REAL
Chronic cystitis FACTS
What is it? A bladder infection that is normally caused by bacteria and which causes pain when you are urinating and the feeling you need to go to the loo even when your bladder is totally empty. Chronic cystitis is when the infection returns repeatedly.
What causes it? Women are more prone to cystitis as their urethra (the tube that transports urine out of the body) is situated closer to the back passage. Hormones can also be the cause – your bladder and urethra respond to oestrogen and when the levels reduce (during pregnancy, menopause and your monthly cycle), the
tissues of these organs become
thinner and weaker, making it far easier for any bacteria to take hold.
Sex can also introduce bacteria to the urethra. It may also cause inflammation or bruising, which in turn encourages bacteria to grow.
Prevention
Drink lots of water to dilute your urine, flush out the system and reduce any stinging sensation. Wear cotton underwear and avoid tights and tight trousers, which create a moist, warm and airless environment in which bacteria thrive. Interestingly, there is no evidence poor hygiene can lead to cystitis. In fact, some women wash too much, which may alter the normal balance of protective mucus and so allow bacteria to thrive. Washing gently once a day with mild soap and water is fine. Avoid sugar, which encourages bacteria to grow. Studies also show artificial sugars can irritate the bladder lining, so avoid these as well as alcohol, tea and coffee. Cranberries (berries, juice or tablets) may help as it’s thought they contain
a chemical that prevents certain bacteria from attaching to the cells that line the bladder wall. At least 200mg of cranberry extract a day is thought to be useful.
Treatment
Over-the-counter treatments like Canesten Oasis or Cymalon contain sodium citrate to neutralise the acid in urine, so peeing is less painful. If your cystitis doesn’t clear up in two to three days, see your GP who may put you on a short course of antibiotics. If symptoms don’t clear up immediately after this treatment, your GP may try a six-month course of low-dose antibiotic. Ibuprofen and tricyclic antidepressants can help the pain. Sometimes taking the contraceptive pill can help. If the cystitis is chronic, you may be referred to a urologist for cystoscopy to rule out bladder cancer or ulcers. Often this procedure helps to temporarily reduce symptoms.
WWW.CANDIS.CO.UK | OCTOBER 2011 83
HEALTH
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148 |
Page 149 |
Page 150 |
Page 151 |
Page 152 |
Page 153 |
Page 154 |
Page 155 |
Page 156 |
Page 157 |
Page 158 |
Page 159 |
Page 160 |
Page 161 |
Page 162 |
Page 163 |
Page 164