In this article we have examined the causes of cystitis and looked at some potential alternative natural medicine.
Cystitis is a urinary system medical condition that is quite common and can be an acute or chronic inflammation of the urinary bladder. This occurs when there is a bacterial infection in the urethra originating from the rectum. The most common cause of this inflammation is E. Coli. Cystitis is more commonly found in women because the female urethra is than in men. It is also common in women in menopause due to changes in the estrogen levels.
Causes of cystitis:
- Bacteria (E.Coli) residing in the urinary bladder is the most common cause
- Personal toilet hygiene – common in girls and woman because of the shorter urethra than men. Wiping after going to the bathroom is very vital. The correct way to wipe is from front to back so that bacteria from the anus won’t go infect the vagina.
- Congenital deformities in the urinary system – this is more common in males. Congenital deformities are present during birth and it can prevent the complete evacuation of the bladder.
- Patients with catheters – any foreign object inserted in the body may be a reservoir or conduit for bacteria
- Enlarged prostate gland in men – this condition could prevent the bladder from emptying completely which may pose a risk for cystitis
- Pregnant women are at greater risk of cystitis
- Frequent sexual activity – since sexual intercourse may introduce foreign bacteria, cystitis can occur
- Sexually transmitted diseases – STDS such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia could have symptoms similar to cystitis.
- Post-menopausal women – due to the change in estrogen levels
Types of Cystitis:
- Traumatic – the most common type in females due to the bladder being bruised. Usual trauma occurs during forceful sexual intercourse or due to accident or injury.
- Interstitial – said to be from constant irritation of the bladder which involves infection. The cause is unknown, but said to be autoimmune in origin.
- Eosinophilic – this is a rare form and diagnosed through biopsy. This occurs when the bladder wall is infiltrated with a high number of eosinophils. (A white blood cell containing granules readily stained by eosin)
- Hemorrhagic – this type could occur as a side effect of radiation therapy, cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide.
Signs and symptoms of cystitis:
- Burning sensation during urination that could be accompanied with pain above the pubic bone (also a common symptom for urinary tract infection)
- Frequent urination
- Foul-smelling urine
- Cloudy appearance in the urine
- Blood may appear in the urine in more severe cases
Diagnostic procedures:
- Urine test. One of the most important diagnostic tests in order to examine the growth of bacteria
- Ultrasound scanning (X-rays). Used to get a visual of the urinary system
- Cystoscopy. A telescopic examination of the bladder
Ways to prevent this condition is:
- Drink a lot of fluids all throughout the day (water, cranberry juice). At least 8 glasses of water a day and cranberry juice whenever you can throughout the day. You can also take capsules that have cranberries.
- When you urinate make sure that you empty your bladder completely
- Try to urinate at least once every 2 hours to flush out bacteria.
- Urinate before and after sexual intercourse to remove the bacteria from the urethra
The goal is to fight off the bacteria and relieve pain. Here are cystitis symptoms remedies that are easy to follow and won’t hurt your budget:
- Radish leaves. Creating a juice with radish leaves. Drink a cup of this juice once a day. It may kill the bacteria residing in the bladder.
fresh spinach - Cucumber juice. This is a wonderful cystitis natural home remedy since this is a natural diuretic. Mix this juice with a teaspoon of honey and a tablespoon of fresh lime juice. Drink it 3x a day.
- Fresh spinach juice. Get 100 mL of fresh spinach juice and drink it 2x a day. It is also a natural diuretic and can clean the bladder.
- Lemon juice. An effective cystitis symptoms treatment to ease the burning sensation. Get a teaspoon of lemon juice and put it in 180 mL of boiling water. Allow it to cool down and take 60 mL of this every 2 hours from 8AM to 12 noon.
- Drumstick flowers juice and tender coconut water. This is a helpful herbal cystitis treatment. The fresh juice from the flowers of the drumstick is very effective. Get a teaspoon of the juice and mix it with a half glass of tender coconut water. Take this liquid drink at least 2x a day because it will act as a natural diuretic.
- Sandalwood oil. This type of oil is helpful in cystitis. Give this oil in doses of 5 drops in the beginning and increasing it to 10 to 30 drops. You can also add a teaspoon of carom seeds mixed with a glass of water.
- Have quality rest and keep yourself warm. During the start of acute cystitis (first 3 to 4 days).
- Warm compress. For pain relief, you can immerse your pelvis in warm water. Use a towel to place over the abdomen that has been immersed in warm water. You can continue this treatment for 3 to 4 days to relieve the pain.
- Cold compress. After the warm compress, for the next 2 to 3 days, you can start applying a cold compress. The hot compress is intended to relieve the pain while the cold compress is to relieve pelvic congestion and increasing the activity of the skin.
- Barley. Mix barley gruel with buttermilk and half lime juice to provide an excellent diuretic. Take it twice a day for maximum results.
Cystitis is not to be considered trivial. By all means contact your physician.
You may wish to try out one of these treatments for cystitis symptoms to help with this medical condition. All these home treatments for cystitis symptoms are all considered to be safe and effective but your doctor is your first line of defense.