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Cystitis
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urinary tract infection (UTI)
Interstitial Cystitis (IC) is one of
many urinary diseases.
Cystitis is an inflammation or infection of the
urinary bladder. When caused by germs, it's called a
urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs can be painful
and annoying. They can also become a serious health
problem if they spread to infect your kidneys.
Antibacterial, diuretic,
and anti-inflammatory herbs are often used to treat cystitis.
Your urinary system is composed of your kidneys,
ureters, bladder and urethra. All play a role in
removing waste from your body. Your kidneys, a pair
of bean-shaped organs in your upper-posterior
abdomen, filter waste from your blood. Tubes called
ureters carry urine from your kidneys to the
bladder, where it is stored until it exits your body
through the urethra. A urinary tract infection can
begin when bacteria enter the urinary tract through
the urethra and then begin to multiply.
The usual treatment is with antibiotics. You can
take a number of steps to help prevent a bladder
infection.
Prevention
You can take steps to reduce the risk of bladder
infections. Women, in particular, may benefit from the following:
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Drink plenty of liquids, especially water.
Cranberry juice may have infection-fighting properties. However,
don't drink cranberry juice if you're taking the blood-thinning
medication warfarin (Coumadin). Possible interactions between
cranberry juice and warfarin can lead to bleeding.
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Urinate frequently.
Avoid retaining your urine for a long time when you feel the urge to
void.
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Wipe from front to back after a bowel movement.
Doing so prevents bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the
vagina and urethra.
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Take showers rather than tub baths.
If you're susceptible to infections, doing so can help prevent
infections.
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Gently wash the skin around the vagina and anus.
Do this daily, but don't use harsh soaps or wash too vigorously. The
delicate skin around these areas can become irritated.
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Empty your bladder as soon as possible after intercourse.
Drink a full glass of water to help flush bacteria.
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Avoid using deodorant sprays or feminine products such as douches in
the genital area.
These products can irritate the urethra.
Self-care
UTIs can be painful, but you can take steps to ease your
discomfort until antibiotics clear the infection. Sometimes a heating
pad placed over your abdomen can help minimize feelings of bladder
pressure or pain. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid coffee, alcohol, soft
drinks with caffeine, citrus juices and spicy foods until your infection
has cleared. These items can irritate your bladder and aggravate your
frequent or urgent need to urinate.
Interstitial
Cystitis (IC)
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