Home Remedies For Cystitis
Cystitis affects women more because the female urethra is shorter than the male. Here we tell you more about it.
Cystitis is a bacterial infection that affects the urinary system, especially the bladder. This becomes inflamed and, consequently, a series of discomforts occur, such as: sharp and stabbing pain in the abdominal area, heavy urination and a burning or burning sensation when urinating, fever, chills and general malaise.
If not treated in time, cystitis can spread to the kidneys and cause a bigger problem. Hence the importance of attending to the discomfort and going to the doctor so that an appropriate pharmacological treatment is prescribed.
In general, women are more likely to suffer from diseases related to the urinary tract, as confirmed by some research. This is due to the smaller size of the urethra, so a differentiated treatment would have to be followed.
The most characteristic symptoms of cystitis are: frequent urge to urinate, pelvic discomfort, pressure in the lower abdomen, low fever and, when urinating, a burning sensation, cloudy-colored urine and a strong odor.
Now, as for the causes of cystitis, these can be several. The most common is holding back the urge to urinate for a long time. On the other hand, cystitis can also appear as a complication of another disease. Other possible causes of cystitis include the following:
- Prostatitis.
- Radiotherapy.
- Some medications
- Feminine hygiene sprays.
- Hormonal changes from pregnancy and menopause.
- Wounds in the urethra caused by prolonged or too energetic sexual intercourse.
- Use of external birth control methods such as diaphragms, condoms, and spermicidal gels.
Remedies to relieve cystitis symptoms
1. Don’t hold the urge to urinate
Don’t wait too long to go to the bathroom when you feel the urge to urinate. The bladder suffers because it has to be extended to be able to offer more space for excess urine. For this reason, it does not have enough force to expel urine, and germs “take advantage” to stay in the urinary system.
2. Drink lots of fluids
At the first sign or symptom of infection, it is necessary to drink a glass of water, at least, every hour. This will clean the bladder and expel the urine that may be causing the cystitis.
3. Calm the discomfort
Apply heat to the area. Under the abdomen, when it hurts a lot, it is a good idea to place a warm compress or heating pad.
If the burning or stinging sensation is very strong, take a warm sitz bath to soothe the pain. Pregnant women are not allowed this practice since it can be a risk factor for their condition.
4. Avoid alcoholic beverages
These types of drinks are irritating to the urinary tract. Therefore, if you have cystitis often or are suffering from it, it is best not to consume alcohol.
In the same way, the doctor is likely to prescribe antibiotics, which would lose their effectiveness when mixed with alcohol.
5. Check your background
Consult with your relatives if it is common for kidney disease or diabetes to occur in the family. On the other hand, if you suffer from tremors or vomiting, have a fever, urinate with blood, suffer from high blood pressure, are over 50 years of age, or suspect that you may have a sexually transmitted disease (STD), you should see a doctor for an evaluation.
6. Change your birth control method
The diaphragm used by women compresses the neck of the bladder and injures it, causing inflammation that does not allow urine to pass properly.
Spermicidal gels can also disrupt the bladder’s defense mechanisms, allowing bacteria to survive and move into the bladder.
For this reason, consult with your doctor whether or not you should change your contraceptive method, in case it could be related to the problem.
7. Maintain good hygiene
Maintain good hygiene of your intimate parts with or without sexual intercourse, in this way, not only will the spread of STDs be avoided, but also agents that can cause an infection such as cystitis. On the other hand, pay attention to the type of fabric of your underwear, as it is important that the skin can breathe properly.
Home remedies for cystitis
There are very simple home remedies to relieve and treat cystitis in a short time, although they are not scientifically proven. Here are some of them:
- Drink a glass of water with two tablespoons of pure honey and two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with each meal.
- Eat three raw garlic cloves daily.
- Drink a glass of water with a tablespoon of baking soda twice a day.
- Drink an infusion of corn whiskers. Boil three tablespoons in a cup of water for 10 minutes.
- Drink an infusion of parsley, at least 1 time a day. This infusion is prepared with two tablespoons of this plant in boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Consume four tablespoons of marshmallow root soaked overnight in one liter of water. Drink during the day.
It is necessary to remember that no home remedy can replace the treatment prescribed by the doctor. In that case, it will only help to complement it. Professional help should never be ruled out.
