CYSTITIS by Favourite Nurse Favour

 LET’S TALK CYSTITIS

On today’s talk, we are going to be addressing the following:

Meaning of Cystitis.

Causes of Cystitis.

Signs of Cystitis.

Ways to prevent Cystitis.

A lot of us may be familiar with this Infection called UTI, right? However, cystitis is another name for UTI (Urinary Tract Infection).

 

WHAT IS CYSTITIS?

CYSTITIS is an Inflammation and infection of the bladder , a clinical syndrome characterized by pain during urination, difficulty urinating with a sense of urgency and tenderness of the bladder.

It is a disease that is much more common in women than in men and this is because of the anatomy of the women . 60% of women suffer from this disease once a year. While less than 0.1% of men have this disease and when they experience such it’s mostly as a result of some complications in their systems, most often lack of circumcision and as a result of anal sex among men having sex with men.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF CYSTITIS?

There are different causes of cystitis. Nevertheless, 95% of the time, cystitis is as a result of a single species of Bacteria called Escherichia coli (E.coli) sometimes other bacteria may be responsible for the patients symptoms. They enter the tract commonly through the patients urethra to the bladder but can in very rare cases come via the patients blood.

Although women and men can suffer from the condition, women are more prone to the infection because their urethra and back passage are closer together making it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder. 

Causes of bacteria entering the bladder includes

wiping from back to front after going to the toilet. 

Sexual intercourse.

Using a diaphragm or using tampons.

With reference to the causes of cystitis, having certain health conditions, makes you more susceptible to having cystitis. 

The following conditions increase your risk of having it; 

Not emptying your bladder.

 Pregnancy.

Cancer treatment.

 Diabetes.

Menopause.

 weakened immune system, using highly scented body wash and taking recreational drugs such as ketamine.  

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF CYSTITIS INCLUDE?

For children, they feel generally unwell sometimes accompanied with a fever.

Stomach pain, back pain or pelvic pain.

Painful and Burning sensation while DM trying to void.

Dark, reddish, yellowish urine. That’s blood in the urine and it’s a sign the bacteria is in the urethra.

Having the urgent need to go to the toilet frequently.

Feeling like you need to pass urine but having a very low volume of urine.

HOW DO YOU PREVENT CYSTITIS?

Cystitis can be prevented, by following some best practice hygiene routines. This includes wiping from front to back, emptying your bladder when needed, avoiding bubble baths with a strong scent, wearing cotton underwear, washing and emptying your bladder after sexual intercourse and drinking plenty of water. 

WHEN SHOULD YOU CONSULT A DOCTOR ABOUT CYSTITIS?

Symptoms that continue for a long period of time and seem to be getting worse require you to visit your doctor. The NHS Choices website suggests you consult your doctor if the following occurs:-

You need to confirm that it is cystitis.

Symptoms last longer than a few days.

You suffer from it frequently.

You have blood in your urine, a temperature and pain in your side.

You are pregnant.

If you are a man with symptoms.

If your child has symptoms.

IN CONCLUSION:

If you have been to the doctor and have been diagnosed with mild cystitis the following measures could help to ease your symptoms:

Drink plenty of water – this will flush out your bladder and make sure that your urine is diluted.

Use a hot water bottle on your stomach or between your thighs to relieve the pain.

Over the counter, anti-inflammatories such as Ibuprofen can also help ease the pain.

Most

 importantly, practice proper hygiene and safe sex.