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How You Know When You Have Cystitis

Cystitis can be a painful and debilitating condition that really affects your day to day life. As with any medical ailment, it’s important that you learn about symptoms, effects and treatment in order to get a full understanding of exactly what is happening to your body, why it is happening and what can be done about it.

What is it?

Cystitis is the inflammation of the bladder which may be caused by irritation, damage or infection from intestinal bacteria. While it is more common amongst women, it can affect both men and children.

What are the symptoms?

While symptoms vary from person to person, there are a number that can be considered common indications that you may have cystitis. In adult males and females, the most common symptoms include pain, burning or stinging when urinating. Other symptoms are dark, cloudy or strong smelling urine and the desire to pass water often but only passing small amounts.

Those with cystitis may also find that their urine contains traces of blood. They may also feel pain low in their belly, abdomen or lower back and experience weak and feverish episodes.

The symptoms of cystitis often manifest themselves differently in children, so concerned parents should be on the lookout for signs of pain when urinating, weakness, irritability, reduced appetite and vomiting.

How is it treated?

Fortunately, cystitis is treated relatively easily and can be dealt with quickly. Most sufferers have two options available in terms of treatment. The first is over the counter treatments, such as Cymalon 4g Granules for Oral Solution (contains Sodium Citrate), that don’t require a prescription. Generally, these products relieve the painful symptoms by neutralising the acidity of the urine and reducing the irritating and painful burning and stinging sensations. Please remember to always read the label.

The second option available is to visit your doctor, which is often the course of action for those experiencing cystitis symptoms for the first time, those that are regularly affected by cystitis and those that are concerned about the effects of the ailment on their health. Cystitis is more unusual in males, so men with symptoms of cystitis should always seek medical advice.

Experiencing cystitis symptoms could be an indication that something else is wrong and causing the inflammation, so if you’re unsure, then it’s good idea to seek medical advice from your doctor.

Sources:

Cystitis overview - http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cystitis/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Cystitis causes - http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cystitis/Pages/Causes.aspx

Cystitis symptoms - http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cystitis/Pages/Symptoms.aspx

Cystitis treatment - http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cystitis/Pages/Treatment.aspx

Cystitis diagnosis - http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cystitis/Pages/Diagnosis.aspx