Treating cystitis without antibiotics

Treating cystitis without antibiotics: It works with these remedies

Burning pain when urinating, abdominal cramps, a supposed urge to urinate - once you've experienced the agony of a bladder infection, you don't want to be confronted with it again any time soon. But as soon as one infection has subsided, the next one is often on the horizon for many women. Treatment is usually with an antibiotic, which is not good for the body in the long term. That's why we're asking ourselves today whether cystitis can be treated without antibiotics.

via Kathrin

12/28/2018, 06:51

If you use herbal remedies early on and drink plenty of fluids, you can alleviate the symptoms and flush out pathogens.

Goldenrod is an effective remedy for cystitis

Orthosiphon can also help against bladder infections

Hauhechel is also often used in the natural therapy of bladder decongestion

Why infections recur

The causes of this annoying spiral of inflammation and the associated pain when urinating can be very different. Sometimes residual pathogens in the deeper layers of the bladder mucosa trigger a recurring infection. Sometimes the problem is an immune deficiency in the form of stress or a cold. "It may sound paradoxical: But the side effects of antibiotic treatment can also be the cause," says urologist Dr. Toralf Kellner. The explanation: antibiotics not only destroy the pathogens, but also helpful and beneficial microorganisms in the intestines and genital area. However, a healthy vaginal flora is particularly important to ward off harmful germs.

Antibiotics are only partially effective

Treating bladder infections with antibiotics in the long term is therefore not very effective. At the same time, there is an increased risk that the pathogens will no longer react to common active substances and so-called resistance will develop. "Antibiotics are important and necessary. But we must ensure that this sharpest weapon in medicine does not become blunt through too frequent and careless use," warns Dr. Kellner. So how can I treat cystitis without antibiotics?

Rely on plant power wherever possible

For uncomplicated urinary tract infections, it is therefore advisable to use herbal alternatives. In particular, the combination of goldenrod, orthosiphon and hay extracts has been proven to help. While goldenrod has an antibacterial effect and flushes out germs, orthosiphon relieves cramps. Hauhechel reduces pain and stimulates urination. The earlier it is used, the more effective the herbal trio can be.

Three questions for the expert

We asked Dr. Toralf Kellner, urologist and specialist in tumor therapy, about the treatment of cystitis without antibiotics:

Are antibiotics being used too lightly?

This has certainly been the case in recent years and decades. In the meantime, however, concerns about resistance have led to a rethink and an emphasis on effective herbal alternatives.

How do herbal medicines work?

There are several approaches: On the one hand, the pathogens are combated, and on the other, symptoms such as cramps and pain are alleviated. If used at an early stage, the use of antibiotics can often be avoided altogether. There are very conclusive studies on this.

So the effects are comparable to antibiotics?

You could say that. It doesn't always have to be antibiotics, because uncomplicated acute and even recurring urinary tract infections can often be treated very well with herbal remedies. However, if the symptoms persist after a few days, it is advisable to consult a doctor.