Cystitis is a disease of the urinary system. Its symptoms include a burning sensation when urinating, a strong urge to urinate, pelvic pain, pressure in the lower abdomen, blood in the urine, passing a small volume of urine and a low-grade fever. It can also feature strong-smelling or cloudy urine.
When the disease progresses, serious complications can occur. Fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and severe back or side pain can indicate the presence of cystitis. When these occur, it’s time to head to the doctor’s office.
New research suggests that its prevalence is more common than previously thought. The Interstitial Cystitis Association, an organization that advocates for research and better treatments, raised awareness and information sharing, hired the RAND Corporation to conduct a survey. That study estimates that 3 million to 8 million women (roughly 3 percent to 6 percent of the U.S. total) suffer from the disease. About 1 million to 4 million men have it, but the organization admits that figure may be under-counted. Men who have the disease are frequently misdiagnosed.
Even children may have the disease. Although no epidemiology studies have been conducted, it is likely that the disease is present because anecdotal revelations among adults find many of them claiming their symptoms started in childhood.
No one is certain how the disease is acquired, but there may be several ways that it can infect. Most cases involve bacteria entering the waste disposal loop in some fashion, whether through sexual intercourse or some other contact. But the genital areas of the body have many bacteria, so even the sexually inactive can acquire the disease.
There are a number of other ways your bladder can be inflamed. Some drugs can bring on the condition, particularly if they are being used as part of a chemotherapy regimen. You can also get so-called “radiation cystitis,” which is inflammation caused by exposure during radiation treatment of your lower region.
You also may acquire cystitis if you use a catheter, which is frequently exposed to bacteria or if you have a reaction to any of the numerous chemicals in your household environment, including feminine hygiene sprays, bubble bath oils or spermicidal jellies.
If you’re battling other diseases, including diabetes, an enlarged prostate or even spinal cord injuries, cystitis can also occur. The immune system is a delicate creature, and anything that changes the body’s chemistry may inflame the urinary system. Those at greatest risk include the sexually active, those with compromised immune systems caused by HIV or cancer, and women who are pregnant. All of these altered conditions can create situations where opportunity-seeking bacteria can sneak in and create havoc.
CYSTITIS TRIGGERS
Fortunately, antibiotics can cure most cystitis cases. The problem is finding the right combination of medications that will control the situation. It’s sometimes a trial-and-error testing regimen, and patients need to keep a close watch on their condition and work closely with medical professionals to determine whether the prescribed course of action is effective. For many people, cystitis vanishes on its own without a doctor’s assistance, although it’s not recommended that you attempt to gamble with your health. It can take weeks or months to find an effective cure, and damage to your inner organs can escalate without treatment during that period.
There are also some triggers that may exacerbate cystitis. Note that every person reacts in a different way -- some may tolerate certain foods that exacerbate a problem in others. The key is paying close attention to your symptoms following consumption of certain foods. The best way to do that is to maintain a food diary that tracks what you eat and when, and how you feel and reacted. That way, you can pinpoint what may cause your inflammation and subsequent discomfort.
Some potential triggers include:
1) Citrus fruits – Oranges and lemons are high in citric acid, which can aggravate empty stomachs and shift ph levels to a more acidic level. This is true of fruit in both raw and juiced forms, particularly those with added sugars.
2) Tomatoes – These are commonly thought of as vegetables but are members of the fruit family -- and again, highly acidic. Be careful of its use in raw form as well as in juices or sauces.
3) Chocolate – Some forms of chocolate contain a lot of artificial ingredients, which may stimulate urinary tract reactions. But they are also full of caffeine, which has the effect of stimulating your intestinal walls and could tilt an already-delicate condition in a negative direction.
4) Spicy foods – Who doesn’t love a great Mexican, Indian or Chinese meal? Unfortunately, a lot of really spicy food stimulates your intestinal tract and could be a factor in exacerbating your condition
5) Coffee and Sodas – Caffeine is a stimulant, and when your intestinal walls and urinary tract are already in a state of flux, stimulating them is not the best course of action. At the least, cut back on your normal consumption and see if it has an effect.
6) Alcohol – How can something that makes you feel so good be so bad? Well, because it stimulates your need to urinate. Putting additional stress on a compromised system doesn’t help.
7) Artificial sweeteners – Although these are approved for human consumption, they are artificial, and your body could react negatively. Excessive consumption can send your system into overdrive in an effort to flush the body. Keeping a close eye on your levels of artificial anything in your body is wise.
IF THAT DOESN’T WORK
Food isn’t the only way you can fight back against cystitis. There are other changes you can make that will help your overworked urinary tract in its battle against infection. These include cutting back on stressful activities that may speed up your internal clock. Try some biofeedback, meditation, or even thoughtful, quiet time for reflection. Calming your body is always a good thing in a world filled with stimulation.
Try wearing loose clothing. Tight clothes may look great at the club, but they can put pressure on the bladder. Some low-impact stretching or walking can also be beneficial. Also, if you’re a smoker, consider cutting back or quitting. The harsh chemicals you’re inhaling are not going to aid in health recovery.
There’s no magic bullet for cystitis. But a little mindful care can go a long way toward easing or eliminating the condition.