Cystitis: Definition, symptoms, seeing a doctor and risk factors
Bladder inflammation, also known medically as cystitis, is an inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by bacteria, especially Escherichia coli. These bacteria are part of the normal intestinal colonization, but can enter the bladder through the urethra.
The typical symptoms of cystitis are the constant feeling of having to go to the toilet even though only a few drops come out, very painful, burning urination, a feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen and, if the infection is already more advanced, blood in the urine.i
Using a rapid test, the doctor can detect blood in the urine much earlier and respond appropriately, for example with a special antibiotic.1If detected quickly, the disease heals well. However, if it is not treated, it can lead to complications such as pyelonephritis.1If home remedies such as cranberry juice, heat or tea do not help against cystitis in the first few days, you should see a doctor.
Risk factors include hormonal changes (for example during pregnancy or the menopause) or chronic illnesses (such as diabetes).1Bladder inflammation is also known as "honeymoon cystitis" because sexual intercourse is also one of the risk factors.1As the female urethra is many centimetres shorter than the male urethra and the vagina, anal area and external urinary opening are very close to each other, it is particularly easy for bacteria to enter the urethra during sex.1
Cystitis: You should know these 5 home remedies
If you notice the first signs of a bladder infection, you can use simple remedies to nip the bacteria in the bud, so to speak. The following 5 home remedies for cystitis often help quickly and effectively.
Cranberry juice as an acute remedy for cystitis
Cranberry juice is considered an effective remedy for cystitis. Why this is the case and whether dietary supplements can help in addition to the classic juice can only be guessed at so far, as sufficient scientific studies are lacking.ii However, scientists assume that the so-called proanthocyanidins contained in the red fruit prevent Escherichia coli from adhering to the cells of the bladder.iii At the first signs of cystitis, it can therefore be useful to drink unsweetened cranberry juice. However, make sure it is of good quality and highly concentrated.
Adequate fluid intake to flush out the bladder
Fluids are crucial in the treatment of cystitis. Drink plenty to flush out the bacteria. This is because fluids, preferably water or tea, flush the bladder more frequently. However, this requires two liters a day in any case. The problem with this is that because urination is painful, people tend to drink less.
These teas help with cystitis
In addition to water, certain types of tea are particularly helpful for bladder inflammation. Special tea blends tailored to the condition are said to have a diuretic and anti-inflammatory effect. These include herbs such as nettle, birch leaves, sage or goldenrod. A cup several times a day can alleviate the symptoms, ensure good hydration and provide the necessary warmth in the case of cystitis.
Bladder inflammation: Warmth helps
If pain and abdominal cramps occur, warmth can relieve them a little and relax the muscles in the bladder area. You can either make yourself a warm, but not hot, hot water bottle or, even better, warm a cherry stone cushion. Sitz baths can also help. The heat promotes blood circulation and thus helps the immune system. However, too much is not good either, as heat also promotes inflammation.iv It is best to try it out to see if it is good for you. It is not the same for everyone.
D-mannose against cystitis
D-mannose is a natural sugar that can help to flush the bacteria responsible for bladder inflammation out of the urinary tract. However, just as with cranberry extracts, there is no clear scientific evidence to date.v Nevertheless, it is worth a try, as D-mannose could be a good alternative to antibiotics.
i "Acute cystitis". gesundheitsinformation.de, https://www.gesundheitsinformation.de/akute-blasenentzuendung.html. Accessed June 3, 2024.
ii "Cranberry: Are products suitable for the prevention of cystitis?" Verbraucherzentrale.de, https://www.verbraucherzentrale.de/wissen/lebensmittel/nahrungsergaenzungsmittel/cranberry-sind-produkte-zur-vorbeugung-von-blasenentzuendungen-geeignet-8143. Accessed June 3, 2024.
iii "New evidence on cranberry". Pharmazeutische Zeitung online, https://www.pharmazeutische-zeitung.de/neue-evidenz-zu-cranberry-139703/. Accessed June 3, 2024.
iv "Heat or cold: thermotherapy for injuries". AOK - Die Gesundheitskasse, https://www.aok.de/pk/magazin/sport/sportverletzung/waerme-oder-kaelte-thermotherapie-bei-verletzungen/. Accessed June 3, 2024.
v "Does D-Mannose help with cystitis?" PTAheute, https://www.ptaheute.de/aktuelles/2022/11/15/hilft-d-mannose-bei-blasen-entzuendung. Accessed June 3, 2024.