How to treat cystitis, or a lower urinary tract infection

Cystitis is an infection of the lower urinary tract. It's symptoms include: stinging or pain when passing urine, fever, feeling unwell, lower back pain, passing urine frequently in small amounts, and dark or cloudy urine. If you are generally healthy, you can treat this infection at home. However, if you are elderly, suffering other illness or pregnant, you should contact your doctor for advice immediately.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• painkiller
• hot water bottle
• bicarbonate of soda or sodium citrate
• cranberry concentrate or cranberry juice
• water

1. A painkiller such as aspirin should relieve pain as well as reduce any fever.
2. If you're suffering with lower back pain, a hot water bottle can alleviate your aches.
3. Avoid sex and alcohol during attacks as both may worsen your symptoms.
4. Ensure you are taking in enough water to dilute your highly acidic (and painful) urine Flush out your body by drinking plenty of water. While this hasn't been proven to cure cystitis, it can dilute the urine which will make urination less painful.
5. Neutralize the acids in your urine by drinking a glass of water with a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda diluted in it. Alternatively, visit your local pharmacist for products that contain sodium citrate.
   
   If you suffer heart trouble or have high blood pressure, this will not be the best solution for you. See your pharmacist for alternatives or contact your doctor.
6. To keep cystitis at bay in future, introduce cranberries into your diet! Cranberry juice has been shown to prevent cystitis, but many believe it can clear up painful attacks as well. Drinking it, or taking cranberry capsules may remedy your problem.

Tips & Warnings

• This should by no means replace your doctor's treatment or advice. Bladder pains can be symptoms of more serious health issues. If your symptoms do not clear within 48 hours of commencing treatment, see your doctor for a full check-up.