Cystitis andother urinary tract infections

Cystitis is characterised by a frequent urge to urinate and pain when urinating. You can find the most important facts regarding cystitis and similar illnesses here.

Cystitis refers to the inflammation of the bladder mucosa, and sometimes the entire bladder wall. The urethra is usually also affected. Inflammation occurs when bacteria ascend into the bladder via the urethra and multiply. It is usually caused by bacteria (e.g. Escherischia coli), but fungi, viruses or parasites can also cause cystitis in rare cases.

This results in:

• frequent, strong urge to urinate
• pain or a burning sensation when urinating and/or in the bladder
• only being able to pass a small amount of urine when going to the toilet

Cystitis can be divided into two categories: acute, i.e. recent onset, or chronic. Chronic cystitis is the term used when at least two or three infections have occurred within six months of each other.

Doctors also differentiate between an uncomplicated and a complicated urinary tract infection. This is a very important distinction, as a complicated urinary tract infection comes with a higher risk of complications. Risk factors include pre-existing conditions such as kidney stones, poorly controlled or uncontrolled diabetes or an immunodeficiency. A complicated urinary tract infection may also occur if your urinary tract is malformed, you have kidney failure or are pregnant.

The body relies on constantly excreting metabolic products and harmful substances via the kidneys and bladder. It also regulates the amount of fluid in the body. A dysfunction of these organs puts a strain on the entire body in the long term. It is therefore important for your doctor to assess whether the urinary tract infection is uncomplicated or whether other illnesses or circumstances need to be included in the assessment.

If left untreated, cystitis can develop into an unpleasant inflammation of the renal pelvis, known as pyelitis. The bacteria travel up through the ureters and then infect the kidneys. As a result, many patients suffer from weakness, fever, back pain or even nausea and vomiting. It is essential to consult your doctor, as you will need antibiotics.

Do you have the typical symptoms of a strong urge to urinate, frequent urination and a burning sensation in the urethra or pain in the bladder or lower abdomen? Always seek medical advice. A urine analysis may also be carried out alongside a physical examination.

It is important to diagnose cystitis promptly and correctly and to treat it appropriately! Otherwise, chronic inflammation of the urinary bladder or, in rare cases, inflammation of the renal pelvis may occur. Should this be the case, further examinations, e.g. ultrasound will be carried out. A urine culture will also be taken in the event of pyelitis. This involves cultivating bacteria contained in the urine on a culture medium, which will allow your doctor to determine which treatment will work best.

Uncomplicated cystitis will heal on its own in 30–50% of cases. So, you can keep unpleasant side effects at bay with a few measures to support the bladder, mild painkillers and heat. If the right antibiotic is prescribed at the same time, the symptoms will subside more quickly, and the bacteria causing them can be killed off effectively. However, antibiotics can also cause more side effects and promote the resistance of bacteria to these drugs. This is why it makes sense to test which antibiotic works well against the causative bacteria in the laboratory. You should consult your doctor about whether painkillers are sufficient or whether you need antibiotics.

Various factors increase the risk of contracting a urinary tract infection.

The risk of urinary tract infections also increases if you have already had cystitis or if other members of your family are also prone to it. If you had your first urinary tract infection before the age of 15, you are also more likely to suffer from it again later in life.

There are ways to effectively prevent cystitis. These tips can also make life a little easier if you have previously suffered from cystitis or chronic bladder complaints.

You don’t need harsh shower gels or intimate deodorants to maintain intimate hygiene. Warm water and perhaps a mild intimate wash lotion with an optimal pH are perfectly adequate. This prevents irritation and weakening of the healthy bacterial flora on the skin and mucous membranes and prevents cystitis.

Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet. Otherwise, intestinal bacteria can enter the vagina and urethra and cause problems.

Underwear should preferably be made of cotton and washed at a temperature of at least 60°C, as this will kill all bacteria and prevent bladder infections. (There are also sanitisers that achieve this at lower temperatures). In addition, cotton underwear causes less heat build-up when cycling or in hotter climates, which in turn protects delicate intimate skin.

Lactic acid treatments such as the KadeFlora Lactic Acid Treatment (KadeFlora Milchsäurekur) can be used to effectively prevent cystitis: KadeFlora Lactic Acid Treatment (KadeFlora Milchsäurekur) lowers the pH of the vagina so that pathogens can no longer multiply, while the vaginal flora is strengthened.