Cystitis Advice

Answer: CYSTITIS is an infection of the urinary tract that occurs when the membrane lining of the bladder becomes inflamed. This is usually as a result of bacteria passing through the urinary passage, however food allergies, bruising during intercourse and vaginal thrush can also cause the inflammation.

Symptoms tend to include burning pain on passing urine, repeated trips to the lavatory and pain in the abdomen and back. In all cases it is advisable to see your GP, but especially so if you notice blood in your urine, are suffering from fever, nausea or vomiting.

There are, however, some alternative remedies, which may help to ease the symptoms.

Firstly, drink plenty of fluids. Attacks of cystitis can often be cut short if the bladder is flushed of impurities. Drink a pint of water straight away and dissolve a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in a glass of water every so often. This helps to make the urine less acidic, which should stop bacteria from breeding and relieve burning. If you are suffering from high blood pressure or a heart disorder, consult your GP before taking bicarbonate of soda.

As far as fluids are concerned, cranberry juice is another must. More than just an ‘old wives’ tale’, cranberry juice has been shown to prevent bacteria from clinging to the bladder walls, which helps to sweep bacteria from the urethra. You can either drink several glasses (16 ounces) of a high quality cranberry juice or take one capsule of concentrated cranberry juice extract 2 to 4 times a day.

A temporary change of diet may also be helpful. Try to avoid citrus fruit, foods containing vinegar and animal proteins such as fish, meat, eggs and cheese, as these will make your urine more acidic and harder to pass.