Although cystitis is not something to be overly concerned about and can sometimes go away naturally after a few days, if symptoms persist it is important that you seek treatment.   

Symptoms of Cystitis

• A strong and persistent urge to urinate
• Burning sensation during urination
• Passing small amounts of urine on a frequent basis
• Blood in the urine, known as hematuria
• Strong-smelling, cloudy urine
• Discomfort in the pelvic area
• Pressure on the lower abdomen
• A low-grade fever

What can cause cystitis and how can you help to prevent it?

As we have already mentioned, cystitis infections are caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract. The bacteria will cause inflammation within the bladder, and you are likely to experience some of the symptoms mentioned above. There are things you can do to make it less likely for you to suffer from it. Some people will suffer from cystitis more regularly than others and will need to maintain this accordingly, often with a long-term treatment plan.

Why is cystitis more common in women?

Cystitis is more common in women because females have a shorter urethra, which is the thin, fibromuscular tube used to transport urine from the bladder to outside the body. The urethra in a female body is also positioned close to the anus which also makes cystitis more likely. Around 10% of women will get cystitis at least once a year, the percentage is a lot smaller in men. 

What increases the risk of you getting cystitis?

We have established that cystitis is triggered by bacteria entering the urinary tract and causing an infection. It is not always apparent, however, how bacteria enter the urinary tract in the first place to cause an infection but there are certain things which can increase your risk, and these include:

Having Sex

This applies primarily to women, mainly because the female urethra is positioned close to the anus and therefore makes it possible for bacteria to enter the urinary tract during sex. Friction from sex can also be a cause of cystitis. To decrease the likelihood of an infection developing it is recommended that you urinate just before and then straight after sex as this can help to flush out the bacteria from your system. Having a glass of water after sexual intercourse is also seen as a way of minimising your chances of getting cystitis. 

Wiping from Back to Front

Once again, this applies to women. Wiping from back to front after going to the toilet will make it more likely for bacteria to enter the urinary tract and get inside the bladder. It is therefore recommended that you wipe from front to back. 

Dehydration

Dehydration concentrates the urine and results in an increased level of minerals. This can lead to irritation of the lining of the bladder and result in interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome. Other typical symptoms include urgent and frequent urination and pelvic pain. Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated will also help to flush bacteria from your bladder before it has an opportunity to develop into an infection. 

Not being able to fully empty your bladder

Being unable to fully empty your bladder is one of the primary causes of cystitis. If you are unable to empty your bladder completely then bacteria which has managed to get inside the bladder may not be completely flushed away during urination. Bacteria which remain within the bladder can therefore multiply and cause an infection. There could be various reasons why you find it difficult to empty your bladder and these include, a blockage including a bladder stone, pregnancy and the baby pressing on your bladder and also an enlarged prostate in men which could press on the urethra.  

Having a urinary catheter fitted

A urinary catheter is a thin tube which is inserted into the urethra to help drain the bladder. They are inserted when a person has difficulty peeing naturally. Urinary catheters have been viewed as the cause of UTI’s including cystitis. It is important that urinary catheters are inserted correctly and well maintained. Both long-term and short-term catheters can cause cystitis but obviously, the longer you have a catheter inserted the more likely it is to cause an infection. 

Using a diaphragm for contraception

A contraceptive diaphragm or cap is used by women and inserted into the vagina before sex. This contraceptive method has been known to increase the likelihood of getting cystitis. It is also not recommended if you already suffer from UTI’s including cystitis on a regular basis. 

Being Diabetic

The reason diabetes increases your risk of getting cystitis is because of the high levels of sugar within your body. High sugar levels within urine creates a suitable environment for the multiplication of bacteria and therefore makes it more likely for you to get cystitis. 

Chemical Irritants

Some chemicals in soap or bubble bath can irritate the urethra which may lead to an infection. Sometimes it can just be a case of trying different products to establish which varieties cause little or no irritation.

