Cystitis is inflammation of the lining of the bladder as a result of infection, irritation or damage.  Women are more likely to suffer from cystitis because they have a shorter tube going from the bladder out of the body (urethra) and therefore infection can occur more easily.

Cystitis is sometimes used as catchall term for a range of conditions affecting the lower urinary system including other non-specific urinary tract infections.

Causes

Bacterial infection is the most common cause of cystitis, some of the causes of bacterial infection of the bladder are;
 

• Incomplete emptying of the baldder (urine retention) resulting in a multiplying of bacteria.
• Bacteria being may be pushed into the urethra when tampons are being inserted, during sexual intercourse or from wiping your bottom from back to front.
• Poor toilet hygiene, wiping your bottom from back to front causing germs to spread from anus to urethra.
• During the change of a catheter, small damaged areas may lead to infection.
• Deformity or blockage somewhere in the urinary system preventing the complete emptying of the bladder.
• Enlarged prostate gland in men causing blockage and bladder infection.

After the menopause, the lining of the urethra and the bladder become thinned due to hormone (oestrogen) deficiency. This thin lining is more likely to become infected and traumatised.

Other causes of cystitis include; mechanical trauma or bruising, vigorous and frequent sexual activity in women, or parasitic infection.

Treatment

There are a number of treatments available from pharmacies for cystitis, and usually a single treatment will be sufficient to clear up an infection.  Over-the-counter painkillers like paracetomol can be taken to reduce pain.

Self-help measures include:

• Drink sufficiently, a pint or two of water very 1-2 hours will ensure the bladder is flushed thoroughly and emptied completely.
• Urination immediately after sex will flush out most bacteria from the urethra.
• Try to urinate at least once every three hours, don’t hold on, go when you need to.
• Avoid alcohol, strong tea, coffee, alcohol, fruit juice, carbonated drinks and spicy foods.
• Keep the urine alkaline, not acid, by taking teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate every six hoursantibiotics to destroy the infection and prevent spread to kidneys (pyelonephritis).
• Keep the lower body warm, rest, and use a hot water bottle.
• Cranberry juice may help to stop repeated episodes of cystitis although there is no evidence that it is an effective treatment
• Avoid sex until you feel better, or urinate immediately after sex to flush out bacteria.
• Making the urine less acid will reduce discomfort, a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda dissolved in a glass of water will do this (but do not use if you have high blood pressure or heart problems).