Chronic cystitis: symptoms and treatment of recurrent urinary tract infections
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Table of contents:
- What is chronic cystitis and how does it differ from the acute form?
- How do I recognize chronic cystitis? Symptoms and signs
- Why do I keep getting cystitis? Causes of the chronic form
- What helps with chronic cystitis? Treatment and prevention
- Natural support with cranberry and D-mannose
- Summary
What is chronic cystitis and how does it differ from the acute form?
While the symptoms of acute bladder inflammation (acute cystitis) can be treated well and disappear within a few days, chronic bladder inflammation is associated with recurring infections. Doctors speak of chronic cystitis when there are three or more infections per year.
Most urinary tract infections occur acutely, are easily treatable and are harmless. To prevent acute cystitis from becoming recurrent, it is important to treat its cause as well as its symptoms. In addition to recurrent (recurring) urinary tract infections, chronic bladder pain syndrome can also develop. This occurs rarely and is not an infection, but a complex clinical picture.
How do I recognize chronic cystitis? Symptoms and signs:
Many women are familiar with the symptoms of cystitis. There is often stabbing abdominal pain and an unpleasant burning sensation when urinating. You feel the need to go to the toilet, but the actual amount of urine remains small.
The above symptoms are easily treatable in the case of an acute bladder infection. People who suffer from bladder infections all the time may have other symptoms. The urine may be cloudy and emit an unpleasant odor. The following symptoms may also occur:
- general malaise, nausea or vomiting
- fever
- severe pain in the kidney area
- blood in the urine
Why do I keep getting cystitis? Causes of the chronic form:
The development of chronic cystitis can be multi-faceted. It is not always just due to a repeated bacterial infection. The following factors and conditions can influence the development and persistence of chronic cystitis:
- E. coli bacteria and other germs: In most cases, E. coli bacteria are responsible. These bacteria, which are normally found in the intestine, can enter the bladder via the urethra. Other germs such as staphylococci or Klebsiella can also cause cystitis.
- Immune system disorders: A weakened immune system can lead to the body being less effective at fighting off invading bacteria. This can be caused by illness, medication or stress.
- Anatomical causes: Some people have an anatomical feature that impairs the flow of urine. These include, for example, urethral strictures or urinary bladder prolapse in women.
- Hormonal changes: Particularly during the menopause, women have an increased risk of bladder infections, as the decrease in oestrogen production makes the mucous membranes of the urinary tract thinner and more susceptible.
- Obstructed urinary drain age: Disturbed or obstructed urinary drainage, e.g. due to kidney stones, can cause urine to back up in the bladder, which is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.
- Allergies: In some cases, reactions to cosmetics or intimate hygiene products can cause inflammation in the bladder area.
- Sexual intercourse: In some women, the movements during sexual intercourse can lead to bacteria being moved from the anal area into the urethra and from there into the bladder.
In addition, the risk of developing chronic cystitis increases with age - in both women and men.
Women and older men are particularly affected. Although young men can also develop chronic cystitis, the long urethra usually prevents bacteria from entering the bladder. The reason why older men get cystitis more frequently is that the prostate enlarges with age. prostate.
What helps with chronic bladder infections? Treatment and prevention:
Due to the severe pain associated with the condition, many sufferers of chronic cystitis experience a high level of distress. The problem with the repeated treatment of bladder infections is that the antibiotics administered are associated with the risk of undesirable side effects. Antibiotic resistance cannot be ruled out either. This is why doctors usually only use antibiotics when the infection does not respond to the usual home remedies and natural aids.
The aim of treatment is to prevent a recurrence of chronic cystitis or to reduce the frequency of infections. In addition to treatment, chronic cystitis is also always about prevention. Some measures can help to prevent the occurrence of cystitis.
Low-threshold treatment options include various home remedies and behaviors that can be tried out before the first visit to the doctor.
- Healthy lifestyle: A balanced diet and sufficient sleep can help to strengthen the immune system, which in turn prevents infections.
- Sufficient fluid intake: You should drink at least 1.5 liters per day. This helps to flush the bladder regularly and flush out bacteria.
- Avoid irritating products: Perfumed soaps, shower gels and intimate sprays can irritate the urethra and should be avoided.
- Wear cotton underwear: Cotton allows the skin to breathe and keeps the area dry.
- Cranberry or cranberry juice: Some studies suggest that these juices may help prevent urinary tract infections by preventing bacteria from adhering to the walls of the bladder.
- Avoid bladder irritation: Avoid tight-fitting clothing and pants and take regular breaks when sitting for long periods of time.
- Vitamin C: Can help acidify urine, creating a less hospitable environment for bacteria.
- Probiotics: Some people take probiotic supplements or eat probiotic yogurt to promote the balance of "good" bacteria in the body.
- Avoid cold and damp: Cold feet or a wet swimsuit can be risk factors for a bladder infection. You should therefore make sure you keep warm and change wet clothes as quickly as possible.
- Proper intimate hygiene: It is important to clean the intimate area gently. Only warm water or special care products that do not affect the pH value of the intimate area should be used. Ordinary soaps and shower gels can disrupt the natural protection of the vaginal flora and should therefore be avoided.
It is also advisable to always wipe from front to back when using the toilet to prevent bacteria from being carried from the anal area into the urethra. Regular emptying of the bladder, e.g. before and after sexual intercourse, can also help to reduce the risk of infection.
Natural support from cranberry and D-mannose
Cranberry + D-Mannose Tablets contain the special formulation with patented PACRAN® cranberry powder, combined with other natural ingredients such as D-mannose, pumpkin seed and dandelion root. As D-mannose can reduce new infections, it is suitable for people with chronic cystitis. Another positive effect may be that the intake of antibiotics can be reduced.
The mode of action of cranberry and D-mannose is quickly explained: the natural active ingredient wraps itself around the bacteria, preventing them from adhering to the human mucous membranes. Harmful germs are flushed out the next time you go to the toilet.
If nothing helps: see a doctor
If home remedies and natural ingredients have no effect, a visit to the doctor is necessary. The doctor can correctly interpret the signs and symptoms and make an appropriate diagnosis. If the patient is treated for acute cystitis more than three times a year, it is considered chronic.
A suspected case of cystitis can be confirmed with a urine sample. To do this, the urine is tested for its leukocyte content using a test stick. If this is elevated, in combination with other symptoms, this is a strong indication of inflammation. The urine test also makes it possible to identify the cause of the inflammation. Depending on this, the doctor will prescribe a specific medication and one or other antibiotic. The duration of treatment varies. In some cases, treatment is indicated for a period of three to six months. If the use of antibiotics cannot be avoided, it is important to maintain a healthy intestinal flora is important.
Summary
Natural ingredients can help with chronic cystitis. However, if the symptoms do not improve within a few days, you should consult a doctor to be on the safe side. Support can be provided by natural ingredients such as cranberry + D-mannose or other natural food supplements specifically for the bladder.