Cystitis
Usually a bladder infection begins with a burning sensation during urination and frequent urge to go to the toilet. A bladder infection is very unpleasant and painful. Luckily, you can do something about it. Mostly women are affected by bladder: One in two women suffer at least one time in my life at the so-called cystitis. But men can be affected by a bladder infection.
Causes of Cystitis
"The causes may be different," says Dr. Ulrike Hohenfellner, specialist in urology. "Usually, a bladder infection is caused by intestinal bacteria." The so-called Escherichia coli bacteria may belong to the normal human intestinal flora, but are responsible for 80 percent of all bacterial infections of the urinary bladder. There are also other pathogens: Staphylococci, Proteus mirabilis, or fungi such as yeast fungus Candida albicans. In rare cases, can also irritate the bladder, viruses or parasites. "Often, it is also for bladder infection when the immune system is attacked, for example too much stress," explains Hohenfellner. "Does a patient with hormone deficiency, also fueled the cystitis." It makes women so often because they have a much shorter urethra than men. It has struck sits near the anus. The result, bacteria from this region can easily be dragged into the urethra, because of the short path to ascend to the bladder, where it can easily cause an infection.
Sexually active women often suffer the way to a bacterial bladder infection. Reason is that it can come during intercourse to a contact infection. Also during pregnancy increases the risk of infection. The reason is that the hormonal changes: The urinary system-wide, and germs can easily penetrate into the urethra. Is different for men: you get before the 50th Age rather rare bacterial urinary tract infections. Unfortunately, this will change with age, as many men suffer from prostate enlargement. This narrows the urethra and the urine flow worse. May accumulate pathogens in bladder and urethra.
Symptoms of a bladder infection
If the urine is burning and stinging at the same time you have pain, are the first symptoms of a bladder infection. Interested parties have the feeling that your bladder is constantly full. If the urine is still clouded to smell different, or even contains blood, advises Hohenfellner: "Then go absolutely to the doctor," Using a Harnstreifentests the urine is examined for white blood cells (leukocytes), they are increased, this may indicate an inflammation . Will also be tested for nitrite, a metabolic product of bacteria. It indicates that there are germs in the urinary tract. Especially for pregnant women should take seriously a bladder infection: untreated, it can lead to premature birth or miscarriage. Go to the doctor for safety's sake, if you notice any of these signs of a bladder infection:
Burning during urination
Constant urge to urinate small amounts of urine with
Cramping pain
Do you have frequent urinary tract infections, an ultrasound examination of the urinary tract is useful. It can be observed anatomical changes in kidney and urinary tract. The correct specialist for the urologist is - for both men and women. He can tell if the prostate is enlarged, if it changes or stones in the bladder and whether the kidneys are also inflamed. "Against a bacterial bladder infection antibiotics are most helpful," said Hohenfellner. "Beneficial are also warm, moist compresses or sitz baths in the bladder area. They relax the bladder muscles and relieve the pain. "The best thing is, of course, only to get no bladder infection.
Preventing cystitis
Fortunately there are ways to prevent bladder infections: It is advisable to wear cotton underwear and wash them at least 60 degrees Celsius. This kills most germs. In addition, you should always wipe the toilet from front to rear and forgo intimate lotions because they can weaken the natural acid mantle of the skin, as well as panty liners, because it can breed bacteria. Thus the kidney area is not cold, in winter you should wear a vest or wool vest. And make absolutely sure that you do not get cold feet. So bear in the house always warm slippers and heavy boots outside. It is important to empty the bladder as frequently as possible. Drink plenty of fluids, preferably on day two liters of water or tea. So the seeds are rinsed out quickly. Are well suited Bladder and Kidney. These teas contain, among other things, bearberry leaves, which have an antibacterial effect. Preparations are also advisable with cranberry extract. The ingredients that prevent bacteria from forming a biofilm, they found no support to the bladder wall and are flushed out in urine. Warm socks and a hot water bottle to help relieve the symptoms of a bladder infection.
