Cystitis

Cystitis is an irritation of the bladder that mostly affects women. A common condition, cystitis may be caused by a bacterial infection or by irritating agents, including bubble baths, perfumes (including feminine hygiene sprays), sanitary pads, or spermicidal cream, foam or jelly.

When cystitis is caused by an infection, it is also referred to as a "urinary tract infection" or "UTI".

In acute bacterial cystitis, a bacterial infection arises in the otherwise sterile environment of the bladder or lower urinary tract (urethra). Bacteria usually enter the urethra and travel into the bladder. When the organisms multiply there faster than normal urination can remove them, infection arises. The results are irritation, inflammation and, often, pain on urination.

The bacterium Escherichia coli is responsible for the majority of cystitis cases. Risks for cystitis include 

Cystitis is common in women aged 20-50 years who are sexually active. However, it also occurs in adults who are not sexually active, in young girls, and in the elderly.

Some risk factors for cystitis are:

- bladder or urethral obstruction

- insertion of catheters or other devices into the urinary tract

- diabetes

- HIV infection

- pregnancy.

Sexual intercourse can also introduce bacteria into the bladder through the urethra.

Signs, Symptoms & Diagnosis

Cystitis symptoms vary between individuals and may include:

- pain or burning feeling on urination

-  urgent need to urinate

-  frequent urination

- abnormal urine colour or cloudy urine

-  blood in the urine

-  strong or unpleasant urine odour

-  need to urinate at night (nocturia)

- pain in lower stomach or lower back

-  fever, chills, general malaise, vomiting, overall fatigue.

Young children may have episodes of bed-wetting when they have a UTI.

To diagnose cystitis, your doctor may do a urinalysis, which reveals the presence of white and red blood cells in the urine, and/or a urine culture, which helps to determine which type of bacteria are in the urine and therefore which antibiotic treatment is appropriate.  

How to Treat Cystitis

Mild cases of cystitis will often disappear with no medical treatment. More serious infections may require antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.

If you have a mild case of cystitis, you can help minimize symptoms by:

-  drinking 2-3 glasses of water at the first sign of symptoms

-  continuing to drink water throughout the day

-  having a warm bath, then keeping the genital area clean and dry

-  avoiding sexual intercourse and use of vaginal spermicides, deodorants, douches, tampons or sanitary pads

-  wearing cotton underwear

-  avoiding coffee, tea, alcohol, carbonated rinks and other acid-forming foods and beverages

-  to relieve burning on urination, drinking urine alkalisers

-  to relieve pain, taking paracetamol and resting.

Netpharmacy sells these self-care products to help minimise cystitis symptoms:

Urinary Alkalisers   

Citravescent Sachets (25 X 4g)

Ural Sachets (28)

Natural Supplements - Cranberry

Nutralife Cranberry 17000 (50 caps)

Solgar Natural Cranberry with Vitamin C (60 Vegetable Capsules)

Good Health Uri-Cleanse Cranberry Plus

Clinicians Cystocare (50gm)

Natural Supplements - Malcom Harker

Malcolm Harker Urinurse (previously Urinecta) (523 230ml)

See Your Doctor

If you have (or suspect you have) cystitis, see your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:

-  Blood in your urine

-  Unusual vaginal discharge

-  Any symptoms lasting more than 24 hours

-  Any symptoms worsening

-  Lower back, flank or stomach pain

-  Fever, vomiting or nausea

-  Pain that is unrelieved by over-the-counter pain relievers

-  You are, or could be, pregnant.

Helpful Links

Cystitis - Everybody.co.nz

Urinary Tract Infections - NIDDK, NIH

Cystitis - MayoClinic.com

The Cystitis and Overactive Bladder Foundation (UK)