Cystitis

Introduction Cystitis is a common condition found more commonly in females. It is a condition where there is an inflammation of urinary bladder, frequently caused by an infection by bacteria that has gained access to the bladder. Affects women at least once in her lifetime. Many patients have a tendency to get repeated attacks of cystitis.

Causes of cystitisCystitis is more commonly found in 50% women because a woman’s urethra is shorter than a man’s urethra, making it easier for bacteria to enter and infect the female bladder.

Infection can occur when bacteria from the anus are transferred to the urethra.Escherichia coli or E. Coli is one of the most common bacteria affecting bladder infection.

Bacteria can be transferred by the following ways:■ While sexual intercourse■ By while using sanitary tampons■ Using a contraceptive diaphragms■ Leucorrhea■ Vaginitis

Many types of bacteria or fungi could lead to cystitis. Some of the common bacteria include

Symptoms of cystitis■ Difficult and/or painful urination and/or burning with urination. This is called dysuria. ■ Urgency (urge to urinate in hurry)■ Pain in lower abdomen.■ Increased frequency of urination (to pass small amount of urination frequently)■ Hematuria (blood in the urine)■ Fever ■ Recurring episodes of cystitis■ Cloudy and dark urine■ Offensive smell in urine

Types of Cystitis: a. Acute cystitis: In this case, the infection is acute which tends to last for about a week or two, depending on the cause of infection, intensity of infection and patients’ immune

status. b. Recurrent Cystitis: Commonly observed if the patient’s immune system is compromised, if the cause remains untreated. c. Chronic cystitis: Lasting episode of inflammation of the bladder, which may be observed for weeks or months.

Diagnosis of Cystitis:Besides the clinical history, a routine urine examination for presence of bacteria, pus cells; simple blood count to see increase in white blood cells, and urine culture to identify the exact type of bacteria, help to arrive to the diagnosis of cystitis.

Complications of cystitisUntreated and recurring cystitis can lead to complications as follows:

Complications of cystitis include:■ Kidney failure■ Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)■ Sepsis

Conventional Treatment Treatment of the underlying cause of cystitis reduces the risk of developing serious complications, such as kidney infection and kidney failure.

Following treatment is offered: ■ Antibiotics including amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin or nitrofurantoin can be helpful.

Along with the antibiotics following things can be helpful to combat Cystitis and its complications.■ Drinking plenty of water■ Voiding urine at the natural call.

Homeopathic treatment for Cystitis:Homeopathy can treat acute, chronic and recurring cystitis. However, it is all the more indicated in the cases of chronic and recurring infections of bladder. Homeopathy seems to be enhancing immune system of the patient, specifically to the lower urinary tract. Some of the commonly indicated homeopathic medicines include Cantharis, Sepia, Nitric acid, Pulsatilla nigra, Staphysagria, Kali carbonicum, Medorrhinum, etc.