What to take for cystitis

Cystitisis the most common disease of theurinary systemand the most significant in the whole body after respiratory conditions. This means it affects a large part of the population, and it is important to understand itscauses and treatment.AtFarmaciasdirectwe want to explainwhat to take for cystitis,as well as what this condition is. Remember that if this problem lasts longer than normal, you should consult your doctor.

What is cystitis?

Cystitis is aurinary conditionthat affects the bladder, causing it to become more inflamed than usual. Normally, this inflammation comes from a bladder infection and tends to occur more frequently in women than in men. The symptoms usually disappear a few days after the infection begins, but there are more complex cases in which longer treatment is necessary. By definition, cystitis, also known as a urine infection, occurs when there aregerms in the urine.

Find out what to take for cystitis: treatment for a urine infection

To know what to take for cystitis, the ideal approach is toconsult your doctor in personso that they can give you the most suitable treatment for your situation. Generally, cystitis is treated with antibiotics, and the dosage and duration should be determined by a specialist. Themedicines that are usually recommendedfor simple urinary tract infections are as follows:

• Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra or others)
• Fosfomycin (Monurol)
• Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Macrobid)
• Cefalexin (Keflex)
• Ceftriaxone

Symptoms of a urine infection

A good way to identify whether you are suffering from a urine infection is by knowing the symptoms and linking them to what your body is feeling at the moment. These are themost common symptoms that accompany a urinary infectionsuch as cystitis:

• Needing to urinate more often than normal, and even feeling the need to urinate constantly, even when there is no urine to pass
• Urinating repeatedly but only in very small amounts
• Cloudy urine
• Haematuria, when cystitis has developed into a more serious infection
• Dark urine
• Strong-coloured urine
• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Fatigue
• Feeling generally unwell

If the urine infectionoccurs in children, the symptoms may vary slightly and, in addition to the above, show signs such as:

• Fever
• Irritability
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling weak

How is cystitis detected?

The symptoms the patient is experiencing are the main trigger that will make us realise we are dealing with a case of cystitis. However, there are somemedical teststhat will help the doctor make a more accurate diagnosis:

• Urine analysis:The urine is analysed to see whether there are bacteria, pus or blood present.
• Cystoscopy:A cystoscope is inserted into the bladder. This device, made up of a tube containing a camera and a light, is able to view the urinary tract and detect signs of cystitis.
• Ultrasound: An ultrasound can help the specialist detect cystitis caused by abnormalities inside the bladder or tumours.

How can cystitis be prevented?

Once cystitis has appeared, it needs medical treatment, but the best way to fight it is to prevent it from happening in the first place. If you are someone who is prone to urine infections, you can follow thesetips to help you avoid a bladder infection.

• Drink at least 1.5 litres of water a day
• Try not to hold in your urine, but go to the toilet whenever you need to
• Also go to the toilet to open your bowels whenever you need to, avoiding holding it in longer than necessary.
• Wash your intimate areas with neutral soap to protect your skin's pH.
• Go to the toilet after having sex, as this activity increases the risk of infections due to organisms that may become trapped in the urethra.
• Choose to shower rather than have a bath, as this will reduce the concentration of bacteria in the water.
• Do not stay in a damp swimsuit for too many hours; change when you come out of the pool or the sea to prevent the genital area from getting cold.
• Avoid tight clothing that will not allow your intimate areas to breathe properly.

Now you know what you should take for cystitis and which symptoms will help you recognise it quickly. Take a look at our online pharmacy atFarmaciasdirect,to find the medicine that best suits your needs and receive it without having to leave home. Bibliography:

• Moyano, M. S., Fernández, B. C., Jáñez, N. M., Sáenz, E. C., & Barón, M. G. (2003). Haemorrhagic cystitis. Revista de Oncología, 5(6), 315-319.
• Zaragoza, J. Q., MARTÍ, M. G., Orquín, N. D., Lozano, A. G. F., Serrano, M. G., & Cruz, J. J. (2001). Acute cystitis in women. Current microbial sensitivity in our setting. Actas Urológicas Españolas, 25(8), 567-572.