Understanding the Symptoms and Treatments for Cystitis

People are often confused about the difference between urinary tract infections (UTIs) and cystitis. UTIs are infections of the urinary tract which includes everything from the uretha (the tube which empties urine from the bladder),to the bladder and to the kidneys. Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder and therefore it is a UTI, although not all UTIs are cystitis! This article will help you understand the symptoms and treatments for cystitis.

Cystitis can be a very painful condition that can be caused by infectious or noninfectious reasons which is why, although occurring more often in women, either sex and also children can suffer from the condition. Sometimes symptoms are fairly mild and the condition will clear up by itself. But severe and persistent cases may need antibiotics to clear the infection.

The most common symptoms of cystitis are:

• Dark, cloudy, or strong-smelling pee
• A burning sensation when urinating
• A strong, persistent urge to pee
• Passing small but frequent amounts of urine
• Pelvic and/or lower tummy pain
• A feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen
• There may also be blood in the urine

It may be quite hard to tell if a child has cystitis because symptoms are similar to many other conditions:

• High temperature
• Wetting themselves or bed-wetting
• Reduced appetite and sickness
• Generally lethargic and achy

Older people with cystitis, or indeed any UTI, may become extremely unwell and, like young children, may often have symptoms associated with other conditions. But if an older person shows any of the following, cystitis should always be considered:

• Becoming unusually confused, agitated or aggressive
• Incontinence that is worse than usual
• Shivering or shaking

Mild cases of cystitis often clear up within a few days. But according to the NHS, if you think you have cystitis and the pain has not cleared within 3 days you should see your GP. It may be that you need to be prescribed a course of antibiotics. But as we all know, it can be challenging sometimes to get a quick GP appointment. If you cannot get an important and the condition is getting worse, you might wish to consider using an online pharmacy to buy a trimethoprim pill, for example, which is used to treat and prevent many UTIs including cystitis. Additionally,  some pharmacies offer a cystitis management service and they may be able to give antibiotics. You can use the NHS online Find a Pharmacy search facility to find a pharmacy in your area and call them to enquire if they offer a cystitis management service.

However, this should be a last course of action. Antibiotics are no longer prescribed routinely to treat infections because of the risk of antibiotic resistance plus, naturally, it is important you have the right course of treatment, so seeing a doctor may be preferable.

Pregnant women, older women, men and children should always be referred to the doctor if you suspect cystitis.

So, what can you do to treat a mild case of cystitis yourself?

The NHS advises the following:

• Take paracetamol up to 4 times a day of the pain is intense (liquid paracetamol for children.)
• Drink plenty of water
• Use a hot water bottle on your lower tummy
• Avoid drinks such as fruit juices, coffee and alcohol that are likely to aggravate the condition.

And as with any suspected UTI, sex should be avoided until the inflammation is completed cleared.

Hopefully, this article will help you understand the treatments and symptoms for cystitis so you can take the most appropriate course of action.