Treatments for Cystitis

For mild symptoms of cystitis there are several ways to ease the discomfort:

  • Drinking half a pint of water straightaway and every twenty minutes for three hours.
  • Use of a remedy such as Canesten Oasis which contains sodium citrate BP or Cystopurin, which contains natural cranberry juice extract and potassium citrate to help neutralise the acidity of urine.
  • Drinking cranberry juice, which may help to relieve the symptoms and prevent cystitis coming back. Cranberries contain certain compounds (proanthocyanidins or PACs), which may help prevent urinary tract infections by stopping bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall1.
  • Painkillers to help with the pain of cystitis.
  • A hot water bottle wrapped in a towel and put on the back and another, wrapped in a towel, between the legs.

If cystitis symptoms are moderate to severe an antibiotic can also be offered to the patient2

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References

  1. Tero Kontiokari, Kaj Sundqvist, M Nuutinen, T Pokka, M Koskela, and M Uhari. Randomised trial of cranberry-lingonberry juice and Lactobacillus GG drink for the prevention of urinary tract infections in women. BMJ, Jun 2001; 322: 1571.
  2. CKS (2009) Urinary tract infection (lower) - women. Clinical Knowledge Summaries.
    www.cks.nhs.uk/urinary_tract_infection_lower_women      [Accessed: 18/2/2010]