Cystitis is a common condition found more commonly in females. It is a condition where there is an inflammation of the urinary bladder, frequently caused by an infection by bacteria that have gained access to the bladder. Affects women at least once in their lifetime. Many patients have a tendency to get repeated attacks of cystitis.

Causes of cystitis

Cystitis is more commonly found in 50% of women because a woman’s urethra is shorter than a man’s urethra, making it easier for bacteria to enter and infect the female bladder.

Infection can occur when bacteria from the anus are transferred to the urethra.
Escherichia coli or E. Coli is one of the most common bacteria affecting bladder infection.

Bacteria can be transferred in the following ways:

• While sexual intercourse
• By while using sanitary tampons
• Using contraceptive diaphragms
• Leucorrhea
• Vaginitis

Many types of bacteria or fungi could lead to cystitis. Some of the common bacteria include micro-organisms

Symptoms of cystitis

• Difficult and/or painful urination and/or burning with urination. This is called dysuria.
• Urgency (urge to urinate in hurry)
• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Increased frequency of urination (to pass a small amount of urination frequently)
• Hematuria (blood in the urine)
• Fever
• Recurring episodes of cystitis
• Cloudy and dark urine
• The offensive smell in urine

Types of Cystitis:

• Acute cystitis: In this case, the infection is acute which tends to last for about a week or two, depending on the cause of infection, the intensity of infection, and patients’ immune status.
• Recurrent cystitis: Commonly observed if the patient’s immune system is compromised if the cause remains untreated.
• Chronic cystitis: A lasting episode of inflammation of the bladder, which may be observed for weeks or months.

Diagnosis of Cystitis:

Besides the clinical history, a routine urine examination for the presence of bacteria, pus cells; a simple blood count to see an increase in white blood cells, and a urine culture to identify the exact type of bacteria, help to arrive at the diagnosis of cystitis.

Complications of cystitis

Untreated and recurring cystitis can lead to complications as follows:

• Kidney failure
• Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)
• Sepsis

Conventional Treatment

Treatment of the underlying cause of cystitis reduces the risk of developing serious complications, such as kidney infection and kidney failure.

Following treatment is offered:

• Antibiotics including amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, or nitrofurantoin can be helpful.

Along with the antibiotics following things can be helpful to combat Cystitis and its complications:

• Drinking plenty of water
• Voiding urine at the natural call.

Homeopathic treatment for Cystitis:

Homeopathy can treat acute, chronic, and recurring cystitis. However, it is all the more indicated in the cases of chronic and recurring infections of the bladder. Homeopathy seems to be enhancing the immune system of the patient, specifically to the lower urinary tract. Some of the commonly indicated homeopathic medicines include Cantharis, Sepia, Nitric acid, Pulsatilla nigra, Staphysagria, Kali carbonicum, Medorrhinum, etc.