Can Cystitis Be Treated Without Antibiotics?

Mar 19, 2018 Cystitis / UTI

Cystitis is a common urinary tract infection normally the result of a bacterial infection.  Most cases clear up themselves in a few days after self-care.

Sometimes doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat stubborn cases. Sufferers risk kidney infections if cystitis remains untreated.

Some people have it sporadically while others have it chronically. Antibiotics are ineffective in the treatment of Interstitial cystitis. Symptoms include; painful urgent urination, cloudy and bloody urine, fever, stomach ache and feeling under the weather.  

Having a wee feels like passing razor blades and takes your breath away. The urgency to pee is greater than the amount of liquid you pass.  All you think about is where the nearest toilet is and how painful peeing is going to be.

Drinking plenty of water, painkillers and a hot water bottle relieve minor symptoms in a couple of days. Cranberry juice is traditionally thought to cure cystitis but it is not scientifically proven.

Avoiding sexual intercourse, bubble baths and emptying your bladder help to prevent it.  Persistent symptoms require intervention from your doctor.

 

What is A Urinary Tract Infection?

Urinary tract infections such as cystitis are very common.  Both men and women contract it but it is more common in women because of the location of their urethra and back passage. 

It is a bacterial infection that occurs in the bladder and urethra. Symptoms include; fever, feeling off colour, stomach ache, painful urination, cloudy and bloody wee.  

It is really unpleasant and makes enjoying life difficult. Resting with a hot water bottle, paracetamol, Ibuprofen and plenty of fresh water treats minor conditions.  Antibiotics are necessary to treat persistent infections otherwise it will lead to kidney infections and further complications.  

Bacterial cystitis is usually the result of;

• sexual intercourse
• not emptying your bladder
• using scented bath products
• holding on to your wee for too long and
• wearing tight clothing.

 

What is Interstitial Cystitis?

Interstitial cystitis is the scourge of middle-aged women. Antibiotics are ineffective because the cause is normally physical.  

This condition is chronic and very difficult to treat because there are many different reasons for it.  Annoyingly very little is known about the condition and there is no guarantee of a cure. People with interstitial cystitis feel similar symptoms to regular cystitis and suffer episodes every so often.

The main causes of this condition include; damage to the lining of the bladder, pelvic floor muscle weakness, overactive immune system and an allergy. There are many different treatments that only relieve rather than cure symptoms.  

These include 

• reducing stress
• drinking less
• avoiding trigger foods
• quitting smoking and
• going to the toilet regularly.

Painkillers and muscle relaxants are the main medications that treat interstitial cystitis. Physiotherapy, bladder training and the use of a TENs machine also help to reduce the pain.

Regular visits to your doctor will help you to control the pain and symptoms. To review and purchase treatment for cystitis please click here.