Compresses for bladder inflammation

compresses for bladder inflammation

The medical term for inflammation of the bladder is “cystitis” which is usually caused by a bacterial infection. A bladder infection can be painful and distressing and can become a serious health problem if the infection spreads to the kidneys. Cystitis can also occur as a reaction to certain medications, radiation therapy or potential irritants, such as feminine hygiene sprays or long-term use of catheters. Cystitis can also appear as a complication of another disease. It is treated with antibiotics.

BLADDER INFLAMMATION SYMPTOMS

Some of the signs and symptoms of cystitis are usually:

  • Burning sensation when urinating,
  • Constant and strong urge to urinate,
  • Frequent urination in small amounts,
  • Blood in the urine – hematuria,
  • Cloudy, strong-smelling urine
  • Pelvic discomfort,
  • A feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen.

WHEN YOU SHOULD SEE A DOCTOR FOR BLADDER PROBLEMS

You should seek medical attention immediately if you have frequent signs and symptoms, such as:

  • Pain in the back or side
  • Fever
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • If you have a constant need to urinate or have pain during urination for several hours or more
  • If you have been diagnosed with a UTI in the past and have symptoms similar to a previous UTI.

Contact your doctor if your cystitis symptoms return after you’ve finished a course of antibiotics, as you may not have responded well to the medication and may need a different type of medication. For men without another disorder, cystitis is rare and should be investigated by a doctor.

CAUSES OF BLADDER INFLAMMATION

Urinary tract infections usually occur when bacteria from outside the body enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply. Most cases of cystitis are caused by the type of bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli). Although bacterial infections are the most common cause of cystitis, various non-infectious factors can also cause inflammation of the bladder.

RISK FACTORS IN BLADDER INFLAMMATION

Some people have recurring bladder or urinary tract infections more often than others. Women are one of those groups and one of the key reasons is their special anatomy. Women have a shorter urethra, which shortens the distance bacteria must travel to reach the bladder. Other risk factors in men and women are as follows:

  • Disturbances in the flow of urine. This can happen in conditions like bladder stones or in men with an enlarged prostate.
  • Changes in the immune system. This can happen with some diseases, such as diabetes, HIV infection or cancer treatment. A weakened immune system increases the risk of bacterial infections.
  • Long-term use of catheters in the bladder. People with chronic illnesses or older adults may need these tubes and their long-term use can lead to increased susceptibility to bacterial infections and damage to bladder tissue.

BLADDER INFLAMMATION COMPLICATIONS

When treated quickly and properly, bladder infections rarely have complications. But if left untreated, they can turn into something more serious. Complications can be the following:

  • Kidney inflammation. An untreated bladder infection can turn into a kidney infection, also called “pyelonephritis.” Kidney infections can permanently damage the kidneys.
  • Blood in the urine. When you have cystitis, you may have blood cells in your urine that can only be seen under a microscope, which usually resolves with treatment.

PREVENTION OF BLADDER INFLAMMATION

Drinking cranberry juice or tablets containing proanthocyanidins has been recommended to reduce the risk of recurrent bladder infections in some women, but research in this area is conflicting. Doctors sometimes recommend the following for recurrent bladder infections:

  • Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
  • Avoid delaying going to the bathroom when you feel the need to urinate.
  • Take a shower instead of bathing – this can prevent infection.
  • Empty your bladder as soon as possible after intercourse.
  • Avoid using deodorant sprays or feminine products in the genital area. These products can irritate the urethra and bladder.

If you have symptoms of cystitis, see a doctor as soon as possible. After analyzing your signs and symptoms, as well as your medical history, your doctor will recommend certain tests, such as:

  • Urine analysis. If your doctor suspects you have a bladder infection, they will ask you for a urine sample to check for bacteria, blood, or pus. In that case, he may ask you to do a urine culture.
  • During this test, the doctor inserts a cystoscope (a small tube with a light and camera) into the bladder through the urethra to examine the urinary tract for signs of disease.
  • Image tests. An imaging test is generally not necessary, but in some cases, especially if there is no evidence of infection, it may be helpful. For example, an X-ray or ultrasound can help the doctor detect other possible causes of inflammation in the bladder, such as a tumor or structural abnormality.

TREATMENT OF BLADDER INFLAMMATION

Cystitis caused by a bacterial infection is usually treated with antibiotics. Treatment of non-infectious cystitis depends on the underlying cause. Antibiotics are the first line of treatment for cystitis caused by bacteria and which drugs you use and for how long will depend on your general health and the bacteria in your urine.

HOSPITAL ACQUIRED INFECTIONS

Hospital-acquired bladder infections can be challenging to treat because bacteria in hospitals are often more resistant to the common types of antibiotics used to treat bladder infections contracted outside the hospital. For this reason, different types of antibiotics and different treatment approaches may be needed.

HOME REMEDIES FOR BLADDER INFLAMMATION

Although cystitis can be painful, you can take steps to ease the discomfort:

  • Use warm compresses. Warm compresses placed on the lower abdomen can relieve and reduce bladder pressure and pain.
  • Keep hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Avoid coffee, alcohol, carbonated drinks and citrus juices, as well as spicy foods, until the infection clears. These products can irritate the bladder.
  • Use sitz baths. Use sitz baths for 15-20 minutes to relieve pain or discomfort.

HOW TO MAKE A EUCALYPTUS POUCH FOR BLADDER INFLAMMATION?

Compressing the bladder area with eucalyptus oil has the following effect:

  • it warms up and relieves spasms due to the warmth, then encourages relaxation of the bladder muscles,
  • suppresses inflammation,
  • reduces nocturia, urination becomes less frequent and suddenly more urine flows.

Put about 30 drops of oil on the inner fabric, fold it in half again and put it in a plastic bag – add a few drops before each procedure. Fill the heating pad with warm water, put a bag with a cloth to warm it. Heat everything for at least five minutes. Remove the inner fabric from the plastic bag and place the oiled side on the skin of the bladder area. Place a thermal pad on top and wrap the entire lower part of the body with an outer cloth.

Option: On an outpatient basis, you can place an oil cloth and a heating pad directly into the panties in the bladder area.

Before the procedure, check the temperature of the feet – they must be warm. Duration of the procedure: at least 30 minutes, after that, 30 minutes of rest. After the procedure, store the oilcloth in a plastic bag – it can be reused for a long time

Dosage – 1 per day.

There is often a noticeable improvement already after the first procedure

Duration of therapy with cystitis: from a few days to a few weeks.

Further therapeutic recommendations for cystitis: If symptoms persist, then sit in a steam bath with chamomile.

Do not use if you are allergic to eucalyptus oil or cineole, the main ingredient in eucalyptus oil.