Cytitis-Urine Infection
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Cystitis
Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by a bladder infection.
It's a common type of urinary tract infection (UTI), particularly in women, and is usually more of a nuisance than a cause for serious concern.
Mild cases will often get better by themselves within a few days. But some people experience episodes of cystitis frequently and may need regular or long-term treatment.
There's also a chance that cystitis could lead to a more serious kidney infection in some cases, so it's important to seek medical advice if your symptoms don't improve.
Signs and symptoms of cystitis
pain, burning or stinging when you pee
needing to pee more often and urgently than normal
urine that's dark, cloudy or strong smelling
pain low down in your tummy
feeling generally unwell, achy, sick and tired
See a GP if:
you're not sure whether you have cystitis
your symptoms don't start to improve within 3 days
you get cystitis frequently
you have severe symptoms, such as blood in your urine, a fever or pain in your side
you're pregnant and have symptoms of cystitis
you're a man and have symptoms of cystitis
your child has symptoms of cystitis
A GP should be able to diagnose cystitis by asking about your symptoms.
They may test a sample of your urine for bacteria to help confirm the diagnosis.
What causes cystitis?
Most cases are thought to occur when bacteria that live harmlessly in the bowel or on the skin get into the bladder through the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of your body).
It's not always clear how this happens.
But some things can increase your risk of getting it, including:
having sex
wiping your bottom from back to front after going to the toilet
having a urinary catheter (a thin tube inserted into the urethra to drain the bladder)
being younger than 1 or older than 75
being pregnant
using a diaphragm for contraception
having diabetes
having a weakened immune system
Women may get cystitis more often than men because their anus (back passage) is closer to their urethra and their urethra is much shorter, which means bacteria may be able to get into the bladder more easily.
Treatments for cystitis
If you have been having mild symptoms for less than 3 days or you have had cystitis before and don't feel you need to see a GP, you may want to treat your symptoms at home or ask a pharmacist for advice.
Until you're feeling better, it may help to:
take paracetamol or ibuprofen
drink plenty of water
hold a hot water bottle on your tummy or between your thighs
avoid having sex
pee frequently
wipe from front to back when you go to the toilet
gently wash around your genitals with a skin-sensitive soap
Some people believe that cranberry drinks and products that reduce the acidity of their urine (such as sodium bicarbonate or potassium citrate) will help.
If you see a GP and they diagnose you with cystitis, you'll usually be prescribed a course of antibiotics to treat the infection. These should start to have an effect within a day or 2.
Benefits
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Further Information
Patient Information Leaflet Side Effects Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Most of them are mild and disappear when you stop taking MacroBID. If you experience any of the side effects detailed below or any other side effects, stop taking MacroBID and consult your doctor. All medicines can cause allergic reactions although serious allergic reactions are rare. If you notice any sudden wheeziness, difficulty in breathing, swelling of the eyelids, face or lips, rash or itching (especially affecting your whole body) STOP TAKING your medicine and go to a doctor immediately. Please note that while taking MacroBID your urine may become coloured dark yellow or brown. This is quite normal and not a reason to stop taking the medicine. If you notice any of the following side effects consult your doctor immediately:
- Your lungs may react to MacroBID. This may develop quickly, within a week of starting treatment or very slowly, especially in elderly patients. This may produce fever, chills, cough and shortness of breath
- MacroBID may cause the liver to become inflamed, producing jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes)
- Severe reduction in blood cells which can cause weakness, bruising or make infections more likely
- Blue or purple coloration of the skin due to low oxygen levels. A condition known as cyanosis.
- Symptoms of fever, flu, abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in your stool and weakness. These could be signs of a condition known as cutaneous vasculitis.
- Symptoms of fatigue, abdominal pain, joint pain and swelling. These could be signs of a condition known as hepatitis. For a full list of side effects please see patient information leaflet.
Effective Treatment Options
Treatment for uncomplicated UTIs typically involves: Antibiotics: Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) and other antibiotics are commonly prescribed to eliminate the bacteria causing the infection.
Pain Relief: Over-the-counter medications like phenazopyridine can help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with UTIs. Hydration: Drinking plenty of water helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract.
Preventative Measures
To reduce the risk of UTIs:
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Practise good personal hygiene, including wiping from front to back after using the toilet.
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Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
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Urinate when you feel the need; don't hold it in.
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Avoid using irritating feminine products in the genital area.
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Consider cranberry products, such as cranberry juice or supplements, which may help prevent UTIs.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you experience severe symptoms, such as high fever, back pain, or if your symptoms do not improve within a few days of starting treatment, it's important to seek medical attention. Additionally, if you have recurrent UTIs, a healthcare professional may recommend further investigation and treatment.
Accessing Treatment through the Pharmacy First Service
The Pharmacy First service allows you to receive professional advice and treatment for uncomplicated UTIs without needing a GP appointment. Our pharmacists can assess your symptoms, recommend suitable antibiotics, and provide guidance on managing the condition effectively.
