Cystitis
Cystitis is an infection of the bladder, usually caused by bacteria, which causes the bladder wall to become inflamed. The term urinary tract infection, or UTI, may be used interchangeably with cystitis, however a UTI infection technically means an infection in some part of the urinary system, which may be the kidneys, or the tubes where urine is excreted out of the body OR the bladder.
Women are more commonly affected because they have a shorter urethra (tube which connects the bladder to the outside of the body) than men, so it is easier for bacteria to travel up. Although cystitis is rare in men, it may be more prevalent in men aged over 50 with prostate enlargement. If you are a man with cystitis you should always talk to a pharmacist.
Symptoms of cystitis can appear suddenly. You may notice that your urine is dark or cloudy, and smells quite strongly. It may burn or sting when you urinate and you may need to go to the toilet more often or at night, or urinate in small amounts. Your lower back may also feel sore.
Cystitis is painful and annoying but can be easily treated, usually with a short course of antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. It is important to get treatment quickly, since, if left untreated, the infection may travel up from the bladder to the kidneys or pelvis, causing a more severe inflammation.
See Your Pharmacist or Medical Professional
If you have other medical conditions, take regular medication for any reason, are elderly or frail, or a man with suspected cystitis, you should always talk to a pharmacist. Also talk to a pharmacist if:
you have not had cystitis before
there is blood or pus in your urine
you have a vaginal discharge
You have fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting or loin pain
You suspect your child has cystitis
You are pregnant
Your symptoms have lasted more than two or three days
You have had cystitis more than three times in one year
You are taking medication for cystitis and it has not worked
You do not empty your bladder properly when you go to the toilet
You are taking medication for cystitis and you experience side effects
You are taking supplements, such as potassium
You are breastfeeding, as some medicines may not be suitable
You have allergies to any medicines.
Treatment Tips
Drink plenty of water and avoid drinks which make you urinate more (such as coffee or tea) since these can cause dehydration and make the urine more concentrated, making it easier for bacteria to grow
Avoid acidic drinks, such as juice and fizzy drinks, or spicy food if it also makes you feel uncomfortable
Talk to your doctor if your cystitis does not resolve in a few days with simple treatments such as urinary alkalinisers
If you are prescribed antibiotics, make sure you finish taking the course (even if you feel better before you have completed them)
Rest with a hot water bottle placed on your stomach, over clothing, to help provide relief.
Tips to prevent cystitis recurring:
Always wipe from 'front to back' with toilet paper – most cases of cystitis are caused by bacteria from the bowel entering the urethra
Use each piece of toilet paper only once – don't double wipe
Always urinate when you feel the need – never ‘hold on’ and always empty your bladder fully
Wear loose-fitting cotton underpants and trousers – tight-fitting clothing can make your genital area moist, which encourages bacterial growth
Use a water-based lubricant during sex, if the vaginal area is dry, to prevent irritation. Do not use spermicides as they can cause irritation
Wash and dry yourself before and after sex, and go to the toilet (urinate) after sex
Avoid using vaginal deodorants, bubble baths and other toiletries that could irritate your genital area
Drinking cranberry juice regularly may help prevent cystitis from recurring, as it is thought to stop bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall.
Treatment Options
Always discuss treatment options with your pharmacist to ensure the best outcome.
Urinary alkalinisers – to relieve burning
[PHARMACY ONLY]
e.g., Ural
Urinary alkalinisers make urine less acidic and relieve the 'burning' feeling when you go to the toilet
They tend to work better if certain types of bacteria are responsible for the infection
They are available as sachets, which are dissolved in a glass of water and drunk up to four times a day
People with kidney problems or those taking medicines for blood pressure or heart conditions should check with their pharmacist before taking urinary alkalinisers.
Pain relief
[GENERAL SALE] packets of 20 or fewer
[PHARMACY ONLY] larger pack sizes
e.g., paracetamol (Panadol range, Panadol Rapid, Panadol Optizorb, Paracare range)
Paracetamol can be taken to provide pain relief (if needed). It is a safe choice for most people but it is important not to take more than recommended. Paracetamol is an ingredient in many cold and flu remedies so be careful not to double dose. The maximum daily dose for an adult is 4g (4000mg) – and no more than 1g (1000mg) every four hours
Avoid aspirin use for cystitis
If taking other medications or you have other medical conditions, check with your pharmacist for individualised advice on pain relief.
Antibiotics
[PRESCRIPTION ONLY]
Some people may require a short course of antibiotics to get rid of the bacteria
Make sure you finish taking the full course, even if you feel better
Some antibiotics can interact with food or milk so check with your pharmacist
If you are prescribed antibiotics to be taken once daily, they will work better if you take them after emptying your bladder, just before going to bed.
Natural/ herbal products/supplements
e.g., natural isoflavones (Trinovin), cranberry or cranberry derivatives (Clinicians Bladder Support, Cranclense Effervescent tablets, Bio Organics Cranberry 10,000, GO Cranberry 30,000+, Nature's Own Cranberry 15,000, Blackmore's Cranberry, Cranstat, D-Mannose)
Trinovin helps to maintain prostate and urinary health in men
Cranberry supplements may reduce your chances of getting another urinary tract infection if you are prone to getting them
Cranberry supplements may also help mask urinary odours
D-Mannose is a sugar derived from cranberries which helps stop bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall.
More Information
Availability of medicines
GENERAL SALE available through pharmacies and possibly other retail outlets.
PHARMACY ONLY available for sale through pharmacies only.
PHARMACIST ONLY may only be sold by a pharmacist.
PRESCRIPTION ONLY available only with a prescription from your doctor or other health professional.
Consumer Medicine Information on some medicines is available at the government website www.medsafe.govt.nz
