Cystitis
Cystitis is an inflammation (= -itis) of the lining of the bladder (= cyst). Cystitis occurs more frequently in women than in men because it is easier for bacteria to enter the bladder via the shorter urethra of a woman. Cystitis can frequently return (= recur) particularly in women.
Possible symptoms of cystitis (inflammable of the bladder) include:
- a frequent urge to urinate
- frequently, but with little urine
- burning pain during urination (above the pubic bone and/or in the lower back)
- a pressing or painful feeling in the abdomen and/or side
- cloudy urine which may contain blood (in approx. 30% of the cases)
Potential treatments of cystitis include:
- drinking plenty of water (approx. 2 litres of water a day = 8 glasses of water)
- frequent urination until the bladder has been totally emptied
- urination following sex (women)
- medication (also see below) includes:
- treatment with antibiotics (normally 1-3 days and in the event of persistent inflammation: 7-10 days). NB. When there is an increased risk of cystitis (more often than twice a year), a continuously low dose of antibiotics can be effective as a method of prevention (= prophylaxis).
- bicarbonate of soda: to alleviate the symptoms
- atropine: to relieve bladder cramps
- phenazopyridine: to help calm the inflamed bladder tissue
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