Most people have experienced a bladder infection at least once in their lives. Bladder inflammation (also known as cystitis) is caused by the multiplication of bacteria in the urine. Bacteria that enter the bladder are normally removed during urination. However, if bacteria remain in the bladder, they multiply easily and quickly and lead to an infection.
This condition mainly affects the female population due to the specificity of the structure of the lower urogenital tract. According to of the Federal Statistical Office, 13,287 women were treated for cystitis in 2021.
Table of contents
1. how does cystitis develop?
Cystitis is less common in men due to the natural anatomy of the urinary tract. The risk of bladder inflammation increases with age, making older people more susceptible to the development of inflammation. The most common cause of cystitis is the bacterium Escherichia coli, which enters the bladder from the intestinal flora.
Although the most common cause is a bacterial infection, cystitis can also be caused by fungi, post-radiation, sexually transmitted pathogens and irritation of the bladder by a bladder stone.
2 What are the most common symptoms of cystitis?
Bladder infections can cause very unpleasant symptoms that often appear very suddenly. The most common symptoms are increased urination of small amounts of urine as well as a burning sensation and pain when urinating.
Pain and cramps in the lower abdomen or back can also occur. Urine becomes discolored during cystitis and the odor changes. Blood may also appear in the urine.
3 How is cystitis treated?
Every bladder infection should be treated. The aim of treatment is to combat the pathogen, alleviate the clinical symptoms and prevent new infections. In most cases, antibiotics are used to treat cystitis. Treatment lasts up to 7 days, depending on the medication used.
For people with recurrent cystitis, antibiotics are not a long-term solution, as their frequent use leads to the emergence of resistant strains of bacteria, which further complicates the treatment of cystitis.
4. treat bladder inflammation with home remedies
People who are prone to frequent bladder infections can use natural methods and home remedies to prevent the inflammation from recurring. In this way, the frequent use of antibiotics can be avoided.
It is extremely important to act preventively to maintain bladder health. However, if inflammation does occur, there are various home remedies that can be used to alleviate the symptoms. These include various teas or herbs, such as bearberry and birch leaves as well as nettle, lovage, centaury, rosemary or goldenrod.
According to studies cranberry fruits achieve most of their effect through D-mannose - a simple sugar that is excreted unchanged in the urine. D-mannose is considered to be the most effective natural remedy for flushing bacteria from the urinary tract. Research provides evidence that mannose has the ability to bind to the surface structure of bacteria. As a result, the bacteria are no longer able to adhere to the bladder mucosa.
Cranberries are rich in proanthocyanidins, which belong to the polyphenols and have an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. The herbal product Femina Complex with D-Mannose, Cranberry & Vitamin C from Casida offers an excellent combination of these active ingredients - for the protection of the bladder and prevention of cystitis.
The vitamin C contained in the product also has a high antioxidant potential and thus protects the cells from free radicals. It supports the normal function of the immune system and strengthens the body's defenses against bacteria and viruses.
Conclusion
Due to its painful symptoms, cystitis has a significant impact on the daily lives of those affected. Therefore, the main goal of treatment is to eliminate the symptoms and prevent recurring inflammation. Although there are numerous natural home remedies for treating urinary tract infections, the treatment of cystitis should be approached responsibly and a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted in good time. In this way, complications and renewed inflammation can be prevented. And prevention is better than cure!
Sources & further links on the subject of cystitis:
- https://de.statista.com/statistik/daten/studie/717445/umfrage/stationaere-behandlungen-von-blasenentzuendungen-in-deutschland-nach-geschlecht/
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00345-013-1091-6
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2051415813518332
Important note / disclaimer:
As pharmacists, we share our pharmaceutical expertise and wealth of naturopathic experience in the Casida guide. An individual diagnosis and consultation is necessary in every case. Therefore, this offer cannot replace medical advice. It is not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease. It is not a substitute for medication or other treatments prescribed by a doctor.