Wearing synthetic and nylon underwear fabrics (women)

Certain types of underwear, particularly those made with synthetic or nylon fabrics, are prone to trapping bacteria within the vaginal area. Cotton underwear is the best choice if you are looking to prevent cystitis from occurring. Cotton is breathable and therefore provides fewer opportunities for bacteria to grow and thrive. Moisture-wicking cotton underwear is considered best as it takes moisture away from the body. Some women recommend not wearing underwear at all in bed at night as this will cause less irritation to the vaginal area.

Menopause

Women going through the menopause will have a lack of the hormone, oestrogen, and this can cause the lining of the urethra to shrink and become thinner. Another potential consequence of the menopause is that the natural balance of bacteria within the vagina may change. Both of these outcomes could cause the urethra to become infected as this could spread to the bladder. 

Cystitis Treatment

Although it can be disruptive to your everyday life with its annoying symptoms, cystitis should not be something you should get overly concerned about. If symptoms persist then you should visit your doctor who is likely to prescribe you with antibiotics. There are also natural supplements which have been used to relieve the symptoms of cystitis quickly and effectively and these include D-mannose and Cranberry tablets.

How long does Cystitis last?

Mild cases may only last for a few days before going away naturally. In other instances, however, you may need to see a doctor and have some form of treatment. Antibiotics are usually prescribed by doctors for cystitis but there are also different types of natural treatments which are becoming increasingly popular. If your cystitis does not go away within the first few days, then it is important that you get treatment before it leads to something more serious like a kidney infection.

How long does cystitis last without being treated?

If you have mild symptoms, the infection may just go away naturally within a few days without any sort of treatment although many people take painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to relieve the discomfort. It is also recommended that you drink plenty of water to help to flush out the bacteria causing the infection. If symptoms persist for longer than a few days it is recommended that you seek advice from your doctor about possible treatment as cystitis, in rare cases, can develop into something more serious like a kidney infection.

How long does cystitis last with antibiotics?

A lot will depend on the severity of the cystitis, but antibiotics tend to get to work quickly in killing the bacteria which causes the bladder infection. Many people who have used antibiotics for cystitis have reported symptom relief within one and three days. Antibiotics, however, are not always suitable for prolonged use for cystitis as bacteria can form resistance to the antibiotics over time. This has led to many people who suffer from recurrent cystitis to look for natural alternatives to antibiotics in order to treat their symptoms.  

Can you get rid of cystitis with natural supplements?

If you are looking for a natural alternative to antibiotics or natural supplements which can be used alongside antibiotics, there are plenty of options available. One of the most well-known natural supplements for bladder infections is d-mannose. This is a natural sugar which is a close relation to glucose. D-mannose is a monosaccharide isomer of glucose and is considered as a ‘simple sugar’ because it contains just one molecule of sugar. Our bodies do produce d-mannose in very small quantities, and it is also found in fruits and vegetables like apples, oranges, broccoli and green beans. Cranberry based supplements have also been used by women and men suffering from cystitis. 

How does D-Mannose work?

There has been some research into how d-mannose works. Studies suggest that d-mannose attaches itself to bacteria to prevent it from latching on to cells, therefore stopping it from growing and causing infection. The d-mannose along with the bacteria is then eradicated from the bladder during urination.  

D-Mannose supplements

There are different types of d-mannose supplements available to choose from. D-mannose powder has a sweet taste, and you can dissolve it in a glass of water before drinking. D-mannose tablets are another option, with certain varieties containing up to 1000mg of D-mannose. Recommended dosage varies as some people take d-mannose supplements even when they do not have cystitis as they believe it helps to prevent UTI’s from occurring in the first place. 

D-mannose for recurrent cystitis

Because d-mannose is 100% natural it is suitable for long-term maintenance and is therefore often chosen by those who suffer from recurrent cystitis as an alternative to antibiotics. For those looking to acquire d-mannose for prevention and maintenance purposes, you can buy d-mannose in the UK from naturesupplies.co.uk at affordable prices. 

Cranberry supplements

Cranberry has long been considered as a potential natural treatment for cystitis. Research actually suggests that cranberry supplements, in the form of tablets and capsules, are more effective than cranberry juice as the acidity within the juice may actually irritate the bladder. Cranberries are actually a natural source of d-mannose which explains the use of them for UTI’s and cystitis.

