Cystitis is a common urinary tract health problem that can happen to anyone, but is especially common among women. Annoying symptoms such as frequent urination, burning sensation when urinating, or lower abdominal pain can make you feel uncomfortable and affect your daily life.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into the causes and treatment of cystitis, along with tips on how to stay healthy and prevent the disease.
Important information about cystitis
- What is cystitis?
- What causes cystitis?
- Cystitis symptoms
- Complications
- Treatment methods
- What are the consequences of delayed treatment?
- When to see a doctor
- Self-care after seeing a doctor
- How to prevent
- Frequently asked questions
What is cystitis?
Cystitis is a disease in which there is an infection in the bladder. External germs enter through the urethra into the bladder, which can cause pain while urinating.
The most common cause of cystitis is an Escherichia coli or E.coli infection, which is common in people who frequently hold their urine.
It occurs more in women than in men because the female urethra is shorter than that of men. However, it can occur in all genders and all ages, including those with abnormal urinary tract diseases such as abnormal ureters, kidney stones, enlarged prostate, etc.
Symptoms of cystitis
Symptoms of cystitis In the early stages, patients often present with various urinary symptoms .
Symptoms of burning when urinating, followed by dull pain in the lower abdomen, frequent urination, dribbling, blood in the urine (which may appear pink or bloody), cloudy urine, when normally our urine is clear, and incomplete urination.
Complications
If the patient does not receive proper treatment or has a severe infection, complications may occur, such as:
- Pyelonephritis , which is a more severe disease, is more difficult to treat and may lead to acute kidney failure and bloodstream infections.
- In patients with frequent cystitis and frequent use of antibiotics , resistance to antibiotics may occur. Further investigations should be performed to find other common causes, such as kidney stones.
Treatment methods
Treatment of cystitis can be treated with antibiotics , either oral or injected as prescribed by a doctor, for a period of approximately 3-10 days.
This depends on the severity and the patient, along with behavioral changes such as drinking water frequently and avoiding holding urine.
You should see a doctor first. For proper treatment You should not buy medicine and take it yourself. |
What are the consequences of delayed treatment?
If treatment of cystitis is delayedMay cause pyelonephritis This is a severe disease, and treatment is more difficult, possibly leading to acute kidney failure and bloodstream infections.
When to see a doctor
If you notice symptoms that indicate a cystitis infection, such as burning sensation while urinating (pain or burning sensation while urinating), lower abdominal pain, cloudy urine or frequent urination (however, frequent urination can also be caused by other things) or blood in the urine
Self-care after seeing a doctor
- It is recommended to drink water frequently and in larger quantities than usual to increase urine volume and to help flush germs out through the urine.
- Avoid holding urine, which promotes good urination hygiene.
- Clean the urethra area after urinating and after intercourse, and urinate immediately after intercourse to help flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra.
- If the doctor prescribes medication, it should be taken as advised by the doctor.
- Get enough rest
- Avoid using irritating products.
- If the doctor has a follow-up appointment, you should go to the appointment.
How to prevent cystitis
Drink plenty of water
But don’t overdo it. Drinking water will help you urinate more often and flush out bacteria from your urinary tract, which can reduce your risk of infection. You can calculate the amount of water your body should consume based on your weight using this formula:
(Weight x 2.2 x 30/2) /1000 = amount of water you should drink in 1 day (liters) ![]() ![]() |
Do not hold urine frequently.
If you feel the need to urinate, you should urinate immediately; do not hold it in, as this can lead to bacteria building up in your bladder.
Urine after intercourse
This method does not prevent pregnancy as some people believe, but it does reduce the risk of infection. and helps drive out bacteria that may enter the urethra.
Clean your genitals properly
After defecation,Clean from front to back to prevent bacteria from the rectum from entering the urethra.
Avoid using soaps or products with strong chemicals to clean the genital area.
Keep clean
Maintain good hygiene of the body and genital area. You should shower every day and not wear the same underwear repeatedly to prevent it from becoming a source of bacteria accumulation.
Do not buy medicine to use yourself if you have any abnormal symptoms.
Because there is a risk that the symptoms will worsen or an infection may occur. If you experience any abnormal symptoms, you should see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Can cystitis heal on its own?
A: In cases where symptoms initially appear mild and without underlying diseases, some cases can recover on their own by drinking plenty of water and avoiding holding urine.
What not to eat when you have cystitis
A: Cystitis is a local infection and is caused by external pathogens. Therefore, there is no need to stop eating anything. Instead, focus on drinking water frequently, avoiding holding urine, and taking antibiotics correctly.
It is recommended to avoid alcohol, eat healthy foods, and get enough rest to boost the body’s immune system.
Cystitis medication
Answer : There are many groups of antibiotics that can be used, such as Penicillin, Cephalosporin, Fluoroquinolones, depending on the suspected pathogen, its severity, the drug that the patient is allergic to, and the patient’s underlying disease.
*You should see a doctor for proper treatment. You should not buy medicine and take it yourself.
How many days does it take for cystitis to go away?
reply: Most patients will get better within 3-7 days if there are no complications.
Why does it happen so often or repeatedly?
A: Causes of recurrence include improper treatment, bad urination habits such as frequent urine retention, drinking too little water, or being a person with low immunity or suffering from a disease that affects immunity, which makes it easy to get infected.
Note: There may be other factors besides these factors. If it recurs, you should consult a doctor for proper treatment and change your behavior as advised by your doctor for better treatment results.
What should I do if I have a burning sensation in my genitals?
A: If you have a burning sensation in your genitals while you have cystitis, you should abstain from sexual intercourse, clean your genitals carefully, and avoid using harsh chemicals or soaps. Wear breathable pants.
Women should avoid using vaginal products such as tampons, as they can cause further irritation. If symptoms do not improve, see a doctor.
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Nattawadee Sriborisut ,M.D.
General Practitioner
Last modified: 01/08/2024
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