Remedies for Cystitis: what are they?

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Cystitis is an annoying inflammation of the bladder mucosa, due to bacterial infections mainly caused by Escherichia coli.

Typical of women, cystitis is manifested by an "urgent need to urinate, often accompanied by bladder tenesmus, burning when urinating, a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying, dysuria, and blood in the urine. Sometimes, the clinical picture of cystitis is complemented by fever. , foul-smelling urine and abdominal cramps.

Urinary tract infections such as cystitis can be favored by several factors: oral contraceptives, estrogen deficiency, unprotected sexual intercourse, renal colic, diabetes and prostatic hypertrophy (in men).

The published material is intended to allow quick access to general advice, suggestions and remedies that doctors and textbooks usually dispense for the treatment of Cystitis; such indications must in no way substitute the opinion of the attending physician or other health specialists in the sector who are treating the patient. plenty of fluids, at least 1.5-2 liters per day (drinking therapy). This remedy favors the dilution of the bacterial load, or rather the elimination of the pathogen in a relatively short time;

Seek medical advice as soon as possible from the onset of the very first symptoms of cystitis;

Follow a series of hygiene and behavioral rules to accelerate healing;

Some women find light, temporary relief from cystitis pain by taking a hot shower;

Practicing constant and regular physical exercise to strengthen the immune defenses;

Preferring cotton clothing over synthetic fibers is a useful remedy to promote perspiration. In particular, it is recommended to wear cotton undergarments;

Perform an accurate intimate hygiene, with a movement that goes from forward to back and not vice versa. This remedy is essential to avoid the transport of bacteria from the rectum to the vagina;

Perform a thorough "intimate hygiene both before and after sexual intercourse.

immediately after the administration of antibiotics such as tetracyclines: dairy products can inactivate the drug;

Timing: when an ongoing cystitis is suspected, it is recommended to contact your doctor immediately to start any antibiotic treatment as soon as possible;

Retain urine: the rarefaction of urination favors bacterial proliferation in the context of cystitis;

Consuming unprotected sex with people at risk. In such circumstances, the use of highly reliable barrier methods of contraception is recommended;

Mixed use of towels or underwear;

Stay for a long time with the wet costume;

Stop the antibiotic therapy before the term set by the doctor. Many patients, in fact, tend to stop treatment as soon as the painful symptoms go away; such an attitude, in addition to the risk of relapses, also increases the phenomena of resistance to antibiotics;

Use tampons or menstrual cups. In case of predisposition to urinary infections such as cystitis, it is recommended to use external sanitary towels;

Too many douches. Excessive personal hygiene can also increase the risk of infections such as cystitis;

Apply vaginal deodorants or scented sprays.

urine acidifiers: protein foods of animal origin, cereals, plums and blueberries;

Take yogurt with live lactic ferments or a probiotic in case of prolonged antibiotic therapy;

Take lots of fruit and vegetables, as they are rich in antioxidants (vitamin C and E);

Drink cranberry juice;

Integrate the diet with a supplementation of mannose, a substance capable of interfering with the adhesion of the microbes responsible for cystitis, at the same time favoring their elimination.

the urinary tract: alcohol, coffee, chocolate, vinegar, chilli, spices, aged cheeses, sauces;

Avoid the consumption of foods that are difficult to digest, such as dips, fries and foods rich in fat.

formulated with active ingredients extracted from plants with diuretic and / or disinfectant action of the urinary tract:

Uva ursina (Arctostaphylos uva ursi) → disinfectant properties of the urinary tract. Extremely useful remedy for cystitis;
Asparagus (Asparagus sativus) → diuretic properties;
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) → diuretic and remineralizing properties;
Nettle (Urtica dioica,) → diuretic, anti-inflammatory and remineralizing properties;
Ortosifon (Orthosiphon stamineus) → diuretic properties;
Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) → diuretic properties;
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) → diuretic properties;
Blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) → diuretic, antioxidant, disinfectant properties of the urinary tract;
Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo) → disinfectant and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly suitable as a natural remedy against cystitis;
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) → disinfectant and immunostimulating properties;
American cranberry or cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) → antibacterial properties.

/ antispasmodics: effective remedy to reduce spastic contraction of smooth muscle:

Scopolamine butylbromide (eg Buscopan, Addofix, Erion).

Antibiotic drugs to eliminate and remove the bacterium responsible for the infection:

Phosphomycin (eg Monuril);
Levofloxacin (eg Levoxacin), not of first choice, to be used only in case of complicated cystitis;
Ciprofloxacin (eg Ciproxin, Flontalexin, Ciprofloxac, Samper), not first choice, to be used only in case of complicated cystitis;
Amoxicillin (eg. Amoxicillin, Amoxil and Trimox, Zimox).

Natural or synthetic estrogens: effective remedy against cystitis in women after menopause.

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs): they are an effective remedy to mask the pain derived from cystitis:

Ibuprofen (eg Brufen, Moment, Subitene);
Acetylsalicylic acid (eg Aspirin, salicin, Vivin C, Ascriptin);
Paracetamol or acetaminophen (eg Tachipirina, Buscopan compositum), indicated in case of cystitis associated with fever.

PLEASE NOTE

Drugs to be used in the treatment of cystitis can only be used after consulting a doctor.

before touching the genitals, to reduce the risk of infection;

Prevent urine from stagnating in the bladder for too long;

Bring disinfectant wipes or specific liquid formulations (eg amuchina) with you;

Women prone to vaginal infections and inflammations (eg vaginitis, vaginosis, etc.) and to the urinary tract should avoid using the diaphragm or cervical cap as a first choice method of contraception;

Supplementing the diet with vitamin C is useful for acidifying the urine and preventing urinary tract infections (including cystitis). Consult your doctor;

Paying particular attention to proper intimate hygiene - especially during menstruation and after sexual intercourse - can prevent recurrence of cystitis.

, a possible alternative remedy is lithotripsy:

Extracorporeal lithotripsy: allows the shattering of the stone responsible for cystitis by means of a beam of "shock waves" that shatters on the surface of the stone;
Intracorporeal lithotripsy: involves the elimination of the stone by endoscopic surgery.