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Cystitis .... A woman's curse
Women are 10 times more likely than men to suffer from
urinary tract infections (UTIs)!
More than half of the female population will at some time or
another suffer from the agony of cystitis. Many of us are
fortunate enough to sail through life with a single attack,
whilst others dwell in the misery of repeated bouts. Cystitis
usually refers to 'inflammation of the bladder', however, the
name is usually used as an overall term to describe any urinary
tract infection (uti) that causes frequent and painful urination
- so painful that it has been likened to passing broken glass.
Cystitis can be so severe that bacterial germs multiply in the
urine, often resulting in a fever and aches and pains. The
lining of the bladder may also be affected, and become so tender
that it bleeds, contaminating the urine even further. Although
the incidence appears more higher in women, cystitis can also
affect men and children. It is also common during pregnancy
(especially in the first few months) because of the changes in
the mothers urinary tract and the added pressure from the
developing baby.
Causes
Most urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by bacteria,
with Escherichia coli or E coli (a germ harmless in the gut, but
dangerous in the bladder) accounting for approximately 80% of
cases. Staphylococcus, Klebsiella, Proteus, Enterobacter, and
mixed infections account for most of the remainder.
Bacteria often invades the urethra and bladder when regular
emptying and cleansing of the lower urinary tract (through
urinating) is hindered or interrupted. When this process is
diminished and the bladder retains this urine, bacteria can
travel up the short passage of the urethra, and towards the
bladder, where it will multiply, thus triggering inflammation.
In actual fact, there are quite a few factors that can trigger
inflammation, these would include:
- Food & drink
Citrus fruits, spicy foods and those foods with a high uric
acid content should be avoided. So should strong tea and
coffee, cola drinks and alcohol.
- Allergies
Food allergies can also be responsible for triggering an
attack. The most common of these would be artificial
additives, milk products and gluten (present in wheat, oats,
barley and rye)
- Chemicals and irritants
Bubble baths, bath oils, scented soaps, shampoo, talcum
powder, vaginal deodorants, detergents and chlorinated
swimming pool water can all trigger symptoms. The dye in
coloured underwear as well as dirt and dust particles can also
be to blame - try and avoid swimming in dams and engaging in
sexual intercourse outdoors.
- Poor hygiene
After using the toilet, make sure that you always wipe from
front to back - germs are easily spread to the urethral area
when wiping in the opposite direction.
- Sex and contraception
Due to the pressure and friction during intercourse, the
bacteria surrounding the urethra is often 'encouraged' up
towards the bladder. Poor sexual technique may also result in
the urethra being pressed against the pelvic bone, causing
bruising and tiny abrasions, which then allow infecting
organisms to enter.
- Hormonal changes and other problems
Hormonal changes definitely increase the likelihood of
cystitis. This is often seen in the case of pregnancy or after
menopause. Thrush and other vaginal problems (including
sexually transmitted diseases) can be culprits of this
terrible disorder.
Symptoms:
- Pain and burning upon urination (dysuria)
- Frequent and urgent urination, although only very little
is passed
- Cloudy, foul-smelling urine
- Urine may be tinged with blood (haematuria)
- Dull pain in the lower abdomen or back
- Fever
Potential complications:
These would include possible permanent damage and scarring to
the lining of the urinary tract. Recurrent infection may be
common, with the risk of infection to the kidneys.
During pregnancy, the untreated bacteria in the urine may affect
foetal growth or result in premature birth.
Diagnosis and treatment:
If the symptoms do not subside within one or two days, you
should see your doctor. He may ask you to supply a specimen of
'mid-stream urine' (msu), after which he will perform a simple
dip-stick test which would indicate the possibility of
infection.
If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may want you to begin a
course of antibiotics immediately. Depending on the severity of
the infection, he may also send a urine sample to the
laboratory. This will allow for the most effective antibiotic to
be prescribed. (Do inform your doctor of your pregnancy, or if
you are intending to conceive fairly soon - Not all antibiotics
are safe to use during pregnancy)
Further attacks may create the need for an intravenous pyelogram
(IVP). During this procedure a radio-opaque dye is injected into
the bloodstream. The kidneys will then be x-rayed, whilst the
dye is excreted in the urine. An ultrasound scan or cystoscopy
(visual examination of the inside of the bladder) are other
methods which may be used to reveal any abnormality of the
urinary tract.
Prevention and self-help
- Personal hygiene is of utmost importance - shower or bath
at least twice a day.
- Use sanitary towels instead of tampons whilst
menstruating.
- Do not try 'holding' the urine in - get to a toilet as
soon as you feel the urge, emptying your bladder fully every
time you urinate.
- Drink plenty of fluids - water is usually best, although
vegetable juices and herbal teas are also fine.
- Change to cotton underwear.
- Always rinse your underwear thoroughly - detergents often
irritate the urethral opening.
- A teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in 500ml of water, can
be drunk every hour for 3-4 hours - this will help neutralise
the acidity of your urine.
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