How To Treat Cystitis When You Are Run Down

Oct 18, 2017 Cystitis / UTI

When you are run down you are more prone to infections like cystitis.  This is because your immune system isn’t strong enough to fight off illness.  We can become run down due to; worries, stress, not eating enough or having enough exercise.  

Life becomes more difficult to cope with and molehills become mountains.   Symptoms of being run down include; tiredness, depression, indecisiveness, lack of concentration, urinary tract infections, weight gain or loss, skin problems and a general feeling of being unwell.

Doctors recommend adopting a healthy lifestyle, good eating habits, exercising and drinking plenty of water. Supplements can help a little but ultimately self-care and consideration should help relieve the symptoms.  

What Is Cystitis

Cystitis is a urinary tract infection where the bladder becomes inflamed. Both men and women can suffer from the condition but it is more common in women. In most cases, it only lasts for a few days and causes few problems. 

Acute cystitis occurs sporadically and can be caused by; medication, scented soap, bacteria in the body becoming unbalanced and an infection.  Interstitial cystitis is a chronic condition that can last a long time.

Antibiotics such as Trimethoprim are used to treat cystitis. Symptoms are very unpleasant and can feel as if you are passing razor blades when you urinate.  Other symptoms include; cloudy urine, constant need to go to the toilet, slight fever, blood in urine, pain during sex and backache.

If the infection spreads to your kidneys you may also; feel nauseous, vomit, have back pain or the chills.

Causes

There are a variety of causes of cystitis ranging from using too much bubble bath to chemotherapy treatments. Most commonly it is due to having a bacterial infection. The NHS Choices website suggests the following causes: sexual intercourse, wiping from back to front (When you go to the toilet), inserting a tampon and using a diaphragm for contraception.

Being unable to empty your bladder, being on the menopause and having diabetes are other causes. Interstitial cystitis normally affects middle-aged women and is difficult to treat.  

There is no obvious bacterial infection and you are likely to suffer long-term pelvic pain.  Causes include; possible bladder damage, weak pelvic floor muscles, an allergic reaction or an overactive immune system.

Treatments

Acute cystitis can be treated by drinking more water, using a hot water bottle, over the counter painkillers and resting.  If the symptoms persist after a few days it is important to see your doctor to confirm that it is cystitis.

Your doctor will also be able to prescribe antibiotics to clear the bacterial infection. Interstitial cystitis is ultimately untreatable and only the symptoms can be eased.  Lifestyle changes such as; reducing alcohol consumption, avoiding stress, stopping smoking, drinking less before going to bed and planning toilet breaks (Source: NHS Choices).

Cranberry Juice has long been hailed as a natural way to cure cystitis.  However, there is no scientific evidence to support this assumption. Drinking cranberry juice will help to dilute your urine and will help in the same way as drinking water.  

How To Perk Yourself Up

If you are run down infections like cystitis are just going to make you feel a whole lot worse.  This is a time to look after yourself and make yourself well.

As well as getting yourself checked out by your doctor you need to eat, sleep, relax and exercise well. Make sure you make time to enjoy activities that make you feel happy and lift your spirits. Drink plenty of water and prioritise yourself over others for once.

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