Diagnosis and treatment of Cystitis
The term ‘cystitis’ refers to inflammation of the urinary bladder. The recurrence of cystitis may, in some cases, be associated with kidney troubles. Children and men should always see their GP if they have cystitis. Women should always see their GP the first time they have the condition. They should also return to see their GP if they have the condition more than three times in one year.The symptoms of cystitis usually clear up without treatment within 4-9 days. There are some self-help treatments that can ease the discomfort of any symptoms, or your GP may prescribe antibiotics.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers, such as paracetamol, or ibuprofen, can be taken to reduce discomfort.
- Drinking plenty of water is often recommended as a treatment for cystitis.
- If your symptoms are moderate, or severe, your GP may prescribe a short course of antibiotics. This will usually be in the form of a tablet to be swallowed 2-4 times a day, for three days.
- For a more complicated case of cystitis, such as cystitis with another underlying infection, you may be given antibiotics to take for 5-10 days.
How does a doctor diagnose cystitis?
The diagnosis of cystitis is primarily based on symptoms and signs. Visual appearance of the urine is not helpful. The most important examination of urine is done by chemical testing (dipstick test), which is very quick, and by urine culture where the specimen is sent to a hospital laboratory to grow and examine the bacteria. The specimen must be fresh. It is also important that the woman has separated her labia (lips) during urination, to avoid bacteria from the skin and vagina contaminating the specimen. If there is inflammation, the doctor will identify bacteria and red and white blood cells in the urine using the dipstick test. If this is positive, your doctor can prescribe antibiotics immediately while waiting for further confirmation from the urine culture.
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Categories: abdomen, cure, Diagnosis, health Tags: abdomen, Attack, Burning, causes, Cyst, Cystitis, Diagnosis, Disease, Doctor, Females, health, Infection, Inflammation, pain, Prevention, Symptoms, Treatment, Urinary bladder, Urinary tract, Women
What should I do if I have an attack of cystitis?
Almost all people who have recurring cystitis have nothing seriously wrong. People with more than three bouts a year may need to see a urologist.
Many people who suffer recurring bouts may simply do common things that make them more susceptible. Here are some steps you can take to help prevent cystitis:
- Drink as much fluid as you can to flush out the system, dilute the urine and reduce any stinging.
- For the first four hours try to drink a pint of water every hour even if the attack starts in the middle of the night.
- Then drink half a pint every two hours for the next eight hours.
- Drink bland fluids such as water, weak tea or fruit squash (avoid orange juice and carbonated drinks).
- Making the urine less acid will reduce any discomfort. Try a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda dissolved in a glass of water or preparations containing citrate.
- Women with high blood pressure or heart trouble should not take either bicarbonate of soda citrate without first consulting their doctor.
- Go to the lavatory as much as you need to, don’t try to ‘hold on’.
- Keep warm and place a well-covered hot water bottle over your tummy or between your thighs. A second one hot water bottle at your lower back may also help.
- Take one or two aspirin or paracetamol tablets for the pain.
- Avoid alcohol and sexual intercourse until you feel better.
- Rest as much as possible.
- Avoid vaginal deodorants and douches, perfumed soaps, bubble bath and talc, these may irritate the urethra. Showering rather than bathing may be helpful.
- Avoid tight trousers or underwear, especially if they’re made from artificial fibres. Choose cotton underwear with stockings and looser clothes such as skirts.
- Wipe from front to back.
- Anything that obstructs or blocks the urinary tract, such as a kidney stone, can lead to repeated attacks of cystitis. Certain tests can detect these conditions. Treating the underlying cause may solve the problem.
- Any damage to the lower back area can affect the nerves connecting to the bladder and make it impossible to empty it completely.
- Change immediately from wet clothes like after swimming.
Categories: abdomen, Cyst, growth, health, pain, Prevention Tags: abdomen, Attack, Burning, causes, Cyst, Cystitis, Disease, Females, health, Infection, Inflammation, pain, Prevention, Symptoms, Urinary bladder, Urinary tract, Women