Definition
It is an inflammation of the urinary bladder, which usually only affects the upper layers of the mucous membrane. About 10 – 15% of adult women suffer at least once a year from an inflammation of the bladder (cystitis), which is mainly characterised by pain when urinating.
Causes
In the vast majority of cases, germs such as Escherichia coli bacteria (approx. 80%) are possible as pathogens, more rarely also mycoplasmas, staphylococci or chlamydia. Especially in women, the direct “neighbourhood” of the urethral outlet and anus plays an important role in the development of infections.
Due to this proximity, germs that are normally found in the intestine can enter the urethra and from there into the bladder by means of smear infection (e.g. when using toilet paper). Further causes can be:
- Successful irradiation of the small pelvis (so-called radiogenic cystitis), e.g. as part of cancer therapy: the mucous membrane is destroyed and with it the protective layer of the urinary tract. This leads to bleeding, which triggers a reactive cystitis.
- Cytostatic therapy (drug therapy of cancer, especially cyclophosphamide): Toxic decomposition products of these drugs are produced in the liver, which destroy the lining mucous membrane and lead to bleeding. This ultimately leads to cystitis. Mercaptoethanesulfonate can be administered as a preventive measure.
- Sexual contacts (so-called “honeymoon – cystitis”) of the sexually mature woman
- Malformations of the urinary tract: Constrictions (stenoses) or bulges (diverticula) of the ureters lead to a longer retention time of the urine in the draining system. The longer this “stands”, the more likely it is that bacterial colonisation and infection will occur. – Gynaecological diseases or pregnancy: Here, too, the anatomical proximity of the ureters can lead to obstruction of the urine flow.
Cold feet can provoke the development of cystitis. This is due to the relationship between the blood flow in the feet and the blood flow in the urinary tract. This connection is created via nerve-vascular reflexes. Furthermore, an adequate blood flow in the body serves to improve the body’s immune activity and insufficient blood flow can provoke an immune deficiency and thus the development of infections.
Therapy
If the cystitis is advanced, an immune deficiency or other risk factors for the development of complications are present, antibiotics must often be taken. Which antibiotic agents are indicated depends on the type of cystitis. The reason for this is that one distinguishes an uncomplicated from a complicated cystitis.
The antibiotics used for uncomplicated cystitis are sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim or a combination of both active substances, co-trimoxacol. In addition, fosfomycin or nitrofurantoin may be effective as alternatives. In case of a complicated cystitis, antibiotic therapy is always necessary.
In these cases, intravenous reserve antibiotics such as cephalosporins or gyrase inhibitors, each combined with an aminoglycoside, are given. There are various household remedies that can have a supportive effect on cystitis. The basic principle is to keep the lower body warm.
A hot-water bottle or a heat pad can have a soothing effect. A hot bath can also be beneficial at the first signs of cystitis. In addition, sitz baths or “sit-steam baths” can promote the healing process.
Camomile extract can be used for this purpose. Camomile tea should be boiled in an old pot. When it is ready and drawn, it should be placed in the toilet bowl.
Then sit down on the toilet. It is important to keep the body warm by covering the abdomen well with towels or blankets. In this way the vapours can have a beneficial effect.
If these sitz baths are well tolerated, they can be repeated several times a day. Furthermore, the feet must be kept warm in any case. In addition, pelvic floor exercises can stimulate the circulation of the lower body.
Another basis for a good healing of a cystitis is to drink a lot, a lot, a lot. Different authors recommend different drinks. It is individual, which one is subjectively and objectively suitable.
For example, as a prophylaxis, drinking a glass of cranberry juice daily is recommended. It is also recommended to take a cure with bearberry leaf tea up to a maximum of 3 times a year by drinking it for a short time every day in the amount of 3 large cups. Further recommendations for prevention and supportive treatment are drinking up to 5 cups of rose hip tea or 3 times a day a large cup of sage tea.
In addition, a tea with dried dandelion leaves and roots, which is drunk twice a day, can be effective. A tea made from daisies or watercress, which is drunk slowly, can also have a supporting effect. Furthermore, drinking cranberry juice daily for prophylaxis and supportive treatment can have a positive effect.
Some authors also recommend drinking water mixed with a pinch of baking powder twice a day for 3 days. This is said to promote an alkaline environment and thus, according to some authors, apparently counteract the bacteria. Other authors recommend acidifying the urine instead, for example by taking (highly dosed) vitamin C or acidic fruit juices.
It is also recommended to drink radish juice or birch leaf, nettle, juniper or horsetail tea. There are also special tea blends from various manufacturers which are said to be effective against cystitis. In addition, a cut, slightly steamed onion can be filled into a clean linen bag and then placed on the bladder.
Other authors recommend eucalyptus compresses. There are more suggestions and some of them are controversial. In the case of a bladder infection, some sufferers also use homeopathic remedies.
The application depends on the symptoms, causes and individual components. If a bladder infection is caused by injuries, pressure, a surgical intervention or by holding back the urine for too long, Arnica montana is often used. If the cystitis is the result of an allergy to medication or food or an inflammation of the stomach or intestines and shows certain symptoms, Arsenicum album may be advisable.
This homeopathic remedy is used when the flow of urine is disturbed, burning pains occur, states of exhaustion, restlessness and anxiety are present and the symptoms often become more severe at midnight. If the cystitis is the result of heatstroke, sunburn or scarlet fever, Cantharis vesicatoria is often recommended. The appropriate symptom is, among others, characterized by a permanently painful urge to urinate with burning and cutting pain before, during and after urination, which is only possible in drops.
If the development of cystitis is associated with anger, rage, injustice or cold, Colocynthis is often used. The symptoms for this indication are, for example, cramping pain when urinating and the person affected is tense, angry and irritable with pain. The choice of remedies, dosage and potency should be discussed with a doctor.
For prevention and at the first signs of cystitis, non-antibiotic means and measures may be sufficient. Home remedies and homeopathic remedies often find successful application in these cases. Furthermore, the observance of certain rules of conduct is necessary for a healing process.
Attention should be paid to adequate hygiene of the intimate area with perfume-free and well-tolerated hygiene products. After going to the toilet you should always wipe from front to back, as intestinal bacteria often cause cystitis. If possible, you should go to the toilet shortly after intercourse to urinate in order to prevent bacteria from “rising” to the bladder.
Of course, damp underwear or a wet swimsuit should never be left on after swimming. Whirlpools should be avoided, especially if there is a disposition for cystitis, as they are an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Furthermore, sitting down on cold or wet surfaces should be avoided.
In addition, the underwear worn should be made of natural material if possible and should not cause friction. Synthetic clothing should be avoided. Also the laundry should be washed with a well tolerated detergent to avoid irritation.
If the urge to urinate is perceived, it should be followed up. Furthermore, if possible, no underwear should be worn when sleeping. The reason for this is that the underwear can rub and chafe and thus intestinal bacteria can be transported into the vagina via the urethra eventually into the bladder.
In addition, bladder infections can be prevented or healed better if the diet contains a lot of wholemeal products, fruit, vegetables and fibre. The consumption of cranberries can also reduce the risk of developing cystitis and support the healing process. Coffee, alcohol and spicy dishes should be avoided, as these can irritate the bladder.
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