tablets (see herbal medicine) to help prevent attacks. Supplements that may be prescribed include vitamin C, to help boost resistance to infection, beta carotene, zinc, bromelain (an enzyme found in pineapple that acts an anti-inflammatory) and acidophilus, a supplement designed to help encourage healthy types of bacteria.
In addition to specific treatments all practitioners will encourage you to drink plenty of plain water (two litres a day) and to pass urine frequently.
They are also likely to offer self-help tips such as avoiding tight trousers and underwear, wearing cotton underwear, avoiding perfumed bath products, keeping the genital area clean, showering rather than bathing, urinating and sluicing the genital area with water immediately following sex, and always wiping from front to back when you pass a bowel motion.
» help and info
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(July 2002)
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