Cystitis

Cystitis is the medical term for inflammation of the bladder. Most of the time, the inflammation is caused by a bacterial infection, and it’s called a urinary tract infection (UTI). A bladder infection can be painful and annoying, and it can become a serious health problem if the infection spreads to the kidneys.

Less commonly, cystitis may occur as a reaction to certain drugs, radiation therapy or potential irritants, such as feminine hygiene spray, spermicidal jellies or long-term use of a catheter. Cystitis may also occur as a complication of another illness.

CAUSES

Bacterial cystitis

UTIs typically occur when bacteria outside the body enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply. Most cases of cystitis are caused by a type of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria.

Bacterial bladder infections may occur in women as a result of sexual intercourse. But even sexually inactive girls and women are susceptible to lower urinary tract infections because the female genital area often harbors bacteria that can cause cystitis.

Noninfectious cystitis

Although bacterial infections are the most common cause of cystitis, a number of noninfectious factors also may cause the bladder to become inflamed. Some examples include:

• Interstitial cystitis.The cause of this chronic bladder inflammation, also called painful bladder syndrome, is unclear. Most cases are diagnosed in women. The condition can be difficult to diagnose and treat.
• Drug-induced cystitis.Certain medications, particularly the chemotherapy drugs cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide, can cause inflammation of your bladder as the broken-down components of the drugs exit your body.
• Radiation cystitis.Radiation treatment of the pelvic area can cause inflammatory changes in bladder tissue.
• Foreign-body cystitis.Long-term use of a catheter can predispose you to bacterial infections and to tissue damage, both of which can cause inflammation.
• Chemical cystitis.Some people may be hypersensitive to chemicals contained in certain products, such as bubble bath, feminine hygiene sprays or spermicidal jellies, and may develop an allergic-type reaction within the bladder, causing inflammation.
• Cystitis associated with other conditions.Cystitis may sometimes occur as a complication of other disorders, such as diabetes, kidney stones, an enlarged prostate or spinal cord injuries.

SYMPTOMS

Cystitis signs and symptoms often include:

• A strong, persistent urge to urinate
• A burning sensation when urinating
• Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Passing cloudy or strong-smelling urine
• Pelvic discomfort
• A feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen
• Low-grade fever

HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT

Homeopathy can treat acute, chronic and recurring cystitis. However, it is all the more indicated in the cases of acute cystitis where symptoms like burning in urine and pain are present. In chronic and recurring infections of bladder Homeopathy plays a good role where other forms of medicines are not able to control the infection.