How To Get Rid of Cystitis

Cystitis is one of the many urinary tract infections you can get. Urinary tract infections are painful and unfortunately they are common in both men and women.

The Urinary Tract

People do not speak often about the urinary tract because in some societies the general location and organs making up part of the human urinary tract is considered taboo to speak of. Mainly your urinary tract consists of your bladder, your kidneys, and your urethra. These internal organs work to remove waste from the body. When one or more of these organs become inflamed or irritated you are said to have a UTI (urinary tract infection).

What Causes Cystitis?

Cystitis is an inflammation or an infection located in the bladder. There are several things that can cause the bladder to become inflamed. The most common cause of this condition is the presence of bacteria, but there are many other things that can create the same problem. If you get a catheter at the hospital this condition may develop, radiation therapy can cause cystitis, feminine hygiene sprays and washes can be the cause, and drug reactions can also cause the condition.

What are the Symptoms of Cystitis

When you have cystitis you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

  • The feeling that you need to urinate even when you have just went to the bathroom
  • Burning sensations when you urinate, or pain when you urinate
  • The presence of blood in your urine
  • Frequently going to urinate and only voiding small amounts of urine
  • A feeling of pressure or pain in the lower abdomen
  • Urine that appears to be cloudy
  • Having pain or discomfort in the pelvic region
  • Fever

There are Two Types of Cystitis

You can have one of two types of cystitis, either you have infectious cystitis that is caused by bacteria being introduced into the bladder, or you have a non infectious form. The non infectious form of this condition is caused by medications, or by the use of products like feminine hygiene sprays. This form of cystitis can be corrected by discontinuing the use of the product or medication that is creating the irritation.

Treatment for Cystitis

If you have the symptoms of cystitis you need to see your health care provider to be properly diagnosed and treated. Antibiotics are the main treatment for this condition. Your doctor will need to take a urine sample, and attempt to identify the bacteria that caused the condition in order to accurately prescribe the correct antibiotic. When you get bacteria from having a catheter inserted at a hospital it is often difficult to find an antibiotic that will kill the bacteria.

Preventing a Urinary Tract Infection

There are things you can do to help prevent the occurrence of this condition. The following is a list of preventive measures you can take.

  • Take showers rather than sitting in a tub of water
  • Women should always wipe themselves from the front to the back to prevent the introduction of bacteria
  • Use mild soaps and rinse this area thoroughly.