Share:
These therapies cure a urinary tract infection
Every second woman suffered from cystitis at least once in her life. The reason: your urethra is much shorter than the man's. The inflammation is annoying in most cases, but harmless. What can be done and how can be prevented, explains the Apothekerkammer Bremen.
"Cystitis, or cystitis, is an infection of the bladder with bacteria," explains Dr. med. Richard Klämbt, President of the Apothekerkammer Bremen. "First signs of inflammation of the bladder are pain and burning sensation when urinating. Constant urgency is also an indication of an infection. In some cases, spasmodic pain, blood in the urine and fever also occur. For most people, however, the course of the disease is uncomplicated and must be treated as part of self-medication.
Pain in a bladder infection. Picture: absolutimages. fotolia Trigger and risk
The most common cause of cystitis is Escherichia coli bacteria, which are part of normal human intestinal flora. That's why hygiene at the toilet always plays an important role. "It should never be cleaned from the back to the front, so that no intestinal bacteria can get into the bladder," said the President. However, other bacteria can also be triggered: risk factors include diaphragms and spermicides, which are used during intercourse and disturb the bacterial flora in the genital area. Basic diseases such as a weakened immune system or diabetes mellitus promote cystitis as well as pregnancies or an estrogen deficiency, such as those that occur during menopause.
Sometimes a simple bladder infection causes an annoying and sometimes painful perennial burner. Klämbt: "If the symptoms do not disappear after no more than three days of self-medication, it is necessary to go to the doctor." A bladder infection can reach the kidney via the ureters. "Without appropriate therapy, there is a risk of chronic inflammation and pyelitis." Pregnant women should see a doctor at the first sign of urinary tract infection. "The bacteria can migrate in diseases of the urinary tract into the uterus, trigger an infection there and cause damage to the unborn," warns Klämbt.
Antibiotics and herbal remedies
1. Self-medication: Very important: Drink a lot so that the germs are flushed out of the bladder. Bladder and kidneys support this effect. In the self-medication mainly herbal preparations with goldenrod, birch leaves, horsetail and bearberry leaves are used. These have a flushing effect, mild anticonvulsant and anti-inflammatory. Bearberry leaves are mainly known for their disinfecting effect, but they are effective only in the alkaline range. Therefore, it should be avoided urinary acid substances such as the intake of vitamin C during therapy. For severe pain, it is recommended to take an analgesic such as ibuprofen, which also has anti-inflammatory effects. If cramps occur when urinating, preparations with the anticonvulsant Butylscopolamine help.
2. Visit to the doctor: If self-medication does not improve after two to three days, or if additional complaints such as blood in the urine, fever and severe pain are added, a visit by the doctor is unavoidable. This decides whether and which antibiotic is suitable for the treatment of cystitis. Important: The prescribed antibiotic should always be brought to an end, even if the symptoms have subsided, in order to prevent resistance. It is best to take the antibiotic immediately before going to bed, as the active substance stays in the bladder for so many hours and can work better. Rinse-through therapy should be avoided when taking an antibiotic, as otherwise the drug levels in the bladder will fall.
3. Prophylaxis: If a bladder infection occurs again and again, that is it is relapsing, prophylactic therapy is helpful. Important: Risk factors such as false intimate hygiene should be changed or avoided. Also, acidification of urine (target pH: 5-6) with methionine can help reduce bacterial growth in the bladder. Lysed fractions of the bacterium Escheria coli (prescription), as in a vaccine, should reduce the risk of recurrent infection. The importance of cranberry fruits, also called large cranberry, have also increased enormously in the preventive treatment of cystitis. The ingredients are intended to reduce the attachment of bacteria to the bladder wall. Not to forget: hot water bottles stimulate the blood circulation and just do the affected person well. (Pm)