Cystitis (UTI)

Cystitis is characterised by an inflammation of the bladder. This means that the bladder becomes irritated and swollen, causing uncomfortable symptoms. Cystitis is usually caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI), which is a bacterial infection in the bladder or urethra. While cystitis can affect anyone, it is more prevalent in women.

Cystitis is typically caused by a bacterial infection, but it can also occur if the bladder is irritated or damaged because of something else. The majority of cases are thought to be caused by bacteria that gets into the bladder through the urethra.

In the bladder, bacteria can multiply and lead to an infection. While bacterial infections are the most common cause of cystitis, the condition may also occur due to certain medications, chemicals, radiation or foreign bodies like catheters.

While it is not always clear how bacteria make it into the urethra, some things seem to increase the risk of it happening.

Having sex increases the risk of bacteria infecting the bladder.Other things that might increase the odds of developing cystitis are having a urinary catheter or using a diaphragm as a means of contraception.

Cystitis is either acute or interstitial. Acute cystitis is characterised by its sudden onset, whereas interstitial cystitis is a chronic, long-term condition. Both types of cystitis have a range of causes that determine their type:

• Radiation Cystitis: radiation therapies in the pelvic area can cause inflammation in bladder tissue
• Bacterial Cystitis: when bacteria outside the body enter the urinary tract through the urethra and multiply. It is vital to treat bacterial cystitis as quickly as possible since the infection can spread to the kidneys if it is untreated
• Drug-induced Cystitis: certain medications can lead to cystitis as they can cause inflammation in the bladder as they exit the body
• Chemical Cystitis: Interactions between certain hygiene products and the bladder may also result in cystitis

The most common symptoms of cystitis are:

• Pain, burning or stinging while urinating
• The need to urinate more frequently than usual
• The need to urinate immediately after leaving the bathroom
• Cloudy, dark or strong-smelling urine

If you notice a fever alongside any of these symptoms, it could be a sign of a kidney infection. This could be very serious. You should consult with a doctor immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Severe pain behind the pubic bone or in the lower back
• Pain in the sides of your lower back, where your kidneys are located
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blood in the urine

While cystitis can be uncomfortable, generally it isn’t dangerous if attended to, and it is not contagious.

The infection cannot be passed on to someone during sexual intercourse. However, you might still want to tell a partner if you are suffering from cystitis as the discomfort it causes can make intercourse painful.

The timeframe for recovery from cystitis can vary depending on the severity of the condition.

Usually, if the cystitis is mild, it should clear up on its own within a few days. However, sometimes, you might need to take antibiotics to help clear the infection more quickly.

You should consider discussing the condition with your doctor if you have had cystitis for more than three days and the symptoms have not improved. Additionally, you should talk to a doctor if you frequently get cystitis, have severe symptoms, are pregnant with the condition, or are a man with cystitis.

Recurrent cystitis is a problem for some women. It is characterised by recurring bouts of the condition, which can sometimes present as two or three separate infections in the space of a year.

Your body has defences to prevent bacteria from proliferating and causing cystitis. For example, mucus in the vagina and around the urethra is mildly acidic, which can impede the growth of bacteria.

Typically, it isn’t clear why some women experience recurring cystitis. Usually, the defence systems that aim to prevent bacterial growth are functional. However, sometimes, there can be slight variations in the barriers preventing bacteria from establishing that allow pathogens to multiply.

Most people with interstitial cystitis experience sensitivities to some foods. While the trigger foods can vary from person to person, there are some foods and drinks you should generally avoid or try to cut back on with cystitis. These include:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Citrus juices
• Fizzy drinks
• Spicy foods
• Artificial sweeteners

Cystitis treatment is simple and effective using antibiotics, this will more often than not clear the symptoms in a matter of days. In addition to antibiotics, over the counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help to manage the pain or discomfort cystitis causes.

At Cloud Pharmacy, we offer a range of effective cystitis treatment options that are available to buy through our websites, such as Trimethoprim tablets and Macrobid 100mg capsules. Once an online consultation has been completed and approved by one of our medical professionals, we will deliver it to your door the very next day (all orders placed before 3 pm).