Question
I have had three bladder infections since the beginning of the year, and have had to take antibiotics each time - which really upset my tummy. Is there any way I can stop the recurrence of these infections?
Answer
Bladder infections (cystitis) in women are very common and very painful! Symptoms include needing to pee frequently, burning pain on urination, blood in the urine, a high temperature and feeling generally unwell. It is important to treat the condition promptly, because if it is allowed to worsen the infection can spread to the kidneys and cause permanent damage to them. Your GP will usually test a urine sample to confirm if there is bacterial infection present and treatment is typically with antibiotics. However, if you start treating cystitis at the first sign of the symptoms you can often clear it without needing antibiotics.
Cause of cystitis
Cystitis is caused by bacteria entering the urethra (the tube which carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.) To prevent infection always wipe from front to back after using the toilet and, particularly if you're prone to cystitis, wash immediately after sexual contact.
When cystitis threatens...
If you suspect you are getting cystitis you need to keep warm - especially your lower back and kidney area - and to rest so your body can use its energy to fight the infection.
Drinking lots of water will help to wash the bacteria out of the bladder, lessening your chances of catching cystitis and helping to speed up your recovery if you already have it. If you are prone to cystitis, try to drink two litres of water or herbal teas a day.
Avoid tea, coffee, alcohol and sugary foods as all these will worsen cystitis.
Unsweetened cranberry juice -
Cranberry juice has been shown to be quite effective in the treatment of cystitis in several clinical studies. A recent study has shown components in cranberry juice reduce the ability of E. coli to adhere to the lining of the bladder and urethra. This makes it much harder for the bacteria to multiple and spread. Unfortunately, many cranberry juices are sweetened, and sugar will make a urine infection much worse - so make sure you buy unsweetened cranberry juice and drink half a litre a day (diluted with some water) or take cranberry tablets/capsules instead.
Herbal treatments -
Several herbs are also helpful in the treatment of cystitis:
Echinacea purpurea root will help your immune system to fight the infection. Take the maximum recommended dose of tincture or tablets/capsules and continue to take until you are completely better.
Cornsilk (Zea mais) is the brown silk-like fronds found around corn-on-the cob. Cornsilk is a mild urinary antiseptic and very soothing to the urinary tract.
Uva-ursi (Arctostaphylos uva ursi) and Buchu (Barsoma Betulina) are both stronger urinary antiseptics that will directly tackle the infection. Make a tea out of any, or all, of these herbs and drink once or twice daily to prevent infection, and up to 4 times daily to treat an infection.
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