TRAVEL HEALTH
CYSTITIS

The bladder lining can become inflamed and irritable due to infection. This leads to wanting to pass urine often, a burning sensation when doing so and in some cases bloody, cloudy or smelly urine. In more severe cases, the infection can spread to the kidneys and result in fever, pain in the back or lower abdomen, sickness or vomiting. Cystitis is more common in women.

Holiday (Honeymoon) Cystitis

Pain in passing water is a common short term problem during holidays for many women. The urethra can become sore and give symptoms similar to true cystitis. As a rule, antibiotics will not be required in these cases. Using a lubricating gel and changing your sexual position (to avoid friction at the urethral opening) are simple and effective ways of relieving 'holiday' cystitis.

SELF-CARE

What you can do yourself

If you suffer cystitis frequently you could help prevent this by:

Drinking plenty of fluids.

Pass urine as soon as you feel the need.

Try to:

Not to use soaps on 'sensitive areas'.

Use sanitary towels only.

Sexually active women should minimise the risk of urine infections by:

Passing urine immediately after intercourse to help flush out any bacteria.

Using a lubricating gel to reduce friction during intercourse.

If you have cystitis

Fluids will help flush out the bacteria that cause infection and inflammation. Drink as much fluid as you can. As a guide, a glass of water (300ml) every 20 minutes is adequate.

A teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in a glass of water every three hours will help relieve the burning sensation and pain.

Drink lemon barley squash.

Cranberry juice is also helpful.

Pass water as soon as you feel the need. Retaining urine leads to bacteria multiplying in the bladder.

Try hydrotherapy. Shower the pelvic area for three minutes with warm water, followed by one minute of spraying with cold water.

Hot water bottles can be used on the lower back or held between the legs or below the pubic bone to ease the pain.

Simple painkillers such as Paracetamol or Aspirin will help.

When to seek the services of a pharmacist

Potassium citrate mixtures will help to ease the burning sensation of cystitis.

If symptoms of cystitis last longer than a day, a pharmacist may be able to dispense antibiotics (in some countries).

When to go to the doctor

If the symptoms of cystitis are not improving within two days.

If you have persistent blood in the urine with or without other symptoms.

If you are pregnant and you suffer cystitis.

If you have other illnesses which may be affected by cystitis or its treatment such as diabetes or a low immunity kidney problem.

When to seek medical attention immediately

If you start to get increasing pain in the lower back.

Have a high fever and are sweating.

Also have sickness and vomiting.

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Email: info@whatshouldido.com