Home Remedies and Herbs for Cystitis

Cystitis refers to bladder inflammation. This is usually due to a bacterial infection, which is called a urinary tract infection (UTI). In some cases, infections that cause cystitis can spread to the kidneys. Non-infectious forms of cystitis can occur, such as is the case with the condition known as interstitial cystitis. This is a chronic, long-lasting condition that causes bladder pain. Interstitial cystitis symptoms can interfere with daily life.^1,2,3

What Causes Cystitis?

There are several types of cystitis, each with their own causes. A UTI is a form of cystitis caused by bacteria that travel up the urethra and into the urinary tract. Women are more likely to develop a UTI than men due to having a shorter urethra. Following menopause, the urinary tract lining thins, and risk increases for postmenopausal women. Sexual intercourse and use of contraceptives like diaphragms can also increase the risk of infection.⁴ 

It’s not clear what interstitial cystitis causes are. It’s believed that this condition is the result of inflammation in organs throughout the body.³ Like other types of cystitis, interstitial cystitis can affect anyone. However, it’s more common in women.⁵ 

Other cystitis causes include drug reactions, complications due to another illness, radiation therapy, or irritants like spermicidal jellies, feminine hygiene spray, or long-term catheter use. These are all forms of non-infectious cystitis.⁶ Anyone who experienced blocked urine flow, such as due to an enlarged prostate or bladder stones, or whose immune system has been compromised, such as with cancer, diabetes, or HIV, is at higher risk of developing cystitis.⁷

Cystitis Symptoms

Cystitis symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause. In UTI patients, symptoms can include:

• Frequent urges to urinate
• Burning sensation when urinating
• Pain in back or pelvic area
• Bloating or pressure in lower abdomen
• Bloating or pressure in lower abdomen
• Cloudy urine
• Blood in the urine

Patients with interstitial cystitis may experience similar symptoms, such as frequent urination and abdominal pressure. Severe abdominal pain can worsen in these patients when the bladder fills or empties. In serious cases, patients may avoid leaving home due to their frequent need to urinate, may experience pain during sex, or may exercise less due to decreased quality of life.^3,5

With bladder infections, treatments may include a course of antibiotics. In other cases, therapies can be used to ease cystitis symptoms.⁹ Cystitis home remedies can also prove effective, such as by using cranberry juice to increase acid in the urine and reduce bacteria.⁸

References

1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cystitis/basics/definition/con-20024076
2. https://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/body-mind-spirit/disease-disorders/cystitis/
3. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/interstitial-cystitis-painful-bladder-syndrome/definition-facts
4. http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/urinary-tract-infection
5. https://www.cdc.gov/ic/index.html
6. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cystitis/basics/causes/con-20024076
7. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cystitis/basics/risk-factors/con-20024076
8. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000526.htm
9. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cystitis/basics/treatment/con-20024076