Interstitial Cystitis

A lot is still unknown about interstitial cystitis. It is often shortened to IC or referred to as painful bladder syndrome or bladder pain syndrome. It is a condition which tends to affect people in their 30s and 40s and is more prevalent in women than it is in men. 

Dr Helen O’Connell, a consultant urologist at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, said this about interstitial cystitis: “It’s a non-malignant, non-infective condition which may be associated with changes that are apparent when you look at the bladder, but sometimes the bladder may appear normal, [although] the patient may be crippled with discomfort.”

Symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis

Symptoms can include intense pain in the pelvic area, below your bellybutton. Also, strong urges to pee suddenly, needing to pee regularly and waking up on several occasions each night to go to the toilet are other symptoms of interstitial cystitis. 

Causes of Interstitial Cystitis

Causes of interstitial cystitis can include damage to the lining of the bladder which may result in urine irritating the surrounding muscles and nerves. It may also be caused if you have issues with your pelvic floor muscles. In addition to this, it can be brought on by an allergic reaction and if your immune system begins to mistakenly attack your bladder. Interstitial Cystitis may be triggered by stress, smoking, certain foods and the amount you drink.

Prevention and Treatments for Interstitial Cystitis

By controlling these factors, you may be able to prevent or reduce the symptoms of interstitial cystitis. In many cases, it will require some form of treatment. If you are diagnosed by your doctor then they may recommend the following medicines:

• Over the counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol
• Antihistamines including loratadine and cetirizine
• Stronger painkillers on prescription like amitriptyline, gabapentin and pregabalin
• Medicines which help to relax the bladder such as tolterodine, solifenacin or mirabegron
• A medicine which may help to repair the bladder lining called pentosan polysulfate sodium (Elmiron)

References

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/152997#:~:text=Most%20cases%20of%20mild%20cystitis,ease%20symptoms%20within%20a%20day.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cystitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20371306

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cystitis/causes/

https://www.avogel.co.uk/health/cystitis/prevention/12-natural-ways-to-prevent-cystitis/

The post A Guide to Cystitis: Symptoms, Causes, Prevention and Treatments appeared first on Naturesupplies.

We have been studying an informative medical article related to D-Mannose the treatment of Urinary Infections.

Open label feasibility study evaluating D-mannose combined with home-based monitoring of suspected urinary tract infections in patients with multiple sclerosis.

The Contributors :

Véronique Phé1,2 | Mahreen Pakzad1 | Collette Haslam1 | Gwen Gonzales1 | Carmel Curtis3 | Bernadette Porter4 | Jeremy Chataway4 | Jalesh N. Panicker1 

1’Department of Uro-Neurology, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom. Website: Dept of Uro-Neurology

2’Pitié-Salpêtrière Academic Hospital, Department of Urology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Pierre and Marie Curie Medical School, Paris 6 University, Paris, France. Website: Pitié-Salpêtrière Academic Hospital

3’Department of Clinical Microbiology, University College London Hospital, London, United Kingdom. Website: Department of Clinical Microbiology

4’Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom. Website: Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre

A little about D-mannose.

D-Mannose is a natural supplement that has long been used to treat the symptoms of urinary tract infections. D-Mannose is a sugar that is closely related to glucose. It is classed as a simple sugar as it consists of just one molecule of sugar. It does occur naturally in the body, as well as birch,beech and corn; however, many people also take an extra supplement, as it has been shown to have a number of health benefits.

The reason that it is believed to work with the urinary tract system, is because it is thought to block the e.coli bug bacteria from growing in the urinary tract. According to medical research the majority of urinary tract infections are caused by the E.Coli bacteria,some research says upto as high as 90%. As soon as this bacteria enters the urinary tract, it latches onto the cells, which then allows it to grow, resulting in an infection. Dmannose helps to stop and prevent UTI’s by evacuating this harmful bacteria from the bladder.

When you consume any food, or supplements that contain D mannose, your body will eventually pass this through the kidneys and into the urinary tract,when this amazing natural sugar arrives in the bladder the e.coli bug will be attracted to the d’mannose and stick to it like glue,then the next urination the dmannose with the e.coli bug will be flushed out of the bladder leaving it infections free,Simple but effective!.

The Study

Although there is not a lot of research surrounding the treatment of urinary tract infections with the use of D-Mannose; this particular study looked at the use of D-Mannose in patients who suffer from Multiple Sclerosis. 

People with Multiple Sclerosis often suffer from recurring urinary tract infections. 30 percent of those with the condition report a lower urinary tract dysfunction. Although it is not known why they occur more frequently in those who suffer from Multiple Sclerosis, but the limited research that has been carried out suggests that some problems could be down to incomplete bladder emptying, the use of a catheter, either intermittently or indwelling, and if you are female. It is one of the top three reasons that those with MS end up hospitalised and requiring treatment. It has been suggested though that recurring UTI in MS sufferers have been caused morbidity rates to rise, and has been suggested that it has a detrimental impact on your quality of life. However; there are actually very few medical options for preventing these infections.

Researchers Believe…

Researchers believe though that D-Mannose could be the answer, and could be a great way of preventing the nasty infections that have such a negative impact on their quality of life. Researchers studied two groups of people between February 2015 and August 2015; those who were using catheters and those who were not. Both groups had been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis for more than three months and both groups reported having recurrent urinary tract infections.

The patients were required to take our D-Mannose powder twice a day for sixteen weeks. During this time there must have been no other medication taken for the prevention of these infections. The participants were asked to self monitor, and were well informed of what symptoms to look out for prior to the study taking place. They were also educated on how to use urine dipsticks, and taught how to identify if there was leukocytes esterase and nitrites. The participants were also asked to keep a UTI diary, where they would write down any symptoms, dipstick results, and any antibiotics that they were prescribed. Even if they were diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, they were still required to carry on with the D-Mannose powder twice a day. 

During the aforementioned months, there were a total of 61 suspected urinary tract infections, and 19 confirmed cases. A total of 29 prescriptions for antibiotics were prescribed in that time. So, did the D-Mannose powder prove to be successful? Well the results of the study suggest that not only is it safe for patients with Multiple Sclerosis to use D-Mannose powder without any safety concerns, but also the number of UTI’s that were diagnosed and antibiotics prescribed was arguably much lower. It should be noted that many people who took part in the study had one or more factors that made them more prone to developing urinary tract infections.

Other Research

Like we have previously said, there is not a great deal of research surrounding the use of D-Mannose supplements and the treatment of urinary tract infections, all research that has in fact been carried out is definitely positive. In 2014, a study was published in the World Journal of Urology, where the use of D-Mannose was examined in 308 women who had a history of recurring UTI’s. After these women had been treated for their acute urine infection with a weeks treatment of antibiotics, they then started taking D-Mannose powder for 6 months. During this time, the number of recurrent urinary tract infections was significantly higher in the women who did not take the supplement. 

Another small study in the European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences also found that those who took D-Mannose twice a day for three days, followed by once a day for ten days showed a significant improvement in their symptoms, UTI resolution and general quality of life. Those who were then given D-Mannose for a further six months following this treatment reported having a lower rate of recurrence than those who took nothing. 

Because there are very few studies surrounding the use of D-Mannose, despite the research that has been carried out being very positive,diabetics are safe using d-mannose as it does not effect blood sugar levels.Babies,children and pregnant women have also used d-mannose with great success.

Possible Side Effects

Possible side effects of D-Mannose include bloating and loose stools. If you believe that you have a urinary tract infection, it is important to always see your GP. Although D-Mannose has been proven very successful at helping to relieve symptoms, it should not delay medical treatment.

Where to Buy

D-Mannose from this study is available to purchase from Naturesupplies and comes in tablets, chewable tablets and powder, so you can find the best one to suit you.

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D-Mannose Tablets X 1000 (1000mg)

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The post D-mannose Study appeared first on Naturesupplies.